Page 65 of Ever's Last
Chapter Forty-Two
Memphis
Today is a big day. I’m going to finally marry my soul mate. I didn’t want to wait, neither did she. The only thing she asked was that it would be simple. And it is just that, simple and beautiful. I’m watching as Shane bark orders at his new crew as they rush around to set up. Since filming, his business expanded and he needed the help. I might have also put the word out about his cooking, but I will never tell him that, he hates when people use their names to get clients. I just want to look out for my father-in-law. Ever didn’t want anyone else to cater it, she wanted her father’s cooking, and I’m okay with that. I’ve been sitting on the porch swing and watching the back yard transform into something I know she will love.
A pergola was set up and Ivy is stringing lights and flowers on it, tables with candles are all over the yard. Why? Because my request was to be married at dusk, when the stars start to appear. The same stars that Ever and I have gazed at in our many heart-to-heart conversations. I don’t care what the yard looks like or if anyone even dresses up, I just want to make her my wife.
“It looks beautiful,” Ariel and Brick take a seat in the other swing.
“It does,” I reply softly.
“I’m happy for you,” Brick says, studying me.
“What?”
“You look content, happy.”
“I am. I think I should thank you and Sal. It was your crazy idea of me doing a dating show that brought me home.”
Brick laughs, “honestly I thought you were going to run the first day when I told you would be filming here.”
I snort, “I wanted to.”
“But look how it all turned out,” Ariel replies wistfully.
“I’m right where I need to be,” I state.
“I had my doubts,” Linc joins us. He hasn’t been my biggest fan, but I think I’m growing on him.
“I’ve made some mistakes, but I won’t hurt her, not again,” I reply.
“Gentleman, and Ariel,” Shane starts up the steps, “time to get dressed.”
I don’t even hesitate, I take off for the room I’ve occupied since the show, the guys hot on my trail. I can hear Ariel laughing as she calls to Ivy. I can’t wait. Let’s get this show on the road.
“I haven’t seen you move that fast,” Brick teases as Linc pulls out a tray.
“What’s that?”
“I thought we would toast,” Linc states, “to new friends, new beginnings. To douchebags finally growing up.”
Brick rolls with laughter and I smack his shoulder.
“In all seriousness, I’m glad you finally figured it out,” Linc says, pouring the shots of what I assume is tequila.
“After all this is said and done, I wanted to ask you a favor,” I tell him.
“A favor?”
“Yeah, can you come to Texas with me? I want to go to a horse auction. I don’t know anything about horses, but I know she likes to ride. I’m thinking about helping her start a clinic for young girls that want to learn to barrel race.”
Linc just stares at me. For five minutes, maybe longer, he just stares at me. I don’t know what to think. Is he going to say no?
“I think you broke him,” Brick chuckles.
“Linc?” I shake his shoulder a little bit.
“No, yeah, I’ll go with you. I think that’s a great idea,” he replies with a smile.
