Page 64 of Marrying the Accidental Groom
Barry caught his eye from across the room. Just a look, steady and knowing, as if he’d been waiting years for Gideon tofinally grow up. And maybe he had. But instead of the old shame that used to gnaw at him, Gideon felt...ready. Not perfect. But ready.
He set his mug down before his nerves could get the better of him and crossed the room. He tugged Juliana gently away from Chance’s marshmallow masterpiece and toward the fireplace.
“Jules,” he said, low, because some things weren’t meant for the whole Reynolds peanut gallery.
Her brow creased. “What is it?”
His throat felt tight, but he forced the words out. “I’ve been running from a lot of things. From being the guy my family needs. From owning this ranch instead of just working it. From...you.” His hands found hers, big and clumsy against her smaller ones, but he held on. “I didn’t think I was good enough. Didn’t think I could carry it. But I don’t want to live afraid anymore. Not of failing here. Not of losing you.”
Her lips parted, breath shaky, but she didn’t pull away.
“I believe God knew I’d need you,” he said, voice rough. “That I’d need someone to remind me that leading doesn’t mean you’re all alone. You’ve been that for me, Jules. And I don’t want to fight it anymore. I want to build this life with you. For good. If you’ll let me. Will you stay married to me?” he asked with a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
For a second, silence hung between them, the chaos of the lodge fading as if someone had shut a door. Then she squeezed his hands, her eyes wet but steady. “I was so afraid too. Afraid of letting go, of trusting anyone but myself. But God’s been showing me through all of this that He’s the one holding it together, not me. That control isn’t the same as peace.”
Her smile wobbled, but her voice was sure. “Yes, Gideon. I’m not going anywhere.”
The breath left him in a rush, and he kissed her right there in the middle of the lodge. Cocoa mugs clinked behind them,kids giggled, and his family no doubt stared, but he didn’t give a rip. Because this wasn’t about putting on a show. This was about finally dropping every fear and choosing her. Choosing them.
When he pulled back, laughter bubbled up in his chest. “In case you’re wondering,” he murmured, “I said I fell halfway in love with you on the pineapple truck. I fell the rest of the way for you the night you climbed out the rear window of my truck.”
Juliana blinked, then laughed through her tears. “Figures. Leave it to you to thinkthatwas romantic.”
“Not romantic,” he said, brushing his thumb across her cheek. “Just real. And I’ll take real with you, every day.”
Across the room, Barry lifted his mug in a toast, Connie dabbed her eyes, and Cassie grinned so big it was embarrassing. Stetson pretended to gag, Chance asked for more marshmallows, and life just...kept going.
And for once, Gideon didn’t feel behind. Didn’t feel like he was failing. With Juliana at his side, the weight of the ranch, family, and future didn’t feel like a burden anymore. It felt like a calling.
He pulled her closer, pressed his forehead to hers, and whispered the only prayer that fit.Thank You, Lord. For the unexpected. For her. For this life I never would’ve planned, but wouldn’t trade for anything.
EPILOGUE
TEALUA ISLAND – SIX MONTHS LATER
Juliana leaned back against the hammock, the salty breeze tangling her hair as she flipped her leather-bound itinerary open on her lap. It wasn’t as rigidly color-coded as the ones she’d clung to back in San Francisco, but it wasn’t blank either. She’d penciled in just enough structure to keep herself from twitching. Sunrise hike, snorkeling, a dinner under the stars. But right there in the middle, in bold capital letters, she’d written:
WHATEVER WHIM GIDEON GETS TODAY.
She smiled, tapping the page with her pen as Gideon dropped into the hammock beside her, sending it rocking dangerously.
“Let me guess,” he said, stealing the itinerary from her hands. “You scheduled spontaneity again?”
She swatted at him, laughing. “It’s called balance. You’re welcome.”
His arm slid around her shoulders, warm and familiar, and she melted into his side.
“I know exactly what I want to do with that time on the schedule,” he whispered, kissing her neck. Her temperature began to rise as she squirmed in anticipation.
“Oh yeah? Do we need to move to the bedroom?” she asked, trying not to gasp at how his lips tickled the spot between her ear and her jaw.
Gideon created some distance and gave her a wicked smile. “Nope,” he said, popping thep. “Let’s go, my love. Gideon’s adventure of the day is waiting.”
Twenty minutes later, as they trekked through the dense palms, the air thick with the scent of hibiscus and salt, she was beginning to question what exactly she’d agreed to. Her sandals slipped against the damp earth, and she tightened her grip on Gideon’s hand.
“You’re walking like a woman heading for her execution,” he teased.
“That’s because I probably am.” She adjusted the strap of her crossbody bag, muttering under her breath. “This was not what I envisioned when I wroteromantic island getaway. I was thinking candlelit dinners. Maybe hammocks. Not...cliff-jumping.”
