Page 83 of Valentine's in Bayberry

“I can’t believe you did this. A surprise wedding? Really?” She shook her head. “Of course, I am totally onboard. The sooner we marry, the sooner we can start our future together.”

He smiled. “I was hoping you’d feel that way.”

“Now, you need to go,” Carrie said. “If my grandmother sees you with me, she might chase you off with a broom.”

He let out a laugh. “I don’t think so.”

“I do. She’s a bit old-fashioned, and you’re not supposed to see the bride before the wedding.”

“Okay. I will see you soon. We have a date at the church.”

“We do.”

And then he was off as snow flurries fluttered, flipped, and drifted toward the ground. It was a good thing she’d picked out a gown with long sleeves.

He was the luckiest man in the world.

Not everyone got to marry the girl next door.

And only a few got to spend the rest of their life with their best friend.

Jackson couldn’t stop smiling as he stood at the end of the aisle. When Carrie walked down the aisle, it took his breath away. She was practically glowing with happiness and love.

Even though the crowded church was decorated with red roses and baby’s breath like the ones in his bride’s bridal bouquet, his attention was drawn to the breathtakingly beautiful woman walking down the aisle toward him. He felt like the luckiest man in the world. She wore a white satin gown with a lace bodice and long sleeves. It fit her perfectly and he knew as long as he lived that he would never forget this moment.

They stared into each other’s eyes as she was escorted down the aisle by her father. His heart raced but it wasn’t from nervousness but rather from excitement. Today he was marrying his best friend and he couldn’t wait to start their lifelong adventure.

When Carrie stepped in front of him and placed her hands within his, his fingers tightened around hers. He had never been more confident that this love—this union—was meant to be. And when the pastor asked if they agreed to take the other in both good and bad, the I do’s were offered without hesitation. He had never been more certain about anything in his life.

However, it was the part about kissing the bride where there was a long pause as he took his bride in his arms. He pressed his lips to hers. It was slow as he strove to impress this very special moment in his mind. And then he dipped her back. There were whistles and applause of their loved ones.

When they exited the church, Jackson leaned over to his wife and whispered, “I didn’t know it was possible to be this happy.”

“I know.” She turned her head and claimed his lips with her own. “And this is only the beginning.”

In a flurry of motion, they ended up at Wrights’ Eatery, which was now decked out with a blend of wedding and valentine decorations. He’d tried to make it festive without going too far overboard. There were red roses on each table. There were red and white streamers crisscrossing the ceiling. And flameless candles were set up throughout the room.

He leaned over and asked softly, “Do you like it?”

“I love it.” She turned to him. “I can’t believe you were able to pull all of this off without me knowing.”

“It wasn’t easy.” That was an understatement. “But I had a lot of help.”

Carrie arched a brow. “It looks like I’m going to have to keep an eye on you. Who knows what you’re likely to surprise me with next.”

He smiled. “Only good things. I swear.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” He kissed her. It didn’t last long as people approached them to congratulate them.

Eventually, they got separated. He wasn’t quite sure how that had happened, but he didn’t plan to be far from his bride that day. And then he spotted her speaking to her parents. Jackson was about to go join her when he got waylaid.

“Congratulations, Jackson.” Mr. Plummer, Sadie’s father and the owner of theBayberry Gazette,shook his hand. “I know now isn’t the right time, but I’d like to get together to interview you for a write-up about the history of Wrights’ Eatery. Do you think that’s something you’d be interested in?”

Jackson loved the idea. “That would be great. Just let me know what you need for the article. We can get together after the honeymoon.”

Mr. Plummer smiled. “Definitely. How about you give me a call when you get back to town, and we’ll work out the arrangements?”

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