Page 36 of Redemption Ridge Vol II

“I would expect Hope to dress like Moira Rose at David and Patrick’s wedding in Schitt’s Creek,” Owen said.

“I heard that,” Hope said. “And my daughter made me behave.”

“Someone has to,” Harry said.

Gary threw up his hands. “Hey, I’ve tried.”

“Lesser men have failed at the task, darling,” Hope told him.

Tyler checked his watch and noticed it was almost time for the ceremony to begin. “You don’t suppose the grooms snuck off to Vegas, do you?”

A familiar gruff chuckle answered Tyler’s question, and they turned to see Nick and Cash standing just outside the great room. They looked around the space in awe before Cash met Tyler’s gaze. “I wouldn’t want to get married without you guys.” Cash’s gaze misted over as he took in the crew’s attire. “You look damn good. I can’t believe you went to so much trouble for us.”

They rushed Cash and Nick as a group. They were always affectionate toward each other, but it was the first time they’d engaged in a group hug of that magnitude. By the time they were done, Cash couldn’t contain his tears. He swiped at his eyes until Harry whipped out a tissue from her jacket’s inner pocket.

“Getting sentimental in my old age.” Cash wiped his face and tucked the tissue away. He smiled at the gathered group before turning his gaze to Nick. “Ready to do this?”

Nick cupped his face and used his thumb to wipe away a tear Cash had missed. “I’ve been ready.”

They joined hands and headed to the altar. Rory and Ivan exchanged a warm look before they followed the soon-to-be husbands. Hope got caught up in watching the couples and needed a nudge before she remembered her role in the big event. Harry had set the chairs in a single row to form a semicircle around the altar instead of cutting the group in half.

“I didn’t prepare a formal ceremony,” Hope began. “I wanted to soak in the ambience and love around me and speak from the heart.”

What followed was a gorgeous celebration of devotion and commitment. Tyler got swept away by the heartfelt and humorous vows Cash and Nick had prepared for one another. At some point, he realized he was holding Owen’s hand, though he wasn’t sure which one of them had reached for the other. Ivan’s and Rory’s gazes were riveted to one another during the ceremony, almost as if they were the ones committing their lives to one another. A quick glance at the rest of the crew revealed a sweet array of emotions and reactions. Finley leaned on Kieran’s shoulder, and Kieran pressed his lips to Finley’s head. Dylan stared at Harry as if he still couldn’t believe his good fortune, and she playfully nudged him with her elbow when she caught him staring. Keegan’s hazel eyes shone with so much hopefulness that it hurt to look at him. And Rueben wore a look of pure determination on his face.

Tyler looked to his right and caught Owen staring at him. The fairy lights reflected in his midnight eyes, making them extra sparkly. Tyler had already promised this man forever, and he had every intention of backing up his words with action someday. He’d start by fully surrendering his body to Owen when they got back to the cabin. They’d pleasured each other in so many ways, but they’d stopped short of full penetration. Tyler didn’t want any barriers between them—emotionally or physically—and had suggested they swing by the clinic for testing while they shopped for their suits on Thursday. Owen had stared open-mouthed at him for so long that Tyler thought he’d made a mistake, but then Owen swooped in and kissed him in the middle of the department store.

Tyler had proof that what he wanted—to belong to Owen in every way—was within his reach, but two nights had passed since then without feeling Owen inside him. He straightened his shoulders and channeled Rueben’s determination. Owen’s mouth curved into a wicked grin that made Tyler want to drag him back to the cabin, dinner be damned, but cheers and clapping interrupted his plans. He turned his head and saw the grooms were still enjoying their first kiss as husbands.

The winter wonderland theme continued into the dining room. A white lace runner graced the length of the table. Harry had made centerpieces out of the same evergreens, white roses, and silver pinecones that decorated the fireplace mantel. She’d added glass jars with flickering candles and hung twinkling snowflake lights from the chandelier over the table.

Harry hooked her arm around Rory’s neck and said, “If you like the way we decorate, just wait until you taste the feast we’ve prepared with Dylan’s help.”

Nick rubbed his hands together and said, “I’ve been smelling smoked meat all day long. Bring on the feast.”

Cash smiled and shook his head. “I’m not sure what he’s more excited about—marrying me or eating brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.”

Nick sighed heavily. “If you have to ponder, then I’m not doing something right.”

His comment triggered catcalls and whistles until Harry, Dylan, and Rory silenced the room with the first platters of food. Conversation all but stopped over the next hour as everyone enjoyed their feast.

“We’re supposed to dance after this?” Ivan asked, pushing back from the table.

“Yep,” Rory told him. “You need to burn off calories and make room for cake.”

Ivan leaned closer and whispered something in Rory’s ear that made him smirk. Tyler might be a rookie, but he’d be willing to bet money that Ivan listed more intimate ways they could burn off calories besides dancing.

Rueben pushed back from the table and stood up with his empty dishes. “I think Keegan and I should get to be the DJs since we’re the only single people on this ranch.”

Keegan stood up quickly with his dishes too. “I love that idea.”

The two of them launched into a list of songs they wanted to play while the others filed out of the dining room. With everyone working together, it didn’t take long to restore order in the kitchen and dining room.

“Let’s get this party started!” Rueben yelled from the corner where Hope had set up the stereo equipment.

Keegan hit a button, and a fast-thumping song boomed from the speakers. Tyler didn’t know what the song was, but he wanted to move with his man. He tugged Owen’s hand and met resistance.

“Now’s a good time for us to sneak off,” Owen said.