This is Effortless (Checkmate Duet 4)

“I love y’all,” I say and pull them both in for a big hug.

“Don’t you dare start crying,” Kayla scolds, blotting under her big brown eyes with a tissue. “If you do, I’ll lose it. I don’t know why I’m so emotional.”

I smile at her because weddings do the same thing to me.

Just as I turn to say something to Mama, Benita bolts in, followed by Aunt Charlotte and Aunt Patsy.

“I’m sorry for being late. The boys needed to eat, again. Then an emergency diaper change and had to redress one,” she says, winded and out of breath as she makes a beeline for me and gives me a huge hug. “You look amazing!” she gushes when she leans back and looks at me.

“Don’t worry, it’s okay,” I reassure her. “You made it just in time.” She looks so great in her bridesmaid dress. You can’t even tell she just had the twins seven months ago.

“I can’t believe there are hundreds of people out there already! I think Aunt Rose invited the entire county!” she beams.

“I wouldn’t doubt that,” I say, chuckling.

“I’m just so happy you’re having the wedding here. I don’t think I would’ve made it all the way to California with the boys at this age.”

“I am, too! It wouldn’t feel the same if we didn’t,” I say honestly, remembering how we always talked about our big Texas weddings when we were just kids.

I always dreamed of getting married on the family ranch under the big oak tree in the backyard. I’d tell my cousins all these elaborate stories of how I’m going to get married under the tree to my very own prince charming. We’d play with Barbies and have Ken and my Princess Cinderella doll get married. It was one of our repeat playtime scenarios, but even as I grew older, getting married on the ranch was still in the back of my mind once I found the right guy. The way the old tree overlooks the rolling hills and how much room there is has always been the perfect spot. However, making that dream a reality was far from easy.

Planning everything from California made life a little hectic, but thankfully Mama, Aunt Charlotte, and Benita helped make it all happen. From the chairs and tent rentals to the orchestra and food catering, I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Mama even baked our cakes, and I begged her to hoard me a sheet cake that I wouldn’t have to share with anyone, because I know there won’t be any leftover.

When Drew and I arrived a few days ago, the tent was being erected in the backyard along with electricity wired for the lights. Today, it looks like an actual wedding venue with wooden chairs decorated in tulle and fresh flowers lined along the aisle that face toward the tree that has floating lights strung throughout. Silk and fresh flowers mixed with a western theme make it look like a photo-shoot straight from a country wedding Pinterest board. Even Kayla commented on how beautiful it looked, and she’s a snob about decorations. Mama outdid herself planning, but as she said, she only has one daughter to spoil. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome, but I’m most excited to see Drew at the end of the aisle.

Just as Benita steps out to go check on the boys, my brothers come storming into Mama’s bedroom she’s turned into the bridal suite. They look showered, shaved, and are dressed in their groomsmen tuxedos. I haven’t seen them this cleaned up since…well…never.

“What are you doin’?” I shout at them with a smile, but they keep walking toward me.

“Shut the hel-, I mean, heck up,” Jackson teases, pulling me into a hug and basically passes me down the line of them. John, Evan, and Alex all tell me how proud they are and how much they love me. It’s completely unlike them to be so mushy.

Once I’m able to breathe again, I take a step back and look at the four of them. “Did Daddy put you up to this?” I speculate, narrowing my eyes at them. Mom stands behind me and eyes them as well.

“Maybe.” John shrugs, keeping a straight face and doesn’t give anything away, but I know better. Alex nudges John and John nudges him back. Jackson then pushes Alex and he pushes him right into Evan, causing a domino effect.

“Boys!” Mama scolds them like they’re toddlers. “Y’all did what you came to do, now get outta here,” Mama demands with a pointed finger and they all just stand there.

“We just had to come see it for ourselves. Our baby sis in an actual dress.” Alex teases me and I pinch under his arm where I know it’ll hurt.

“Wearing a dress or not, I can still kick your ass,” I fire back, and right before he can get me back, Mama stops him.