Page 100 of Heartstrings & Horseshoes

Goosebumps cover every inch of my body hearing Mr. and Mrs. Hayes.

It’s something I’ve always dreamed of but never dared wish I’d have.

The woman ushers us through the chapel to the outdoor space, and the pinks and oranges of daybreak are already battling the darkness of the night before.

My bridal cowboy boots clack softly across the flagstone in harmony with Connor’s, echoing in the quiet morning.

We stop several paces from an older man dressed in a suit standing in a charming white gazebo. A carousel-like roof is supported by fluted columns, over a matching flagstone base.

Movement from the shrubbery catches my attention.

“Izzy?” I cry, tears already welling in my eyes.

My Irish twin, best friend and partner in crime for life, is miraculously standing before me in Las Vegas, the morning after her wedding.

“Don’t cry twinie! You’ll ruin your makeup.” Izzy wraps me in her arms, and I try to calm myself while she rubs my back.

I peek over her shoulder at Connor, a serene smile painted on his gorgeous face. How did he pull this off?

“Did someone order a Best Man?” Izzy releases me as I do a one-eighty to find CJ waltzing into the space like he owns it.

“You look exquisite, Delilah. Absolute perfection. Wouldn’t change a thing.” He kisses me on the cheek on his way to stand beside Connor.

They share a bro-hug with lots of back slaps and exchange words I can’t hear. Connor hands his cowboy hat to CJ and smooths back his hair.

My sister leaves me to stand beside CJ, who extends his elbow for her to hold.

“Absolutely stunning, Mrs. Matron of Honor,” CJ croons to Izzy, who playfully rolls her eyes at him.

Connor’s warm hand sweeps the hair off my back, cupping the back of my neck in his safe hold.

“Stay right here, doll.”

Soft music plays through the space, making it even more ethereal.

I’m rooted to the spot as my fiancé enters the gazebo. CJ escorts Izzy in as well, him standing beside Connor, and Izzy standing opposite next to the spot that I will fill.

Her eyes sparkle, but not at me—behind me. A calloused hand gently cups my shoulder.

“Reid?” Of course he’d follow his new wife to Vegas, I shouldn’t be surprised he’s here.

“Are you here to be a groomsman?” I chuckle. Looking all around for Olivia to pop out an announce herself as a bridesmaid.

“No.” He stands in front of me, commanding my full attention.

“Every girl deserves the opportunity to be walked down the aisle by someone important to them. If you’ll allow me, I’d be honored to give you away, Delilah.”

I fan my face, tears dangerously close to spilling past my lashes. I haven’t had a dad in a decade, and no one ever filled his shoes. Mr. Andersen’s been like a new father to Izzy, and poor Connor, his dad is fading before our eyes.

But Reid, he’s taken Connor under his wing at the ranch, mentoring him and becoming close friends. I love him for my sister, and he’s always treated me like family.

“I’d love that,” I manage to answer through my tight throat.

Reid turns to stand beside me, holds up a bent arm, which I loop my hand through to rest on his forearm.

We take the few steps into the gazebo and instead of standing beside CJ, Reid comes to stand behind Izzy, wrapping her in his arms.

How are they here, doing this for us, instead of celebrating their nuptials from yesterday?