Cattail Ridge (30 page)
Authors: T.L. Haddix
“I may have had a little help finding it but I did see it first.” He removed the ring from the velvet and slid it onto her hand. “So will you marry me?”
“I would be honored. Yes. Regardless of whatever these conditions are,” she teased. She moved her hand back and forth and the stones in the ring sparkled. “This is so beautiful.”
“Just like you.” After a fast kiss he wrapped his arms around her again, letting his hands rest on her hips. “The conditions are that we don’t wait a year to get married, and that we abstain until our wedding night.”
“What?”
“I want to prove to you that I’m not just after sex, that it’s much deeper for me. But at the same time, the shorter the engagement, the better.”
Emma grinned. “How does this week at the courthouse sound?”
“Tempting. But that’s a little too quick and no offense, too close to my first ceremony. I’d like to see you coming down the aisle in a pretty dress,” he admitted.
“I don’t need that.”
“But I do, Emma.”
She tilted her head. “You’re serious?”
“I am. Yes. Think about how cute Sydney would be as a flower girl. I want the whole world to know that you’re mine, and I want to do it right.”
Instead of speaking, she slid her arms around his waist for another hug. “Then that’s what we’ll do.”
Epilogue
S
ix weeks later, Emma was standing in the vestibule of the church her family attended, fidgeting while Amelia tweaked the spray of flowers in her hair.
“Pip, it’s fine.”
“No, it isn’t. It has to be just right. Hold still and I’ll have it in a second.”
Once she was satisfied, she stepped back and eyed Emma critically. “You are perfect. Absolutely stunning, Em. I mean that. If you weren’t my sister, I’d hate you.” Rachel, Ainsley, and Zanny agreed, their smiles misty.
Emma ducked her head, pleased. “It’s mostly your doing. I can’t thank you enough. I would have been perfectly happy with the church, a nice dress, and the man. But I feel like a princess today. So thank you.” It was true. Amelia had spearheaded the wedding plans, taking all the pressure off Emma.
Owen stepped in before their tears could start flowing in earnest. “Come on, ladies. Let’s get this show on the road.”
Emma blotted the wetness from her lashes, grateful for waterproof mascara. “You just want to give me away.”
“Nah, I’m eager to have Archer as a son-in-law,” he joked. “I’m happy for you, sweetheart.”
Sarah returned then with Sydney. “We’re ready.”
As the procession started, Emma let out a long sigh. It was just her and Owen now, and he patted her hand where it rested on his arm.
“Nervous?”
“Not in the least. I know I made the right choice.”
He squeezed her fingers. “That’s my girl. I really think he’ll make you and Sydney happy, and vice versa. That’s all your mother and I have ever wanted for you kids. It didn’t matter if you grew up to be garbage collectors or world famous. We just wanted you to be happy.”
Emma handed him her handkerchief and he gave a self-conscious laugh as he dabbed at his eyes.
“I love you, Daddy.”
“Love you, too, kiddo. Now let’s head in. Archer’s looking this way like he thinks we’re not coming, and Uncle Eli’s likely to send a posse to find us if we don’t go in.”
The look of relief, as well as absolute adoration, that came over Archer’s face when she and Owen stepped into the chapel only reaffirmed her beliefs. It was amazing how quickly she’d adapted to the idea once she’d made up her mind. Archer was her destiny, and she wasn’t the least bit fearful of the future.
As they reached the altar and Eli started the ceremony, Archer winked at her. His hands clasped hers warmly, confidently, and a feeling of peace washed over her. All the doubts she’d had months ago seemed silly now. She realized as she said the vows that would bind her to Archer that without the heartache of the past, she wouldn’t have been able to appreciate her present and her future so much. She said a prayer in her heart that Sydney would only ever know happiness, and that she and Archer would know the same.
Life didn’t have to be a perfect fairytale. That wasn’t realistic, she knew. But it could be good, so good. And that was perfect for her.
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