Page 89 of If You Loved Me

“You look so handsome, Johnny.” I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek as he hugged me.

“Thank you.”

“You’re going to love her in white.” I winked at him. His laughter was rich as tears lined his eyes.

I took my spot opposite of Johnny and Deacon and turned my attention toward the people in front of me. It was a small group, but that didn’t matter. Every person here today was a champion for the love Johnny and Willow shared. They were members of our family. One we’d created from love and respect. It made my heart sing knowing that my best friends would receive nothing but joy and admiration on their day.

When the music transitioned, I stole a glance at Johnny. He was bouncing on the balls of his feet, barely able to contain himself. Then the door of the cabin opened and everyone gasped and awed at the sight of Willow. Her long veil trailed behind her as she started her walk down the aisle.

Johnny’s face crumpled, tears flowing freely down his face. I couldn’t help the tears that started to roll down mine.

Love was so damn beautiful.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Willow made her way to Johnny. When they were standing in front of one another holding hands, Mrs. Sheehan began, “We are gathered here today to celebrate the eternal love of Willow Baxley and Johnny Moore.”

As she continued, I found myself staring at Ranger, unable to look away from him. His face was illuminated with a brilliant smile. I’d never seen him look so happy before.The joy on his face as he looked back at me had my mind reeling to a future where it was the two of us standing before everyone we loved, sharing words of endearment and promises of forever.

Our love had been a crazy ride and I knew life probably had a million more wild moments in store for us. But he was mine and I was his. That was the only thing that mattered.

Everyone’s cheers and claps tore me from my thoughts and I looked to Johnny and Willow just in time to see them seal their vows with a kiss. Giggles blossomed from my chest as Johnny dipped Willow in an elaborate bow and kissed her again. Asher barked his excitement and dashed towards Willow, licking her face before Johnny could swing her upright again.

Laughter roared around them. It was the perfect beginning to the rest of their lives together.

They made their way back down the aisle, Asher prancing right beside them. Deacon and I high-fived before following the happy couple.

Doing my best not to topple over in my heels, I lifted my gown and jogged towards Ranger. Catching me in his arms, he spun us around before pressing his lips to mine. Butterflies soared in my stomach as his lips made their way to my jaw, then the edge of my ear, and down to my neck.

“Get a room!” Deacon called to us.

“I second that!” Callie Rose said, passing by us and following Willow and Johnny down the winding path that led to the outdoor reception area.

He stopped spinning us but still held me in his arms somy feet were off the ground. “What they don’t realize is just how tempted I am to carry you away to a room and have my way with you.”

I kissed the tip of his nose. “As badly as I want that too, I have a bouquet to catch, cowboy.”

His dark brows rose. “Is that right, sugar?”

“Mmhmm.” I nodded quickly, a smile pulling at my lips.

My feet touched the ground as his hand slipped over mine, our fingers intertwining. “Well then. We better get our asses moving.”

Ranger’s scent of warm leather hung around me as we swayed side-to-side on the dance floor. Willow and Johnny had chosen a clearing in the woods several yards in front of the lake to hold their small reception. But they’d thought of everything to keep the party going all night long. Heat lamps were placed every few feet around the dance floor and they lined the walking path to the tables, bar, and food area. Twinkle lights hung in all the trees, casting a beautiful glow over all of us.

When the song came to an end, Ranger whispered in my ear, “Go for a walk with me.”

“Okay,” I whispered back, letting him lead me off the dance floor. I’d discarded my heels hours ago and Ranger had brought me a pair of winter hiking boots to keep my feetwarm. We strode arm in arm through the trees next to the lake until we found a little alcove. It was a clear winter night with the moon hanging high and the stars shining bright.

I rubbed my hands together to ward off the cold. Ranger cupped his hands around mine and brought them up to his lips. Hot air blew over my skin, warming my fingers and palms.

“Thank you.”

He pressed a kiss to my knuckles before taking me into his side, wrapping an arm around me so we could both look out at the water.

It was so easy with him. Standing in silence while we both took in the scenery around us. My heart felt full and yet I knew there was still room for all the moments we’d have together like this.

“Willow and Johnny’s vows got me thinking,” he said, voice low.

“Oh yeah?” I glanced up at him sidelong.

---