“So we’ll put it out in the yard till the house is done. I know the guy who owns the property—he won’t have us arrested for indecent exposure.”
“I don’t think so,” I laughed, “I don’t want the workmen standing around making comments while we hook up on our outside bed.”
“Fine, I’ll do the house first. Some of the guys will pitch in, it’ll go fast.”
“Can we stay here while you’re building it?”
“Yes. I don’t want you breathing sawdust or sheetrock or anything while it’s under construction. But right now, I want to discuss this answer you gave me to the proposal.”
“Oh, what do you have to say about it?” I said archly.
“I’m not gonna say anything. I told you. I’m not good with words. I’m more of an action kind of guy,” he said, and his mouth was on my neck again.
Epilogue
The Next Summer – Layla
It was almost sunset at the vineyard. I smiled at my reflection as Maggie adjusted my veil.
“I am so glad you didn’t wear overalls,” she laughed.
I turned around in my vintage lace wedding gown and took my bouquet from her.
“I’m so glad I have Tyler.”
“And that makes us sisters! That’s the best part!” she said.
“I’m not sure that’s the best part, no offense,” I laughed.
We stepped out into the golden summer glow and the music began. I watched my mom in her blue dress pushing Celeste down the aisle in an old-fashioned baby buggy. There was no way the baby was going to keep her bonnet on for the whole ceremony, but it looked precious during the processional. Maggie followed my mom, and then it was my turn.
I walked toward Tyler. I didn’t even see the people seated on either side or really hear the music. It was just him that I was going to. He held out his hand for mine. I stood there in an absolute dream.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.
“I’m yours,” I whispered back, and watched him smile.
We spoke our vows and kissed. Everyone blew bubbles. We gathered up the baby in her little white dress, smocked and embroidered with tiny pink roses, for pictures. After three attempts, I gave up on getting her to wear the bonnet. I was pretty sure the picture where we both laughed as she yanked it off would be my favorite shot of the night. We cut the cake, and as the music began for dancing, we snuck away with our baby daughter.
Once she was settled in her crib, Tyler kissed me and asked me to dance right there in our perfect, sweet cabin home. I kicked off my shoes and slow danced with him barefoot in our bedroom, the window open to let in the strains of music from the reception.
“Do you want me to see if Maggie will watch the baby so we can go back to the party?” he said.
“I’d rather be alone with my husband,” I said.
“That sounds perfect,” he said.
“That’s because it is perfect,” I told him.
The End