Page 9 of Entwined

“Dear God,” Emmett mumbles her mortification.

“Son.” My dad stomps over and not-so-lightly taps Sawyer on the shoulder. “My Slugger loves ya, exactly the way you are, so I'm not angry, but it's time for you to mosey on back with the boys. There’s just certain phrases a man doesn't need to hear on the day his only daughter's getting married. Now get going!”

“Yes, sir. Sorry.” Sawyer tucks his tail and heads out. No sooner than he shuts the door behind him, we all hear the commotion. “You can't go in there, jackass. It's like a fucking rule or somethin’! Look, Whitley even put a sign on the door, 'do not come in here, Dane.' That is your name, Dane, right?”

Whitley sprints to lock the door, and even props a chair under the knob — she knows my man.

“Laney!” Dane yells.

“Is it bad luck to talk to him?” I ask Whit quietly, not wanting to break any of her rules.

“No, talking is fine. Thank you for asking.” She beams.

“What is it, Caveman?” I holler back, with permission.

“What's taking so long, baby? I'm ready. Preacher's ready. I'm ready. 'Bout to lose it, love. Let's get married!”

“Dane?” My dad barks through the door.

“Jeff?” Dane counters.

“Who the hell else would it be, boy? Yes, it's Jeff. Take your ass to the spot where you're supposed to stand and I'll bring my daughter to you when she's damn good and ready. You hear me?”

“I'm gonna need an ETA before I can agree to that.” My man backs down to no one when it comes to me… and I love it.

My father casts wide eyes my way, a glint of humor in them. “Slugger, you sure about this one? Awful impatient, and bossy. I got the car runnin' in the parking lot. We can say 'forget it' and climb through the window, be outta here before he even knows we're gone. Just say the word, honey.”

I giggle, sniffle and feel my heart swell all at the same time. The greatest day ever. Surrounded by the greatest people ever. “I adore him, Daddy. I’m not going anywhere. Tell him it’ll be less than twenty minutes. Whitley,” I turn to her, “let's do this. My native’s gettin' restless.”

“Da-”

“I heard, sir. I'm heading to my spot, see you in less than twenty minutes. Time starts now. And, I would’ve caught ya halfway out the window, just for future reference. Come to me, Disney. I'll be waiting.”

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