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Epilogue
Genni
The Evans Ranch
One Year Later
“Oh, darlin’, it’s perfect,” Mrs. Evans gushed as I gazed into the full-length mirror. I touched the necklace she had just secured around my neck, a single teardrop pearl surrounded by sapphires that nestled in the center of my collarbone. It rested on a silver chain, simple yet elegant, and a perfect match to the collar Brian had presented me with at the club a month ago. Three strands of white gold were intricately woven into a delicate basketweave and decorated with small sapphires and diamonds. I had another that was an everyday collar made of durable sterling silver and looked just like the popular tiffany necklaces that were all the rage years ago.
“Thank you.” I smiled at her in the mirror. “It’s beautiful.”
I smoothed the front of my gown, a strapless, empire waist silk sheath with a layer of off-white lace that created the square neckline and cap sleeves. I wore my white strappy sandals underneath and had a baby blue garter nestled on my right thigh beneath my skirt.
“You could make anythin’ look beautiful.” She hugged me from behind. “Now, don’t be keepin’ him waitin’ much longer.” She winked at me and left the room.
Twelve months, six flights to visit each other long-distance, two moves, and one proposal later, here I stood, ready to marry the man I loved.
“Gran, you would have loved him.” Tears shimmered as a sharp pang of emotion clogged my throat. “I didn’t lose my love, and I hope you finally found yours in the eternal ever after.”
I grabbed my bouquet wrapped in two of my gran’s lace hankies, headed down the stairs to the waiting crowd of Brian’s family and to the aisle, which would lead me to the only man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.
* * *
Brian
My familyand our friends milled about the backyard waiting for the ceremony to begin. I reflected on all we had overcome this last year and how each step only strengthened our love and bond. After we returned from our visit to Florida, reality set in and Genni, who had been so sure, decided she needed some time. It had gone against all my instincts, but I had to return to the ranch. For six months, we flew to see each other every other weekend. Genni moved all her things from her apartment to her Gran’s house. Then she set to weeding through and cataloging all the items in the house. Once she chose what she wanted to keep, the rest was auctioned off. She also partnered with her friend Kendra to rent out her Gran’s house. My last flight back was to help her load up the moving truck and bring her home with me.
Our relationship hadn’t been perfect. Learning to trust each other with everything took time and a few disciplinary sessions at the closest club. Plus, living at the ranch house with my parents, even in our own wing, put a damper on our playtime.
Now, I stood there with my brothers next to me, waiting for her to glide down that aisle and proclaim before everyone her love and devotion, and I would do the same.
“You nervous, bro?” Brody nudged me in the ribs. “Gettin’ cold feet?”
“Never.” I glanced over at him. “Or doesn’t that collar around her neck mean anything?” Annoyance laced my words. I loved my brothers, but Brody’s smart-ass attitude was grating on my last brotherly nerve.
“Just playin’ with ya, bro.” He laughed.
The crowd around us quieted, and stragglers found their seats as the first notes of the wedding march began. I watched the most beautiful woman slowly making her way toward me and thanked God and the heavens for entrusting me with her love and care.
The ceremony was short and sweet, and I stood before the crowd with Mrs. Evans by my side and the biggest grin on my face.
“Come with me.” I laced my fingers with hers and took her off to the right side of the small altar, toward the horse barn instead of back down the aisle she had walked down. Hoots and hollers followed our departure with a few wolf whistles thrown in. “They won’t miss us. The bar is open, and the tables are overflowin’ with food.”
“Where are you taking me?” She held her skirt up as she tried to keep up with my pace.
“You’ll see soon enough.”
My horse stood, waiting at the doors, saddled and ready for a ride. Genni stopped in her tracks.
“I am not getting on the back of a horse in this dress.”
“Pet, if I say ya are, then ya are.” I pulled her the last few feet. A step had been placed next to my horse.
Mounted and on our way, the beauty of our land stretched before us. Our destination was only about a six-minute ride, and when we crested the small ridge, I stopped. Genni looked around and then at me.
“What did you want to show me?”
“Our future home.” I pointed ahead of us. “See those bright orange flags? That’s where I thought we could build our home. These three acres here are ours. Dad’s weddin’ gift to us.”
