Page 71 of Coming Home Country
“You love her, right?”
“Yeah,” he breathed out.
“Then hold onto that. And if worst comes to worst, I’ll catch you.”
“Colt’s stronger,” he rasped.
A chuckle broke free from my chest. Mac being able to joke told me he’d be just fine.
I let my hand fall away as the girls came into view one by one as they rounded the last row of guests to walk down the aisle. First came Harper, then Penny—causing a stuttered exhale from Tripp beside me—followed by Aubree and Barrett, side by side. The pair of children were fearless, soaking in the attention of those who cooed at them as they trekked past.
My breath caught in my throat when the most beautiful girl-turned-woman I’d ever seen entered my line of sight.
It wasn’t lost on me that the color of her bridesmaid dress not only matched Aspen’s eyes but that of our kitchen cabinets. How could I not see that as a sign that this wedding was meant to bring us back together?
Maybe I was reaching, but I didn’t care.
Bex lifted her eyes from the pair of children walking a few steps ahead of her, and when her gaze slammed into mine, the air rushed back into my lungs.
Her cheeks pinkened when she caught me staring, but she didn’t look away. I mouthed,Stunning, just to watch that blush darken.
The song changed, and everyone stood in anticipation of the bride’s arrival. The minute Jett and Aspen came into view, Mac took off like a shot.
There were muffled gasps at his sudden movement, but they quickly transformed into a chorus of “awws” when he stopped in front of Aspen, cupped her cheeks, and placed a kiss on her lips. Their foreheads rested together as they shared a private moment before Mac spun around, looking only mildly chagrined for venturing off book.
“Sorry, everyone. Just needed her to know how much I love her and can’t wait to marry her before we get this show on the road.”
He jogged back toward where the rest of the wedding party stood with the preacher.
“Okay, take two.” At his command, the music began again, and Aspen and her father continued their journey down the aisle.
While everyone was looking at Aspen, I couldn’t keep my eyes off Bex.
The tinkling noise from knives being tapped against champagne glasses was followed by a cheer from the guests as Mac and Aspen kissed.
The two of them hadn’t stopped smiling since they said, “I do,” and though I was overjoyed for my buddy, I couldn’t help but be a little envious that he’d locked down the love of his life while I was still in the trenches, fighting hard to win mine back.
From the side of the stage where the band was set up, the lead singer tapped the microphone, acting as the MC for the event. “Before dinner, we have a few speeches, starting with the best man, Tucker.”
All eyes turned to me as I stood from my seat beside Mac.
Reaching into the breast pocket of my suit jacket, I pulled out the words I’d written to share tonight.
But instead of reciting the speech I had prepared, I decided to take a page out of Bex’s book and speak from the heart.
“Let me start by saying how absolutely beautiful you look tonight, Aspen.” The bride blushed, but a smile tipped up on her lips. “I may be biased, but any man who manages to snag a girl from Rust Canyon is among the luckiest on earth.”
There were a few hoots from the crowd. Everyone in attendance was more than proud of the place they called home.
“Though I’m Mac’s best man, I’ve known Aspen far longer. We’ve had our ups and downs”—I pressed a hand to my chest—“which were totally my fault, but I’ve always admired her sense of empathy and loyalty. If you’ve been fortunate enough to find yourself in her orbit, then you know that she will throw down, quite literally, for those she loves.”
I tossed her a wink, and when she buried her face in Mac’s shoulder, I knew she caught my subtle reference to the time she read me the riot act in the middle of the tree lighting a few years back.
“But it’s her compassion that makes her the perfect partner for Mac. I’ve never met a pair of individuals who are as selfless, as committed to giving back, not only to our community but to those outside of it, as the brand-new Mr. and Mrs. Mac Blaze.
“Mac and I met when we were at a crossroads in our lives, and having that in common sparked our friendship. His sympathy offered a life raft during a time when it felt like I was drowning.”
“Love you too, buddy,” Mac called out loud enough that everyone could hear, eliciting several chuckles.
