Page 54 of Coming Home Country
The rehearsal was intimate—meant for only the wedding party and immediate family—but that didn’t mean it was quiet. Colt and Harper’s kids were running around chasing each other, and though their shrill laughter pierced the air, no one seemed to mind much. Daisy Sullivan, in particular, watched them with a longing in her eyes, probably remembering when her children were little on the ranch and hoping for grandchildren sooner rather than later.
I’d always loved kids, but with any hopes for my own lost a long time ago, I filled that void first with my youngest patients and, eventually, with my sister’s trio of toddlers. It wouldn’t be long before they were at my door, ready to spend a few weeks in the country with their favorite uncle—a title I held dear, considering Jenner had two brothers and his sister was also married, making it three uncles on that side—and I couldn’t wait to love on them.
With the possibilities for my future now unlimited, I began to let the excitement of one day creating a family—with Bex—creep in.
Barrett’s little legs pumped as he tried to keep up with his older sister, and when they passed me on one of their many circles around the gathering while we awaited the preacher’s arrival, I scooped him into my arms. “Gotcha!”
He giggled when I flew him like an airplane, weaving us between the tables set up for dinner after we rehearsed for the ceremony.
Aubree saw the special attention her brother was getting and held her arms up. “I wanna fly!”
Mac jumped into the fray, looping an arm around her waist and lifting until her feet were no longer on the ground, and then the two of us grown men resumed their game of chase but at a much faster clip.
With a quick peek at the ladies, I discovered they’d all stopped what they were doing to watch the spectacle we were putting on. A rush of triumph surged when a wistful smile graced Bex’s plush pink lips. I wondered if she was imagining the future we’d once pictured together being brought to life before her eyes, getting a sneak peek at the kind of father I would make. I wanted nothing more than to spend the upcoming years chasing my best friend around this same yard with our own children—created with the women we loved—tucked beneath our arms.
“Fucker! I’m dissy! Put me down!”
I froze. Barrett’s shouted demands were loud enough there was no doubt everyone had heard him. When my eyes landed on Bex, I found her covering her mouth, body visibly shaking as she held in laughter. Shifting my gaze to her right revealed Harper to be far less amused.
Setting the boy on his feet, I dropped to my knees, keeping a steadying hand on his wobbly form. “Deep breaths, bud.” I desperately willed him not to get sick. If Harper was pissed about him confusing my name with a swear word, I didn’t need to add making him puke on top of it.
The rise and fall of Barrett’s chest evened out, and I dared to ask, “Has the world stopped spinning?” He gave a slow nod, so I gave him a light pat on the bum. “All right, then. Get outta here.”
He took off like a shot, headed straight for where Mac had set down Aubree. She squealed when she saw her little brother in hot pursuit, and they resumed their earlier game of chase.
My best friend moved closer, clapping a hand on my shoulder as he watched the children play, a goofy smile on his face. “Damn, that was fun. Gotta get me some of those.”
I chuckled. “Not sure I’m the one you should be tellin’.”
“You know what? You’re absolutely right.” He left my side, headed for his bride, hollering, “Aspen, honey? Wanna make a baby tonight?”
Guess he’d gotten over being traumatized by delivering a baby pretty quickly.
Peals of laughter sounded, and poor Aspen turned a bright shade of red before covering her face with both hands.
Jett’s head dropped back, and he groaned. “Can we at least get y’all hitched first?”
Mac pointed a finger in his future father-in-law’s direction. “Your dad has an excellent point. Tomorrow night, then, babe?”
Aspen uncovered her face, rolling her eyes at her fiancé. “Lord, save me from this ridiculous man.”
“Sooooo.” Mac looked at her expectantly. “Is that a yes?”
She sucked in a deep breath before releasing it slowly, likely attempting to summon the patience to deal with his antics. Sometimes—like now—they were a tad over the top.
“It’s a ‘we’ll talk about it in private’.”
Mac pursed his lips into a pout. “That sounds like a no.”
Dejected, he trudged back over to me. “Not looking good, man. Maybe you’ll have better luck convincing your girl.”
I had to hand it to the guy. His confidence that Bex and I could find a way back together had never wavered. Not even when I’d given up.
He was a good friend. The best I could have ever asked for.
Nudging his shoulder, I replied, “Can’t think too far ahead. Taking this thing one step at a time.”
“Dickhead is notably absent,” he mused, surveying those in attendance.
