Big Man's Bride (Big Men Small Towns 1)

I pull back, smiling, and this time she is too. The click of the camera captures us in that moment, grinning like fools after our wedding kiss. It’ll be the perfect photo to show my family.

The justice of the peace looks back and forth between us. “Congratulations, both of you. And good luck.” He doesn’t waste any time signing the marriage license that’s on the table and getting the hell out of dodge.

We sign it too, and then Trevor. My lawyer comes out with a bottle of champagne.

“A toast to the happy couple?” he says, passing out glasses.

“It’s a wedding, isn’t it?” Trevor jokes, popping the bottle and filling our glasses before the champagne drips to the deck.

I raise my glass. “I’ll start,” I say. “I’d like to toast Ally.” An adorable blush colors her cheeks. “Ally, you came crashing into my life, and my leg hasn’t been the same since the day I met you.” She chuckles to herself and we share a private smile. “But truly, Ally. Thank you for marrying me today. I know we will make each other’s dreams come true.” She smiles at me in the warmest way, and even though I know our dreams aren’t the same, and this marriage will end in thirty days, I can’t help but feel grateful to have her here with me right now.

“I guess it’s my turn to make a toast to my husband,” she says, with a wink. “I grew up playing on the banks of the Cumberland River,” she begins, gesturing to the river behind us, “and today I’m back, on this beautiful land, with a beautiful life in front of me.”

Everyone clinks glasses and chats for a while, and to an outside observer, it may seem like a small, intimate wedding. The photographer snaps pictures and I make sure to put my arm around Ally’s shoulders as we stand sipping our champagne. I tell myself it’s to make the pictures look authentic, but I can’t ignore the content feeling I have, standing by her side, watching her make Trevor laugh, and enjoying the view of the river beyond us.

“Well,” Trevor says, coming up behind me as I drain the last of my champagne, “you’re married.” I’m looking out at the water, lit up by the pink light of the setting sun. This land sure is beautiful.

“Yup.”

He laughs. “I’ve got a plane to catch back to New York, but let me know how this all goes. I still think this plan is crazy, but Ally seems like a great girl.”

“Yeah,” I agree, slinging my arm around him. “This month will be interesting, to say the least.”

“Just don’t let her near your tools, bro, and you should come out of this unscathed.”

I laugh as Trevor closes his car door, and wave after him as he drives away. Returning to the house, I run into my lawyer, who’s saying goodbye to Ally at the side door.

“The paperwork looks good, guys,” he says, patting his briefcase. “Just give the office a call in a month, and we can transfer the deed to the house and start the divorce proceedings quickly. Now, I have to hit the road.”

Ally blinks and waves goodbye. “Are we that awful that everyone just wants to leave?” Her laugh is nervous.

“No,” I whisper. “They’re probably picking up on the fact that I’m looking at you like I want to fuck the shit out of my wife, and they’re not wrong.”

She shivers, and through the thin fabric of her dress I see her nipples harden. I’m not the only one affected by all of this. “But let’s take some pictures first.”

“And preferably get my luggage from the car in case you decide to destroy all of my clothes again.”

“You’re so practical, Ally,” I say, heading to her car. “I like that about you.”

I haul her suitcase out of the trunk, and then the photographer catches my eye. “Here,” I say, handing her the suitcase. “Why don’t you take this inside and then meet us around back to take a few more pictures.”

She walks back toward the house and I motion to the photographer to follow me. I turn to him and pull out my wallet. “Hang around after we’re done with the photos, and I’ll make sure you get something more interesting. Right here. See up there?” I point up to a window on the second floor. “I’m sure there are papers that would pay a pretty penny for racy photos of a Staunton.”

The photographer snorts. “No thanks, man. Just so you can sue me for invading your privacy? I don’t think so.”

I shake my head. “Don’t be so paranoid. I don’t have any plans to sue you. In case you hadn’t noticed, these aren’t your typical nuptials. I’ll even add an extra thousand to your fee. And feel free to shop these photos around to any gossip magazine or website that may be interested. The more, the merrier.” I nod to the bills in my hands.