Page 74 of Backed By You
Maci pulled me aside just the other day to ask if I would help them train the new puppy when he comes home in a few weeks. A blue heeler, Duke’s dream dog. Which reportedly had him intears when they got to meet the newest member of their family a few days ago.
Of course, I agreed.
I press one more kiss to Beau’s cheek before I slide from the bed and head to the shower. My ass sways as I walk. A low groan followed by the bed creaking has me glancing over my shoulder at his hungry stare. When he moves to stand, gaze locked on mine, I scurry through the bathroom door and laugh as I close it quickly behind me.
The Winton Resort sits nestled against the mountains like something out of a fairy tale. Sunlight glints off the glass of the main lodge, and wildflowers dot the surrounding meadows in splashes of purple, yellow, and white. The late June air carries the scent of pine and fresh mountain water, a welcome change from the stifling perfume of Hollywood.
“Wow,” I breathe as Beau pulls the truck into the parking area. In all the months I’ve spent in Whitetail, not once have I come to the resort. Maci’s invited me to several of her yoga classes, but I was too worried about the exposure, the tourists. I regret that decision. “This is gorgeous.”
“Butch and Duke didn’t spare any expense,” Beau says, finding a spot between two lifted trucks. “Probably helped that they split the cost of everything.”
I smile, remembering how Beau explained the unique wedding arrangement. His brothers had decided a year ago to share their special day—a double wedding that somehow makes perfect sense for the close-knit brothers.
“Ready?” Beau asks, cutting the engine. He looks handsome in his black suit and purple tie to match my flowy, purple floraldress that stops mid-calf. He was a good sport taking a butt load of pictures of me to send to Shea at her request.
“Absolutely.” I’ve never been to a double wedding before. So much love, friends, family. It’s exciting. And they were sweet enough to give Hulk his own invitation since Cassidy’s dog, Frankie, is in attendance as well.
We’re barely out of the truck with Hulk in tow, wearing a purple bowtie, when a familiar voice calls out. Duke’s jogging toward us in a flawless black suit and tie, his usually composed face flushed with excitement or nerves. Probably both. “Thank god you’re here,” he says, clapping his brother on the shoulder before nodding a quick greeting to me. “Butch is driving everyone insane with last-minute checks, and Parker disappeared with the rings.”
“He lost them already?” Beau asks, eyebrows raised.
“Not lost,” Duke clarifies. “Just ‘keeping them safe somewhere special’ that he now can’t remember.”
I laugh as Beau huffs. “Where do you need me?”
“Groom’s suite. Second floor of the lodge, east wing.” Duke glances at his watch. “First look pictures are soon.”
Beau turns to me. “You okay for a bit? I shouldn’t be long.”
“Go,” I tell him with a smile. “I’ll find a good seat for the ceremony.”
He presses a quick kiss to my forehead before following Duke toward the lodge entrance. He falls into step with his brother. Hulk and I slowly make our way in the same direction.
The lodge interior is all polished wood and stone, with soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the mountain views. I follow signs toward the ceremony space, a stunning mountainside pavilion decorated with wildflowers and flowing white fabric. A few early guests are already being seated, people I recognize from around town.
I take a seat near the front on the far end so Hulk can lie down and place my purse on the chair next to me. It’s not long before nearly every seat is full and a flurry of activity near the lodge draws everyone’s attention. Two photographers are positioning themselves, and staff members are making final adjustments to the floral arrangements flanking the aisle.
I spot Beau a moment later, scanning the growing crowd, as ruggedly handsome as ever. When his eyes find me, his face relaxes into a smile that makes my heart skip. He makes his way over, greeting family members as he passes.
“Sorry about that,” he says, sliding into the seat beside me. “Crisis averted. Rhett found the rings in the inside pocket of his jacket. Levi put them there, not Parker.”
“Sounds stressful,” I tease.
He shrugs. “Both of them are a mess, but trying hard to hide it.” His arm settles around my chair, warm and solid. His hand brushes my arm. “You look beautiful.”
A quiet ‘aww’ echoes around us and I blush despite myself.
Beau doesn’t seem bothered by the audience, though, his focus remains on mine with an intensity that makes me forget the bustling activity around us. I smooth the skirt of my dress. “So do you.”
Music begins to play, signaling guests to take their seats. Beau’s hand finds mine as the music shifts to announce the start of the ceremony. I watch his face as the wedding party begins their procession—the subtle pride as Butch takes his place at the altar beside their uncle who is performing the ceremony and as his and Cassidy’s bridesmaids and groomsmen pair off down the aisle. When Cassidy appears at the entrance in a stunning ball gown with a man I recognize on her arm and a chubby wiener dog trotting in front of her, my eyes go wide.
I nudge Beau with my elbow. “Oh, mygod. Is that…Garrett Clark?” The hottest country-rock singer to hit the radio in thelast decade. Shea woulddieif she were here. She’s obsessed with his songWhiskey Bent. Heck, I think we all are.
“Yeah, that’s Cassidy’s brother,” he confirms. “Butch helped him get sober a few years ago. Don’t think he’s been back to town since. Supposedly, he met some guy in rehab who helped him get his song out.”
As the ceremony unfolds, I find myself watching Beau almost as much as the proceedings. Butch and Cassidy have their ceremony first; Duke stands beside him as his best man while Maci watches from the far back row so not to draw attention away from their special moment. The gloss in Butch’s eyes when he recites his vows to Cassidy has everyone in tears. They kiss and applause follows them down the aisle where they stand at the back of the crowd. Duke takes Butch’s place at the altar.
A new song plays, and Maci glides to him in an elegant satin gown. Their moment is just as beautiful. Duke stumbles in his promise to Maci, but she beams, brushing a stray tear from his cheek.
