I roll my eyes at him.
“There’s practically an acre between the guesthouse and mine. It’s not like you’ll be interrupting anything. Besides, our flight leaves the next day.”
“Lincoln, this was never meant to last forever. I’m back on my feet, and you might need a place to put up your in-laws for a few days if they want to go sightseeing after you’re gone,” he says.
“Nevermore won’t let them stay in the guesthouse. She wants them in a spare room in my house.” I shrug. “It works. We have plenty of space.”
Wyatt laughs and punches my arm. “Since I’ll be gone by the time they get here, maybe you can convince her.”
“How are you liking the mailroom, anyway?”
“It’s a decent living. I have grunts to boss around. Everything’s done neat and wrapped up at the end of the day. It’s nice feeling useful again. Meadow got a job too.”
“Nice. Where at?”
“A daycare. Turns out she’s really good with little kids.”
More good news for Wyatt. I smile.
“Has she met Micha yet?”
He shakes his head. “Nah. When school breaks in the spring, he’s coming for a couple weeks. They’ll meet then.”
“You’re doing well for a change, Emory. I’m happy as hell to see it,” I say.
“Yeah, no shit, because I owe it all to you.”
I laugh. “Karma repaid. I’m only alive on my wedding day thanks to you.”
We both look away like we’ve said too much. It’s one of those awkward man moments where you’re so damn happy it’s hard to keep a lid on anything.
My phone buzzes, and I take it out of my pocket to glance at the screen.
Dakota: Where the hell are you?
Lincoln: Still early and on my way, Nevermore. No need to worry.
The phone rings a second later and I swipe the green icon.
“Talk to me,” I say, expecting my girl.
“My new daughter is freaking out. Where are you, son?” Ma practically screeches in my ear.
“About five or ten minutes out. Can you put her on?”
A pause.
“Hello?” Dakota’s voice quivers.
“Are you crying, sweetheart?”
“No!” she lies with a sniffle.
“Why are you freaking out?”
“You wouldn’t elope, and you’re not here yet.”
“Dakota, if the town car gets hit by a bus before we get there, I will crawl out of the wreck and carry Wyatt on my back.” I nod at him. The look he throws back says he’d totally be the one carrying me.
“What if you’re struck by lightning after that? There are hazards to marrying a Poe.”
Her voice is no longer shaky.
I laugh. “Woman, you’ve already bewitched me. If lightning strikes after surviving the bus, I’ll put the fire out and keep coming.”
“How?”
“What do you mean how? Stop, drop, and roll. Did you skip elementary school?”
Wyatt laughs beside me. “You want me to tell her I’ll get you there?”
I shake my head. I enjoy flirting with my wife-to-be even if she’s being ridiculous. The huge, splendid house attached to the golf club slowly comes into view.
“Nevermore, we’re pulling up now. I’ll see you soon.”
“We’re in the woods,” she says absently.
“I know. You’ll be the one in the white dress, right?”
“Um, well...”
“You’re not in a white dress?” I can’t tell if she’s joking as I say, “I thought we picked the new Haughty But Nice line?”
“We did. I just had it dyed black. It felt right.”
For a second, I’m planted in my seat.
“You dyed your wedding dress black?”
Wyatt barks laughter beside me, head back and fingers in his eyes.
“Mm-hmm. But I have cool peacock feathers in my hair! Hair accessories by day, pens by night.”
One more look at Wyatt and I lose my shit. I’m doubled over in my seat, laughing so hard I need to wipe my eyes.
“Lincoln?” she says for the fifth time.
“You’re lucky I love you. See you soon,” I promise.
“You’re not upset I dyed the dress without telling you?” she asks in a small voice.
“Surprised, yes. Not upset. As long as you’re mine today, I don’t care if you show up in palm leaves strapped together.”
“I’m already yours,” she whispers happily.
I smile. “And I want that on paper, Mrs. Almost-Burns.”
We’re passing through the gated entrance, winding up to the walkway that will bring us to our spot in the woods where we have everything set up for the big show.
“See you soon,” I tell her one more time, already throbbing at how she’ll look in that dress.
Wyatt looks at me with some insufferable bullshit clearly on his lips.
“What?” I prompt.
“You’re getting married in the woods at dusk and your bride’s wearing a black dress. You really are wifeing up a Poe, dude.”
“Shut up,” I warn, trying not to smile.
Because he’s too right, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
He gets out of the car ahead of me when Louis looks back and gives me his best wishes.
I trail behind my best friend and we start down the walkway. He moves quicker than I expect, well adapted to his new leg now.