“Skylar and Beth are married.”
I went on, “They left Skylar’s parents’ house and are living in the house Skylar and I had built.”
“So, Baby Butler is growing up.”
I playfully slapped Van’s arm. “I told you to find a new nickname.”
“I hope you’re not marrying me today because another option has been taken.”
I inhaled, relishing the clean and spicy scent of Van’s bodywash and flourishing in the warmth and security of his embrace. “Mr. Sherman, I am going to marry you today because I can’t imagine spending a day of my life without you. Whether we wake together or lie down together, I want to be at your side and for you to be at mine. You’re the first person to truly believe in me and support me. You’ve given me many firsts, but the one that means the most is that you listen to me.”
His grin quirked. “What if we combine firsts? I love to listen to you as you come apart.”
Warmth climbed from my neck to my cheeks. “Those reasons are why I believe you that Wade will rise. I trust Lena because you do. I’ve also realized that while I want Wade’s success, if it doesn’t happen, you’re not to blame, nor is Lena, and neither am I. There’s a lot to unravel. We’ll have cloudy days, but we’ll also have sunny ones.”
His grin grew as he watched me speak. “My favorite days may be in blizzard conditions.”
I laid my hand on his chest. “I like those too.”
“Wade” —Van’s expression sobered— “may not make it.”
“I know.”
“I’m not giving up on it or on you. Whether you’re CEO of Wade or of some new division of Sherman Corporation, I believe in you.”
My head tilted to the side. “Sherman Corporation? Isn’t name recognition important? I don’t want you to change it because of me. You can keep the name Madison.”
“If Facebook can change to Meta, I can drop one name. I’ve already been working with my legal department. The reason I put her name in there no longer exists. I’m not sure it ever did.”
“Julia,” Vicki called from the top of the stairs. “You know that you two will have forever. You can walk away for an hour to prepare for your wedding.”
My smile grew as I turned from Vicki’s voice to Van. “Forever.”
“I like the sound of that.” He took my hand, the one on his chest and turned it over, leaving a kiss on my palm.
Lifting myself to my tiptoes, we shared a chaste kiss.
“I saw that box going upstairs.” Van took a step back. “What do you want me to wear?”
“Nothing.”
Golden flecks shimmered in his stare. “We may scare our guests.”
“Paula—Mrs. Mayhand,” I corrected for him, “brought me her wedding dress. I’m going to try it on. If I like it, you’ll see it. If not, I’ll be wearing this. You’re perfect the way you are.”
“If you change your mind, send clothes down to the office. I don’t want to interrupt your lady-time upstairs.”
“I don’t think Vicki would allow you entry.”
His smile beamed as he held my left hand and looked down at the engagement ring and then back to me. “You will be the most beautiful bride.”
Our hands stayed linked until we reached the bottom of the stairs.
“This is going to happen.”
I nodded.
Pushing away my concerns and doubts at what could possibly ruin today’s wedding, I looked up, meeting Vicki’s hazel gaze.