Maggie steps in, hands folded in front of her like she’s approaching a skittish animal, except her eyes are smiling.
“You ready, sweetheart?” she asks.
I nod, even though my stomach is fluttering so hard it feels like it might take off.
“Good,” Maggie says. “Because my son’s pacing outside like he’s about to go wrestle a bear.”
Jet perks up instantly. “He is, isn’t he?”
Rose laughs through her tears. “He’s probably giving himself a pep talk.”
Charlotte’s eyes go soft. “He’s going to cry.”
“Dallas McCoy?” Jet says. “Dallas ‘I’m Fine’ McCoy?”
Maggie’s smile widens like she’s enjoying this. “He’s already emotional. Boone caught him staring at the arch like it personally offended him.”
I snort.
It comes out unexpectedly, a sharp little laugh that loosens the knot in my chest.
“Okay,” I say, wiping under my eyes. “Okay. I’m fine.”
Charlotte points at me. “Liar.”
“Fair,” I admit.
Ellie bounces up to Maggie, petals in hand. “Are we going now? Because my legs have energy.”
Lila rolls her eyes like a tiny adult. “We wait until the music, Ellie.”
Ellie gasps. “There’s music?”
Rose leans down, smoothing Ellie’s hair. “Yes, sweetheart. And you have one job.”
Ellie nods solemnly. “Throw flowers.”
“On the aisle,” Lila adds quickly.
Ellie whispers dramatically, “On the floor.”
My heart squeezes so hard it aches.
I lean down and kiss the top of Lila’s head.
“Hey,” I murmur. “Thank you for doing this with me.”
Lila looks up at me, eyes big and serious. “I’m gonna do it perfect.”
“You don’t have to do it perfect,” I tell her softly.
She pauses, thinking about it. Then she nods once. “Okay. I’m gonna do it… with my whole heart.”
I blink fast because that might be the most McCoy thing anyone has ever said in a bridal room.
Outside, the music starts.
Soft guitar. Something simple. It feels like Buckhorn.
