Her cheeks flushed. “Okay.”
Bill and I exchanged a knowing glance. He leaned into my ear. “Wedding number two, coming right up.”
I squeezed his arm, and it seemed like no time passed before his nephew was back for her, leading us from the house to the barn.
The flower-entwined arbor we’d planned for the living room was arranged at the end of the alley, and Patrick stood near the minister, waiting. Holding his hand, Lane wore jeans and cowboy boots, a plaid-flannel shirt with a little vest, and the cutest cowboy hat.
He called out, “Mommy!” when he saw me, and everyone laughed.
Patrick captured my attention, though. He was gorgeous in dark jeans and a tan button down. His collar was open as well, and his hazel eyes glowed with love. My breath caught, and tears filled my eyes. Bill stopped and as we faced each other, my heart beat so hard, I didn’t even hear Bill present me to him.
Patrick reached for me, and I took his arm, scooting into his side, unable to take my eyes off him.
“I’ve guessed which ones,” he whispered.
My brow lined for a moment, until I knew what he meant. My underwear! I started to laugh, but the minister was waiting on me.
Stammering “I do!” I looked up at him.
He smiled kindly. “We’re not quite at that part yet. It’s time for the vows.”
Everyone laughed as I blushed bright red, and Patrick turned to face me, clearing his throat. We’d written our own.
“Elaine Rose Merritt, I have to start by thanking God for bringing you into my life, even if I almost ruined everything by being an ass before I met you.”
Soft laughter crossed the barn, and he continued.
“You are the sexiest, most beautiful woman, and you don’t just make me happy, you complete me. You’ve made all my dreams come true. You’re an amazing mother, an unbelievable lover, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather spend my life with. I promise to spend every day loving you, taking care of you, and looking for new ways to make you make that little sound you make...”
His eyes twinkled, and I felt the heat rising in my cheeks.
“You know the one? When you—”
“Patrick.” I cut him off, and everyone laughed again.
He stepped forward and said low
against my cheek. “I’m ready to kiss you now.”
The minister cleared his throat. “Ms. Merritt?”
My lips pressed into a smile, and it was my turn to go.
“Patrick James Knight...” I took a deep breath to recollect my thoughts as his eyes burned my clothes off. “The first time I saw you in Arizona, I knew you were something special. Only, I thought it would just be a week-long special.”
A little hoot from the audience made me blush. “I’m so glad you proved me wrong. I’m so glad I couldn’t live without you. You make me laugh, you’ve made me cry...” His brow lined, but I pushed on. “You make me swoon, and you are truly my dream guy. Thanks for making my life exciting and fun. I promise to do all I can to keep you smiling, to love you, and to take care of you until the day I die.”
Patrick’s expression turned serious, and as the minister finished our vows, it was like the two of us were lost in our own special place of the declarations we’d made and the promises we’d given. After what felt like an eternity, we heard the words we’d been waiting for: You may kiss the bride.
I was in his arms before the sentence was through, and for a moment, he touched my cheek. “My wife.” I held his cheeks, and his lips covered mine, pushing them apart, finding my tongue. I held his neck as he lifted me, still lip-locked. Applause broke through our haze followed by Lane’s little exasperated voice.
“Mommy, Daddy kissing again.”
Our kiss broke with our laugh, and we turned to face our friends and witnesses as we were declared Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Knight. Guitar music began, and everyone headed toward the back of the barn where tables were filled with finger foods and casseroles. Beer and wine were on hand, and a photographer moved through the group snapping photos. Later this evening, Bill and Sylvia had offered to stay home with Lane and Dex while the rest of us continued the celebration at the Sip-N-Dip in town.
Dex wore a matching little cowboy outfit like Lane’s, complete with boots and a tiny hat, and he was adorable riding around on Derek’s arm.
“The wedding was gorgeous,” Melissa said, hugging me tightly. “I can’t wait for spring.”