Page 8 of The Wedding Toast
Willow laughed.“I think you’re right, brother – I can see steam starting to come out of his ears.”
“Aww.”Becca leaned against Jacob’s shoulder.“I didn’t mean it.Not really.You’ve worked so hard to pull it all together – and it’s all for me, I know it is.I appreciate it more than you know and …”
His gray eyes seemed to shine as he leaned in to press a kiss to her lips.“It’s okay.They’re only teasing me.”He narrowed his eyes at Bentley and Willow.“They know what I’m like.They should also know that if you did want to get married this afternoon, I’d make it happen – even though I wouldn’t be able to make good on all our planning.”
Willow laughed.“That’s what we were saying.”
Ava appeared beside Jacob’s chair.She’d been playing on the grass with Scooter, and Becca hadn’t seen her approach.She felt bad when she saw the worried expression on her face.
“Will I still be able to do the petals for you guys, Uncle Jacob?”
Becca’s heart melted when he held his arm out to Ava and helped her climb up onto his lap.When she was settled, he tapped the end of her nose.
“Of course you’ll still do the petals.We were only talking about what would happen if Becca wanted to get married this afternoon – saying that I’d make sure that even without enough time, I’d still take care of the most important details – and you being our flower girl is one of the most important details.”
“That’s right,” Becca agreed.“And I don’t really want to get married this afternoon – I only meant that I’m so excited, I don’t want to wait even one more week.”
Ava smiled at her.“Me too.I can’t wait to be in your wedding.”She glanced over at Grady and Hannah, who were sitting next to Willow and Slade.“I can’t wait to be in our wedding, too.But Daddy says being your flower girl is like practicing to be a real bridesmaid when they get married.”
Becca laughed when Slade punched Grady’s arm and said, “And since you guys still haven’t set a date, Ava might get some more practice in.”
Bentley gave him an inquiring look.“Have you guys …?”
Willow grinned.“We have.”She made a face at Slade.“But we weren’t going to say anything yet.Today’s about you guys.This is the final build-up.”
“But it doesn’t need to be all about us,” said Becca.“I want to hear all about what you’re planning.”She raised her eyebrows at Alyssa and Hannah.“And if you two have finally figured out what you want to do.I never thought I’d end up being the first old married lady among us.”
Slade chuckled.“See, this is the point where I’m relieved that we finally figured out what we’re going to do.”He pushed his chair back and got to his feet.
“And you’re not going to tell us what you’re planning?”asked Grady.
Slade shrugged.“It’s up to Willow if we tell.”He leaned down to kiss her cheek.“I already put my foot in it by bringing it up.”He gave Jacob a meaningful look that Becca didn’t understand.“I want to run down to the garage and pick up some tools I left there, if that’s okay.”
Ava grinned and slid down from Jacob’s lap.“You should go with him, Uncle Jacob.”
Becca was surprised at how quickly Jacob rose to join Slade.Bentley and Grady were on their feet too.
“You don’t mind if I run down there with the guys, do you?”Jacob asked.
She laughed.“Of course not.Although I didn’t realize that talking about everyone else’s plans would send you running like this.”She didn’t like to think it, but she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d had enough talk about wedding plans to last him a lifetime.
He rested his hand on her shoulder.“That’s not it.”He looked around at the other women, and Becca almost felt like he was appealing for their help.
That impression was confirmed when Willow smiled at her and said, “I think Slade talking about tools was code for something else – some guy thing he needs help with.”
“Oh!”Becca shot Slade an apologetic look.“Sorry.I …”
“Not a problem.I was trying to be subtle about it, but …” He shrugged happily.“It’s all good.”
Jacob leaned back down to kiss Becca briefly before he followed the other guys down the driveway toward the garage.
“Sorry, Willow,” said Becca.“I didn’t mean to embarrass Slade.”
Willow just laughed.“It’s all good – nothing to worry about.”
~ ~ ~
“Thanks, Slade,” Jacob said as he caught up to the others.
