Page 22 of Crashing the Altar
After a quick stop at the bunkhouse to shower and change into more formal attire, I drove over to the Atkinses’ homestead on the ranch. With only immediate family invited, the ceremony was set to take place in their backyard.
When I knocked on the front door, I didn’t receive an answer. Figuring everyone was already out back, I turned the knob and poked my head inside. Without a soul in sight, I deemed the coast clear and let myself in, stealthily climbing the stairs.
My feet moved automatically to the door on the right side of the hallway. Hat in hand, my fist was poised to knock when it swung open suddenly.
Green eyes belonging to the woman I loved widened in surprise as she stared back at me.
“Tripp.” The breathy way she said my name had my eyes slamming shut as longing crashed over me. “You came.”
My throat closed up when I forced myself to look at her, so my reply came out rough. “Wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Liar.
Jerking my chin toward the staircase, I asked, “Were you heading out?”
Penny peeked down the hallway and frowned, shaking her head slightly. “No. Come in.” When I didn’t make a move to enter her private space, she tacked on, “Please.”
Her soft plea spurred me into action, and I crossed the threshold, closing the door behind me. When I spun around and finally got a good look at her, I sagged against the wood at my back.
Palm pressed against the ache in my chest, I whispered reverently, “God, you’re so beautiful.”
The tiniest hint of pink colored Penny’s cheeks, and she dipped her chin, eyes dropping to the floor. “Thank you.”
Gaze raking over her appearance from head to toe, I cataloged the picture of perfection set before me. Her blonde hair was mostly pulled away from her face, a few curled pieces left hanging loose to frame it. Makeup highlighted her natural beauty, causing her jewel-colored eyes to pop. White fabric cascaded over her curves, making her look like an angel come to life.
“That dress,” I rasped.
She plucked at the lace overlay before peeking up at me through her lashes. “Wasn’t my first choice.”
Humming, I dragged a hand over my jaw. “I’d hate to see your first choice because this one about damn near brought me to my knees.”
The door began to open, forcing me to step further into the room.
“Tripp?” My sister’s shocked voice sounded from behind me. “What are you doing in here?”
Stepping closer to the bride, I cupped her cheek, stroking my thumb over the soft skin for the last time. Her lashes fluttered shut, and without her eyes on me, I finally found the courage to say the words that would shatter my heart into a million pieces.
“Came to wish my best girl good luck.” Green eyes glossy, she blinked up at me, and I decided to double down. “But she doesn’t really need it because she’s always been my Lucky.”
Clearing my throat, I let my hand fall away and turned around to find both Aspen and Bex staring at me, eyes wide and full of unshed tears. I mouthed,I’m fine, as I brushed past them and hustled down the steps.
I was the furthest thing from fine. My world was ending while I was being forced to bear witness to its destruction, hands tied.
Seated in the backyard, I couldn’t stop my legs from bouncing, the overwhelming urge to bolt blocking out everything else. With Mac on my right and Tucker on my left, there wasn’t a clear path to exit, so I was stuck unless I wanted to make a huge scene with my abrupt departure.
Mac nudged me. “How you hanging in there, bud?”
Lifting my eyes to the sky, I begged, “Distract me. Tell me about work.”
“Okay . . . Tuck, you wanna go first?”
“Can’t,” he replied. “There are laws prohibiting me from sharing what happens inside my office.”
My brother-in-law clicked his tongue. “Damn, I knew that. Guess it’s up to me to carry the team.” Under his breath, he muttered, “Not like I haven’t already by driving to Kansas and back today for this guy, but it’s fine.”
The low rumble that came from my chest could’ve easily passed for a growl. “You decide pissin’ me off was the better diversion?”
“All right. I’ve got this.” Mac cracked his knuckles. “I never realized that becoming a firefighter in the country was less about putting out actual fires and more about disaster relief and emergency services. The other day, we had grain rescue training. Like, do people actually fall into silos? Is that a thing?”
