Page 40 of Something More

“Are you crazy!” She rushed down the steps and over to me. “I can’t have everything ready in two days.” She flung her arms out and made a big show of how crazy she thought I was.

“I don’t want a big fancy wedding. I already had that. I just wanna get married with my family and friends here, and then have dinner to celebrate.” I smiled.

She cupped my cheek. “But you need a dress, and flowers, and bridesmaids, and rings…” I stopped her.

“I’ll wear one of the dresses I have, we can use flowers from the fields, and I’m sure my sisters will stand up for me.” I hugged her.

“But it’s your wedding,” she gasped.

“And the important part is standing right here.” I pointed at Hank.

“Are you sure that’s what you want?” Her voice dropped.

“It is. I love you, but I don’t want anything fancy.” I kissed her cheek.

“Ok then. Saturday, I can do that,” she muttered to herself.

“Daddy invited us to dinner with the crew tonight. He says he’s calling Lou, Ginny, Gia, and Carrie too, so we can share the news.”

“Perfect!” She clapped. “We’ll do the engagement party tonight.” She spun around and rushed inside. My mom loved a reason to have a party, and I knew no matter how much I requested a small event, this would be anything but that.

Chapter 20

Dakota

“You look beautiful.” Hank smiled lovingly at me as he spun me around the makeshift dance floor. My mother had gone all out. She had Jeff and the crew setting up things all week. Tables and chairs were brought to the upper field. Carrie had come over with flowers from her shop to help make flower arrangements. Ginny helped cook the feast my mother had prepared, and Lou and Amy strung twinkle lights in the trees.

“I think I’m the only thing Mama didn’t touch. She let me get myself ready today.” I shook my head. It was quite amusing to watch her. When Alex and I wed, it was the traditional church wedding. We’d hired a planner, and my parents basically just said yes or no and wrote a check. This time around I was determined to have something smaller. All my family and closest friends had come to witness us pledge our love, and the day was all but perfect.

“She loves you. I’m sure you made her day by letting her do all of this.” He kissed my cheek.

“Well, Lou eloped with Charlie, and I don’t think Carrie is even looking to get married anytime soon. Ginny is still young, and well, Gia…is Gia.” I looked over at where my sisters were sitting. Lou was watching Amy and Jack who were deep in conversation, and Ginny looked all dreamy-eyed as she stared over at Johney. I know those two have a thing for each other, but I don’t think he’s right for her.

“Don’t worry. I see it, too,” Hank reassured me as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. “She’s too good for him.”

“That’s what they said about us, and you see how that turned out.” I laughed.

“I’m not some young pumped-up kid either,” Hank growled under his breath.

“He’s not the only one who needs to grow up around here.” I directed my gaze at Gia. “I wish she’d just….” I shook my head.

“Stop with the childish things?” Hank chuckled. “Good luck there. I’ve been trying to save her from herself for years. Pretty sure your dad has washed his hands of her.”

“I don’t blame him. She’s always been the wild one. I don’t know why, either.”

“Let’s get some food.” Hank stepped back and held his hand out to me. I laced our fingers together and let him lead me off the dancefloor and over to the long table covered in food.

Dad had smoked a pig and Mama and Ginny had made all the fixin’s. There were plates covered in cornbread, potatoes, beans, slaw, and mac n’ cheese. “I’m starving,” a voice came from behind us. I turned around to see Jeff standing there patiently waiting.

“Why didn’t you eat yet? You guys spent all day working. I’m sure you’re hungry.” I stepped back to let him go first, but he shook his head at me.

“We were waitin’ on you guys. Bossman said you eat first.” Jeff motioned to the table.

I glanced over to where my father was in deep conversation with Sal, a family friend. “I would have eaten sooner if I knew that.” I scooped some pork onto my plate. It was as if everyone was waiting because a line soon formed behind us. “Daddy! I can’t believe you told them that!” I scolded as everyone began serving themselves.

“Don’t worry about it, Codie. It’s all good.” Jeff smiled. “I’m just glad the two of you finally tied the knot. We’ve all been waitin’ on that for a long time.”

“Thanks, Jeff.” I turned to carry my plate over to the table that was set up for Hank and myself. The rest of the evening was pretty uneventful, then it was time to leave.

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