Page 68 of Here With You

Charlotte rushed in. “The guests are here and we’re almost ready.” Poor Charlotte looked ready to faint and take flight at the same time.

Emmaline looked down at her slip. “Do you think I should put on my dress?”

The look on Charlotte’s face was priceless. “Oh, my God, you’re not even dressed.”

Marybeth walked in with Tilly. They were wearing pink dresses in the same hue but in different styles. “Why aren’t you dressed?” Marybeth asked. “The pastor is waiting for you, and so is Miles.”

Her heart took off like it was running down the aisle and had left her body behind. “Miles is waiting for me?”

Tilly shook her head. “Girl, get your dress on and get out there. He’s been waiting for thirty years; don’t make him wait for thirty more.”

Charlotte removed the ivory lace dress from its hanger and slipped it over Emmaline’s head, careful not to displace the updo she had painstakingly pinned in place.

Brie walked down the hallway looking perplexed. “I’m sorry, Charlotte. I can’t find it anywhere.”

“Find what?” Emmaline asked. She hoped no one had lost their wedding rings.

They stared at Brie. “Your left shoe is missing.”

Emmaline laughed so hard she cried. Charlotte had a conniption and pointed out that the damn dog was ruining her masterpiece.

When “Better Today” played, she didn’t have time to care about her shoe. She grabbed her flowers and headed for the door.

“There are rules,” Charlotte reminded her. She set the crown of wildflowers on top of Emmaline’s head. “Don’t forget. A lady never looks too eager.”

“Charlotte, get it together, or I’m leaving everyone behind.”

“Fine.” Charlotte lined everyone up, and by the second verse, Em was on her way, barefoot and all. As she brought up the end of the procession, she thought about all the ceremonial prerequisites for a bride. Something old was a handkerchief Miles found in May’s drawer and was now tucked inside her bra. New was the dress she found at a discount bridal shop. Just because she could afford couture didn’t mean she needed it or wanted it. Blue was the morning glories that cascaded from her bouquet. And borrowed … she hadn’t checked off that item until her left shoe went missing. She supposed she could twist the rules and say that Ollie borrowing her shoe fit the bill.

When she got to Miles, he looked handsome, wearing his tuxedo and black cowboy hat. She wanted to skip all the words and rush him into the house to start the wedding night, but everyone had gone to a lot of trouble to make sure this day was perfect.

Next to Miles was Darryl, who had become less judgmental and a lot kinder now that he had five million dollars in the bank. Cormac was there too. He opted to keep a lesser share of the ranch and cashed out a percentage of his ownership, so he’d have some money. As she looked at him, she saw he only had eyes for Tiffany and her daughter, Ava, who’d shown up to deliver candy and stayed to enjoy the festivities. Rumor had it that she was back with her ex-husband which broke her heart for Cormac.

Marybeth’s husband, Raleigh, who she only referred to as the pastor, cleared his throat and started the ceremony. They went for the traditional vows. Although she knew Raleigh was talking, she didn’t hear a word he said. Miles silently conveyed all the words she needed to hear with his eyes. They said I love you. I will worship you. I’m here with you.

Careto find out what happens when the town’s new wedding planner meets the man of her dreams? The only problem is, he’s marrying someone else.Because You Said Yesis up next.

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