Page 55 of Hearing Little Hadley

Finn was so curious as to what the sassy, Little minx had planned.

“We were wondering if you’d like to get married before you go. We have officiants here. We’ve obtained a marriage license in less time than this before. We have decorations, flower arrangements, whatever you need here already. It’s kind of a thing we’re really great about being able to pull off, but I don’t think I’ve ever approached it like this before,” Sadie explained, shedding her Little. “I know how hard it is to wish for a family and friends. I never had that until I came here and I’m sothankful we’ve been able to step up as a community. I just wanted you to know that we would also be honored to be your family at your wedding too. Whether that’s here or back in Georgia.”

Finn shook his head in disbelief.

“It’s hard to believe this place is real—that a community this tight exists,” he said.

Derek nodded. “My family opening this place was the best thing they ever did, and although I don’t think my great-grandfather three times over ever planned for it to be this big, I find a lot of joy in knowing he’d be pleased.”

“I would love for Hadley to be Mrs. Williams before we left, but we leave in five days. Can we pull that, an entire wedding, off in five days?”

Derek scoffed. “Have you heard of the Ranch magic?”

“I have. I have witnessed it a lot during our stay.”

“Do you want to know where it comes from?”

Finn nodded.

“It comes from the heart of every member of Rawhide Ranch near and far. Hearts that still believe there is still good in the world.”

“Hearts that believe everyone deserves their Happily Ever After,” Sadie added.

“Hadley definitely deserves a Happy Ever After,” Finn agreed.

“You do too, Master Finn,” Sadie said.

Finn smiled at her sincere words. “Let me talk to Hadley and we will let you know after lunch.”

“Most of the weddings take place here in the Big House. You’re welcome to use it. Eli and Georgie are extremely talented wedding planners on staff here. CJ is also a fabulous photographer who teaches at our university. We can show you some pictures of weddings in the past, and so many people willstep in and help. You’ll really get to see the Christmas magic. Oh, and Daddy can officiate,” Sadie said, sounding very much like a grown up, despite wearing Christmas pajamas and pigtails with matching red bows.

Finn smiled. “We would be married in the Big House by Derek, should we decide to go through with this crazy plan… that I absolutely adore?”

“Yes, sir,” Sadie answered.

“Let me talk to my Little one about this and I will get back to you as soon as possible,” Finn said, his stomach flipping with anticipation.

Chapter Twenty

“Hadley, your Daddy is here, love.”

Hadley looked up, surprised to see her Daddy standing in the doorway of the Caterpillars Room. He was really early today. Maybe he’d missed her as much as she missed him.

“Hey, baby, I’m sorry to pull you away early, but we have something to do.”

She nodded and collected her things. He grabbed her backpack and lunch bag from Miss Samantha. He seemed kinda in a rush. Hadley hoped everything was okay.

“Have a good day, Hadley,” Nanny J said from where she was changing Nate’s diaper.

“Bye, Hadley! See you in a few days,” Nate yelled from the table.

Hadley made sure to step where he could see her before waving bye.

She hugged Mindy, Lori, and Eloise before taking Finn’s hand and leaving.

Good?

Finn smiled. “I am good, baby. I had something I wanted to talk to you about,” he explained. “It’s nothing bad,” he rushed to assure her when she looked worried.

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