Renegade Path

One corner of his mouth tipped up. “Yeah, I asked her to leave the earrings out of your wardrobe planning.”

“Well, she did a good job.” A nervous laugh slipped out of me as I secured the second earring. I turned my head from side to side. Dex nodded and I ran over to the mirror to see how they looked. “They’re perfect,” I whispered. “Thank you.”

“Let’s go!” The door swung open and Vienna peered inside. “Your golf cart awaits.”

The park had generously allowed me to use one of the ranger’s cabins to get ready. We’d paid extra to rent a small, motorized cart. Dex would drive Vienna and me down the wooded path and across the road to the spot where Roman and I would say our vows.

“I’m ready,” I declared, turning and beaming at Vienna. I angled my head to show her the earrings.

“Oh, they’re beautiful!” She clapped her hands together and tossed a smile Dex’s way. “So much prettier than what I was going to pick out.”

He returned the smile. “Thanks, V.”

I picked up my bouquet of daisies and sunflowers wrapped with a sunny yellow satin ribbon. “Ready.”

Vienna stepped closer. “You’re not nervous at all?”

I held my hand in the air parallel to the ground. “Steady as stone.”

She opened her arms and gingerly pulled me closer, careful not to muss my dress or hair. “I’m so happy for you, babe. You two deserve all the good things.”

I choked over the lump in my throat that hadn’t gone away since Dex’s gift. “Thank you. For everything.”

“You got it.” She released me and pulled away, quickly dabbing at the corners of her eyes. “Let’s go.”

At least my dress was short. I didn’t have to worry about it dragging on the ground and collecting dirt or pine needles. Vienna carefully laid a blanket on the front seat of the cart, then wrapped me up like a burrito once I was inside.

“What are you doing?” I poked my chin out of my individualized blanket fort.

“It’s all dirt down to the road.” She gestured toward the path in front of us. “I don’t want your dress all covered in dust before you get to the wedding.”

Why hadn’t I thought of that? “Thanks.”

“That’s what I’m here for.” She tapped the side of her head. “My anxious brain is always in overdrive worrying about every possible scenario.”

I grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Well, I appreciate it.”

“Glad someone does.” She forced a smile.

Dex’s boots scraped over the gravel and stopped in front of the cart. “All set?” The corners of his mouth tipped up when he took in the blanket.

“Getting a little sweaty under here,” I admitted.

Vienna chuckled and hurried to the back of the cart. I turned and watched her tuck a blanket around her short, strapless yellow chiffon dress. “Ready!” she called.

The golf cart tipped and swayed as Dex folded his bulky frame behind the steering wheel. His knees smushed into the dash. He grunted as he searched for a lever to move the seat but came up with nothing.

“Sorry.”

“It’s a short trip.” He flashed a quick smile. “I’ll be fine.”

Even though Dex kept the speed low, my hair and veil rippled in the wind. Laughing, I held onto the veil until the cart jerked to a halt. I peered past Dex, searching for Roman.

Bright sunlight sparkled off the autumn leaves. Although I’d said I wanted to marry on the edge of a cliff, it wasn’t practical—or allowed by the park. Roman had done his best, though. A temporary arch had been set up in front of the fence overlooking the prettiest view of the mountains.

“It’s perfect.”

“Eee!” Vienna squealed and jumped off the cart. “I’ll go tell Roman you’re here.” She clutched her bouquet and hurried down the narrow gravel path leading to the archway.

Dex rounded the cart and stood by my side, offering his arm.

This was really happening.

I held onto his arm harder than necessary as he walked me down the aisle.

The few people we’d invited stopped chattering as we approached. I was too nervous to look directly at anyone. My gaze locked on Roman. Oh my. He’d rolled up the sleeves of his fitted black dress shirt and it was a very good look on him. He turned and our gazes collided. His eyes widened and a slow smile spread over his face.

He reached for me and I took his hand as I joined him in front of the judge.

“Do you give this bride away?” The judge asked Dex.

“I do.” Dex nodded, his voice calm and confident. I’d marry Roman no matter what, but to have Uncle Dex’s approval meant the world to me. He stepped over to Roman’s side and nodded.

Roman

Weddings might make some guys nervous. Not me. I couldn’t wait to marry Juliet. I knew I’d made a good call adding Griff, Eraser, and Remy to our short guest list when none of them busted my balls or made “it’s not too late to escape” jokes. No one had offered to take me to a strip club for “one last night of freedom” or any of that bullshit, either. We’d spent last night at the racetrack and had a blast.