Page 102 of Home in the Country
“We’ll see,” she says nonchalantly as Tanner’s car comes into view.
“They’re here.” Briggs squeals and I chuckle as my heart starts to race. I’ve dreamed of this moment, and I can only hope I’m doin’ it right.
“Mama!” Briggs yells as he runs and wraps his arms around her waist. “You look pretty.”
“Thanks, baby, and look at you! My goodness—so handsome!” She takes in Briggs’s short-sleeved white button-down, navy blue shorts, and suspenders. Tanner and I match except I have a matching blue vest on and will put on my suit coat—later.
“Okay! Everyone, let’s get some posed pictures and then we’ll grab some candid shots!” The photographer directs us how to stand, and we swap out here and there until my mouth hurts from smiling.
While Fallon is distracted, I give Briggs the sign, and he rushes over and drops down to his knee beside me. When she turns around and sees us, she gasps and then turns to Tanner.
“You knew!”
He shrugs but smiles. Tear-filled eyes land back on me, and a million thoughts and fears and hopes and dreams pass through them as she walks to stand in front of us.
“I think in any other situation I would agree that we’d need more time.” I smile down at Briggs, and he gives me one in return. “But there’s nothin’ I want more than this. Than you. I want the chaos of a life with you, the good and the bad and the incredible. I want to wear matching shirts with Tanner and take Briggs to the lake and dance with you in a crowd and in our kitchen. Be sure when I ask you, Fallon.”
“Yes.”
“Will you marry me?”
“Yes. Oh my gosh, yes!” She holds out a shaky hand, and I slide the diamond ring—a princess cut on a white gold band—halfway up her finger.
“Are you sure?” I ask as I look up at her.
“I’m sure.” And with that, I slide it on and then nod to Briggs.
“Mama.” He holds up his own little box that holds a white gold bracelet with three connected stars.
“Oh Briggs, it’s beautiful.”
“Three stars for past, present, and future,” I say as I clasp it around her wrist. She smiles as she wipes a tear from her cheek and leans down to kiss Briggs.
He grins and then hugs her tight. Tapping his elbow, I ask, “Can I kiss your mom now?”
“I guess,” he says with an eye roll as I stand to my full height and take her face in my hands.
“I love you.” Her whisper is loud enough for only me to hear, and I whisper the words back against her lips before I kiss the woman who is about to be my wife.
EPILOGUE
FALLON - 20 MINUTES LATER
“It’s just over this hill!” the photographer yells from in front of us as we walk through the field. Every once in a while she turns around to take a photo of us. Otto holds my right hand while Briggs holds my left and Tanner holds his other hand.
Today has been a whirlwind of emotions and worth all the hairspray I inhaled. I never thought I’d be the kind of woman who wanted a photographer to capture an engagement, but I can’t wait to see those moments memorialized forever.
Just like from the moment that Tanner came to Clementine Creek, we’ve been a united front—Otto made sure of that and I’ve never been more grateful.
“Hey Princess?” Otto asks as I catch a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye.
“Yeah?” I say, but I’m already turning my head and gasping as people stand from chairs in the distance to face us.
“I have another question for you.” I turn to look at the man beside me with the icy-blue eyes and wild brown hair that I love running my hands through.
“What’s that?”
“Will you marry me today?” I look back at the crowd of expectant guests and then throw my head back and laugh.
