Southern Devotion (Southern Heart 4)

“Yeah?” Even I can hear the hope in my voice. I want nothing more than to start a family with her.

She nods. “When you’re ready.”

“So tonight?” I ask, making her laugh.

“Does that work for you?”

“Now works for me, but I have a feeling you would frown upon leaving this soon.” My grip on her hips tightens. I want to throw her over my shoulder and rush off into the night to have my wicked way with her.

“You know me too well.” She rests her head on my chest. “Are we really doing this?” she asks.

“Yeah, Livy, we’re really doing this. You sure you’re ready?”

“Yes.”

One word, the one I love to hear from her.

“Then tonight.” I kiss her softly and let everything and everyone fade into the background. My wife got her country wedding and me, a southern boy full of devotion for her.

Ten Years Later

It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since the day I married the love of my life in a field of wildflowers on her parents’ property. A lot has changed in ten years. Olivia and I have three beautiful kids, and even though I never thought it would be possible, I love her more each day. That’s why I couldn’t let our ten-year anniversary pass us by without a celebration. I just failed to tell my wife about it. Or my kids, really. Those little buggers can’t keep a secret to save their lives.

Our son Carson is nine. He was born almost exactly one year to the day of our wedding. His birthday was two weeks ago. He’s pumped that he’s just a year away from double digits. He’s got my brown eyes and Olivia’s lighter brown hair. He loves soccer and being the protector of his little sister. He agrees with me that she can’t date until she’s thirty.

Our daughter, Crystal, just turned seven. She’s a little spitfire with her momma’s spirit and big green eyes. Her hair is darker like mine. She’s our little tomboy through and through. She wants to do everything her brother does, which drives Carson crazy. Lexi has tried countless times to let her do her hair and makeup, but my little girl just isn’t having it. She idolizes her older brother.

Then we have our little man, Cade. He’s four and my little mini-me; there’s no denying it. We have the same dark brown hair and dark eyes. He follows his brother and sister around and gets angry when they do things he can’t. He’ll pass up anyone for his momma, and just like his brother and sister, he brings so much joy to our lives.

I tried without success to get Olivia to have another one. She said three was a good number. Although she said no more babies, we haven’t given up practicing, you know, just in case one day we change our minds.

I sent the little secret tellers to my parents’ for the day. Olivia is at the tavern doing inventory. The place is thriving, and she and Mike have a great system down. They alternate weekends for inventory and they have a great staff, which allows them to not be there every night. Inventory only takes a couple of hours, so it’s not a bad gig. That also means I have that amount of time to finish setting up for today.

I thought it would be good to bring us back to where it all started—the field of wildflowers. We’ve taken our kids there often, and of course, we’ve shown them photographs. I liked the idea of surprising my wife and our kids with an anniversary celebration at the exact spot. Mike, Evan, and Aaron are all on board and have promised to not tell their wives. Not that I think any of them would tell her, but these days, we have all kinds of little ears running around and they pick up on everything. No doubt one of them would hear a conversation and the surprise would be ruined. Better safe than sorry.

I did, however, need McKinley and Whitney’s services. I want today documented. With that in mind, I made sure the guys didn’t let them make plans and to have them here at my in-laws’ tody at two.

I’m sitting on the front porch when Mike and Jamie pull up.

“Uncle Dave!” My niece and nephews come rushing over. Mike is the oldest at nine. He’s going to be ten in a couple of months. Then we have Chase, who just turned eight, and sweet Ellie who is three. To say my in-laws are over the moon with their six grandchildren is an understatement.

“Hey, guys.” I gather the three of them in a hug. Little Miss Ellie climbs up on my lap and snuggles with me. She’s my girl. My own little angel refuses to give me snuggles at the ripe old age of seven.

“You ready?” my brother-in-law asks me.

“Yeah, pretty much. Just need to hook the wagons up. I came over last night telling Liv I had to help your dad and got the hay on them. Evan and Aaron came over bright and early this morning and helped string the lights, and I picked up the flowers on the way here.” I point to the Gator, the back overflowing with flowers. The exact same arrangemen

t as our wedding day. “Your mom and mine took care of the food. They’re in the house now.”

“What’s going on?” Chase asks.

“We’re having a party,” I tell him.

“I wike parties,” Ellie says, still snuggling against my chest.

“So, what’s left?” he asks.

“Wait a minute,” Jamie chimes in. “What kind of party? Why did I not know about this?”