Page 88 of Heartstrings & Horseshoes

My attention shifts to Delilah as Mr. Andersen has Reid and Izzy repeat the traditional vows, to have and to hold, so long as they both shall live.

Her eyes meet mine, pure love shining back at me. As the happy couple exchanges rings and seals their commitment with a kiss, one truth overtakes me.

I’m going to marry Delilah.

The wedding party floats away in a cloud of laughter to take wedding photos, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

This decision was inevitable. I’ve known Delilah was it for me since I was eight years old. It’s long past time I make her mine permanently.

I lock myself in our suite, ensuring privacy while I do what I need to do. Checking the time, my best friend’s still at work, but I know he’ll respond.

Me: Hey.

CJ: Aren’t you supposed to be basking in merriment?

Me: You’re gonna want in on this.

CJ: Color me intrigued.

CJ: Proceed.

Me: Remember that summer you made me watch every episode of “Four Weddings”?

CJ: Yesssss. I’m listening.

Me: Remember how you insisted you’d plan a better wedding than any of the contestants?

CJ: Please tell me this is going where I hope it’s going…

Me: Could you help me plan to marry Delilah in approximately 36 hours?

I wait impatiently for his response.

CJ: Sorry that took me so long, I was so excited I threw my phone, and it cracked against the ceiling. It shut itself off from the impact and I’ve been screaming at it to turn back on to text you back!

CJ: YES OH MY GOD I WOULD LOVE TO PLAN YOUR SUPER SECRET SURPRISE WEDDING!

Me: Do you think you can plan it all from home?

CJ: *scoffs* Do I think I can plan it all from home?

CJ: Does Taylor Swift make grown men cry?

Me: Like babies.

CJ: Exactly.

CJ: Send me your ideas and leave the rest to me.

CJ: Oh, and add me as an authorized user to your credit card.

Me: Done. I want it to be perfect, but please don’t bankrupt me…

CJ: Did you forget you’re talking to the Bargain Queen of the Rockies? Now leave me alone to make magic.

CJ: But still send me stuff. Leave me alone after you send me stuff.

I pocket my phone, roll my shoulders, and shake out my hands to get some of the buzzing energy out of my body.