Page 35 of Aaron

“You won’t get an argument out of me. I call them jerk-burgers all the time. But all kidding aside, they’re going to be furious about this. My parents. too.”

I almost nibble on my lip, but stop as Andrew’s gaze connects with mine via the rearview mirror. It’s like they all have some kind of Daddy-dar or something.

“I’ll be okay, Cheri. Aaron won’t let them hurt you. Besides, by the time they figure it out, it’ll be too late; you’ll already be married.”

“Unless they figure it out early and get there before we say our vows. Or they could try to make us get an annulment…” I worry my parents will put a stop to my happiness for the sake of a business deal.

“You can’t get an annulment, Little girl. You and my brother had sex last night, right?”

Um, how does he know that? Did Aaron tell him? I’m blushing again. I can feel the heat all the way down my neck, and it’s annoying as hell. Will my face ever be free from blushing as long as I live here? I might have to get some concealer, so I don’t always look like I’m on fire.

“How do you know that?” I sound like I’m squeaking; my voice is so high-pitched.

“My brother wouldn’t take the chance of your family starting something. So even if he would have preferred to wait till you were married, like we all did, he is always thinking ahead. It will be good to remember that, Little one, because he’s always three steps ahead of the rest of us. You won’t be able to put anything over on him.”

Of course, he is. It doesn’t worry me. There’s nothing about Aaron that I don’t like. Not his quiet scrutiny, and definitely not the sadistic Daddy Dom in bed. If I wrote my perfect man, it would be him. Maybe wishes can come true.

The ride down the mountain feels different from yesterday’s trip up with Abbie. Merda. Yesterday? So much has happened since then, and now I’m driving to my wedding with my bestie and her new husband. Bizarre, much? I bet neither of us had this on our bingo cards this year.

I listen to them chat. It’s so cute how they interact, but it’s an excellent distraction. It’s so much better than replaying what Aaron said this morning, or the mess we’re going to have with my family. But I guess that’s a problem for Future Cheri—Future Married Cheri. Oh shit.

When we park in front of the courthouse, I get my first look at Maple Creek. It’s as picture-perfect as Abbie described. Her store should be just down the street. I wonder whether we’ll have time to stop by and see her before we go home after the wedding. I’m about to ask when I realize I’ll be with Aaron on the way back and I can ask him.

My heart is beating so hard that by the time Andrew helps me out of the truck, I’m worried I’m going to pass out before I get through this. Pre-wedding jitters have nothing on instantaneous-wedding jitters. Cazzo.

“Do you want to do this?” Jac asks as she stops me from going through the courthouse doors.

I don’t even hesitate when I answer, “Yes, I love him. I shouldn’t, but I do.”

“Then let’s do this. We all have your back; nothing bad will happen.” She hugs me close, then stays by my side as Andrew holds the door for us.

“Hey there. I didn’t think I’d be seeing you again, and definitely not here,” Abbie says from the lobby of the courthouse.

“What? Wow. Hi. Yeah, I’m a little surprised,” I answer, stopping in front of her.

She’s laughing as she looks at Andrew. “You Gallants don’t waste any time, do you?”

“Not if we can help it. How are you, Abbie? How’s the family?”

“They’re great. Well, my brothers are…” then she looks at me and smiles, “Jerk-burgers, but other than that it’s all good.”

“I’m glad I got to see you. I was hoping to stop by the store. But I guess I’ll be around now anyway,” I say.

“Looks like it. That’s why I’m here. Aaron stopped by the store to get some flowers for you and asked if I could keep watch for some ‘seriously annoying men’ who followed you here.” Abbie winks, and I snicker. I told her all about my brothers on our ride from Asheville.

After exchanging a quick hug, she hands me a bouquet of wildflowers. They’re perfect. “Thank you!”

“See you later, Future Mrs. Gallant.” I don’t know her well, but I bet we’ll be friends. She’s so much like Jac.

Andrew stops at the judge’s chambers and turns toward me. “Ready, Cheri? If you don’t want to do this, no one will make you. Aaron won’t be happy, but he’ll deal with it, or I’ll make him.”

“It’s okay. I’m ready; I want to marry Aaron.” All the nerves I fought with on the ride here evaporate when Andrew opens the door, and I see Aaron standing with the man I assume is the judge.

Aaron looks so handsome in his navy-blue bespoke suit. Underneath is a white shirt and a pale blue tie that matches my dress almost exactly. My vision goes fuzzy as I make my way toward the man who was a stranger yesterday and is about to become my forever. I search inside my heart for hesitation, but there’s none. I want this. I want him. And more than anything, I want to have a happily ever after with him.

After brief introductions and some teasing by Judge Henderson, we’re married. Do I remember the ceremony? Not a chance. The entire time I focused on Aaron, who smiled when he had to prod me to repeat my vows. Now we’re married. Where he got the ring from, I have no idea. A simple gold band adorns my left ring finger; it’s perfect. I never wanted a huge, elaborate wedding. This is much more my style. Jaclyn videoed the entire ceremony, so I’ll have it forever. I can share it with his brothers and my family if they want to see it.

Aaron wraps his arm around my waist as soon as the ceremony is over and pulls me in for a kiss. Only the teasing by his brother makes him pull away. “I love you, Mrs. Gallant, my precious Little princess.” His eyes shine with love and devotion, and I blink back tears. I never thought I’d find happiness and love.