Page 60 of Rancher's Pride

“I’ll try to remember.” We laughed, and I was so grateful for her friendship. “We all need to search closets. The one in our room is out because I know there’s nothing in there. Cooper’s closet also doesn’t have it hanging up,” Nora said as we entered the house.

Everyone took a room, and we searched to no avail. A sadness washed over me, not because I wouldn’t have a dress. I had plenty of dresses that would work, but because I’d wanted to share this with Mom.

“Where else could it be?” Mom asked as she stood next to the portrait of Dad. Suddenly, she stood straighter and walked with purpose to Kipp’s office. She flicked on the light and walked to the closet door.

“Mom, we checked in here.” Tayla said.

“I know you did, but you didn’t know that there was a nook in the corner. It was from one renovation when your grandfather added to the layout of the house.” Mom reached deeper into the back of the closet and there was a pop. Shifting, she could move further in, and her eyes lit up when she found something. “We put it away so you girls wouldn’t play dress up with it.” She pulled out a garment bag and pulled the zipper down.

Mom pulled her dress out and placed the bag over the back of the chair. “It looks just like it did when Iwore it. Well, maybe a little yellowed, but I don’t think it’s too bad.” She smiled and held it up to me.

“Well, it’s not like I can wear white,” I said absentmindedly, and a hush fell over the room. Tayla tried to squash the burst of giggles that was trying to escape, and I couldn’t help but laugh at her. We all gave into the fits of laughter, and the feel of the room lightened again.

“Nash is about the same size as Dad was, right?” Lark said as she held up Dad’s suit jacket, smiling.

“His boutonniere is still on it,” I said as I looked at the brown dried flowers that had seen better days.

“Mom?” I said, looking at her.

“He’d want it no other way.” She blinked and held her hand out to me. We clasped hands, and both blinked away tears that proved to be futile.

“Try it on.” Wanda said, beaming like she was Nash’s mother.

Slipping into my old room, Mom followed me and helped me get the dress on. The zipper went up easily, and I was surprised it was long enough since I was a few inches taller than Mom. “You’re a vision.” She covered her mouth with her hands.

“Hurry up. We’ve got more champagne to drink.” One of my sisters yelled through the closed door.

“I should text Nash and tell him to hide the bottles. It’ll be midnight before we get them up for the wedding.” Mom put her arm around my shoulder and laughed with me.

“You have no idea how much I missed you, Fallie Girl.” She used to call me that all the time, but I hadn’t heard it since I was a teen. She reached for the door.

“I missed you too, Mama,” I said before the door opened. Walking out into the living room, there was a collective inhale.

“It’s perfect,” Nora said, clapping quietly.

“She’s right. It looks like it was made for you.” Wanda agreed.

“Now I want to get married and wear it.” Lark sighed.

“Me too.” Tayla agreed, throwing her arm around Lark’s shoulder.

“One wedding at a time.” Mom said as she shook her head. “I think it’s unanimous that you have to wear this dress tomorrow.”

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

FALLON

Morning dawned, and I walked over snoring men that had passed out in my living room. Everyone found a place to sleep last night because I wouldn’t let them leave because the liquor had flowed freely when we’d gone to the main house last night.

“Am I allowed to see you this morning?” Nash’s voice asked from the door. Turning, I saw him with his hand pressed over his eyes.

“Well, considering we’ve done this entire thing backward, I think it’s probably safe.” Moving to him, I pulled his hand off his face. His grin was infectious and I couldn’t help but smile. He lowered his head and pressed his lips to mine.

“God, I love you.” He whispered between kisses. “I can’t wait until you’re mine.”

“I’ve always been yours, Nash. This paper doesn’tchange anything.” I sighed, wrapping my arms around him, resting my head on his chest.

“It means everything, Fallon. I never thought I would see the day where I would let myself be open to getting married. Lord knows the only good relationship I’d seen was your mom and dad, and I just figured I’d be shit at it, too. And never in my imagination did I think I’d ever be a dad. I was ready to be the Funcle for the rest of my days, but you changed all that.” He wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on my head.

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