Page 57 of Wrecked
She'd given me the third degree for almost two hours straight while everyone else just sat back and enjoyed the show. Eventually, Kenzie had saved me by telling Mrs. Jackson we'd have the reception on the ranch and she had free rein to do what she wanted. At that suggestion, my girl had received a huge hug while I got the stink eye.
It warmed my heart when Kenzie had taken so easily to the people I considered family and vice versa.
"Right," Logan smacked his palms together. "Let's get you two married."
Kenzie
I stole a glance at the man sitting beside me; his fingers loosely curled around the steering wheel and this adorable goofy smile playing on his lips. In less than an hour, he was going to be my husband.
Husband.
I liked how that sounded. This day was going to be the best day of my life, I just knew it. My heart made a little dip, and I pushed the sadness away. I would have loved to have my parents there, for them to see how happy I was. I'd tried calling them a few times, but they never returned any of my calls.
I was hopeful that in time they would at the very least understand and respect my decision. I've only been in Willow Creek for two weeks, but already I felt like a new person. Not only did I have this wonderful future with Brett and Blue to look forward to, but I also had an exciting new business that I was building. I'd even managed to convince Brett to start a sculpture range that would be exclusive toForever After.
Brett eased into a parking spot in front of the courthouse and took my hands in his, "You're sure this is fine? We could always do the whole big, fancy church thing."
I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "This is perfect."
He searched my face, and I saw all the love I felt for this man reflected in his eyes. "Better not keep the judge waiting, then." We climbed out of the truck; hand in hand we walked toward the people waiting for us.
The individuals Brett thought of as family were amazing people. They'd opened their hearts to me and welcomed me in without a second thought. Mrs. Jackson had a way about her that made me feel as if I'd been part of their circle for years, rather than a couple of weeks.
I frowned at Brett who seemed to be scanning the small group of people as though he was searching for someone. I tugged his hand. "Who are you looking for?" I asked when his eyes found mine.
For a second, my heart stood still as I saw sadness wash over his face. Then he smiled that smile of his that always melted all my worries away. "No one, Sweetheart."
We were met with cheers and happiness when we finally reached the steps of the courthouse. Like the mother hen she was, Mrs. Jackson ran her hands over Brett's shoulders and picked at invisible threads. She glanced at his pants and arched a brow.
"Really? You couldn't part with your jeans for one day?"
Over his shoulder, Brett winked at me. He'd known what her reaction was going to be when I'd asked him to wear his Levi's instead of dress pants. I didn't need him to change who he was though. And my man and dress pants were not friends. Plus, he looked all kinds of delicious in those hip-hugging jeans.
I scanned over the group that came together to celebrate our happiness and even though it filled me with so much joy, my heart still pinched. Knowing it had been short notice, I didn't expect Zoe to make it. Still, it would have been great to have someone there from my side.
About to mention that maybe we should go inside, I almost jumped out of my skin when someone hugged me from behind. I turned to find my best friend wearing the exact same expression as everyone else.
Feeling all kinds of emotional, I grabbed her and pulled her in for a fierce hug. "You came."
Zoe returned my embrace, "What? Did you really think I would miss my bestie's wedding?" She stood on her toes and whisper-shouted, "But if you'd told me that the men in this town were so damn fine, I'd have been here long ago."
"I've missed you." I declared on a laugh.
Appearing to be more eager than Brett or I, Mrs. Jackson started shuffling us toward the entrance.
"Kenzie."
My heart along with my feet stilled before the slamming against my ribs verged on being painful. My gaze immediately shot to Brett. He bent down and kissed me softly. "Turn around, Sweetheart."
Nerves and who knew what else held my feet hostage. Through the whooshing in my ears, I heard Brett tell everyone to go inside and that we'd join them shortly. Zoe patted my shoulder before she joined the others. I blinked, and my parents were standing in front of me.
Brett squeezed my hand, and when I looked at him, he said, "I'll be right there," he pointed toward the entrance.
I held onto his hand for dear life. "No, don't leave me."
"I'll never leave you," he whispered against my ear.
"You look beautiful." The pride in my mother's voice felt like a shock to the system. My brain was firing off a million questions though.Why are you here? Did you know I was getting married today? If so, who told you?
