Kayla
I’m getting ready for Savannah and Ford's wedding in the dress Brice loved. I can't remember the last time I was this excited and relaxed to go to an event. The few weddings I attended in Dallas were huge networking events.
I like that these people want nothing from me but to talk and get to know me. When I talked to my dad yesterday and told him this, he suggested I stay longer because if I felt that way, he was sure Jason and Nick did, too. Dad gave me a speech about how many times he would stay later than planned on a trip to close a deal he knew was right. Then he finished by telling me he had things in Dallas covered.
The only person I trust with that company is my dad, so knowing he's there taking care of things means I don't have to worry. Though I think my mom had something to do with Dad urging me to stay. Ever since she saw Brice on the video chat, she's been asking about him and it's obvious she is trying to play matchmaker. Already this week alone, she’s mentioned grandchildren, and it's in ways that you know it's a setup, but you can't really be mad.
"Oh, I was at the store, and they had this beautiful Easter dress on display for little girls. If I had grandchildren, I'd have bought it for her."
Every time I've talked to her this week, she has used a version of that line. I haven't told Brice. No point in scaring him off. I want to enjoy what time I have left with him.
His eyes go wide as I step into the living room. He opens and closes his mouth to speak twice, and I’d be self-conscious if it weren’t for the bulge in his pants revealing exactly how much he likes what he sees."Damn, you look beautiful," he finally says.
"You look pretty good yourself there, cowboy."
He's in what’s considered cowboy formal wear, since he's the best man and all. That means dark wash jeans, a button-down shirt, and a sports coat. A dressy cowboy hat, and cowboy boots–not just any cowboy boots but the ones I bought him–complete his look. That he's wearing them today of all days makes me happy. My belly does a little flip-flop knowing my little mark is on him.
When we get in his truck, he starts driving away from the town instead of toward it, so I’m a bit confused.
"You said they were getting married at the church?"
He smiles, reaching over to take my hand in his.
"The ranch church. Jason's family has been on that land for generations. They built one of the first churches in the area and it still stands today. They use it for family events. Pastor Greg will do the service there."
"I didn't know Savannah was part of their family."
"Not technically, but Savannah is Lilly's sister and Lilly is Riley's best friend, which makes Savannah family. Mike was the senior ranch hand at Jason's place before he got his own ranch and he married Lilly. That made him family and he and Ford are good friends, so Ford's as good as family."
"That's not complicated at all."
"It's a lot, but when you spend some time with them, you’ll see. Rock Springs is its own kind of family."
We pull into a different driveway than the one we used to go to the BBQ and there are trucks and cars parked in the grass in front of this little country church. Its white clapboard siding looks newly painted, and there are two windows on either side of the front door with a beautiful stained glass window above the door.
Brice takes my hand and we walk in together. My heart flutters that he wants everyone to know I'm there with him. He isn't hiding us and that makes me happier than it has any right to do.
Inside the church are long wooden pews and parquet floors. Up on the stage area, there’s a pulpit and another, much larger, stained glass window. From inside you can tell the stained glass has been preserved with clear window glass around it.
"Sage said you can sit with them since I'll be on stage," Brice says, guiding me to a pew with the girls I met at the BBQ.
"We’ll take care of her,” Sage says. “You go find Ford and make sure he isn't trying to skip town with Savannah." While it’s a joke, part of me thinks she really is worried he will take the bride and run if this wedding doesn't get a move on.
Brice kisses my temple before leaving and it doesn't go unnoticed by the girls. When they all stare at me, I just shrug, not ready to tell them what is going on. Mainly because that would mean I'd have to know what’s going on and I have no blasted idea.
We sit, and the moment my butt hits the pew, they start whispering questions at me so fast, I have no idea who says what.
"You’re dating Brice?"
"How long has that been going on?"
"Is that why you’re still in town?"
"How will it work when you go back to Dallas?"
"For me to answer any of these questions, I'd have to have a clue on what's going on between us. And I'm as confused as you are. If you find anything out, let me know." That answer seems to satisfy them–for now anyway. Maybe they’ll turn the questions on Brice. I smirk to myself, thinking he’s brought it on himself.
The wedding is simple and beautiful, but I have my eyes on Brice the whole time. His eyes never leave mine other than to hand the rings to Ford. Now we are in what they call the event barn for the reception.