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“Thank you, ma'am. And thank you again for helping me capture our special moment.”
“It was my pleasure. I wish you two the best.”
After she leaves, Kane slides the ring on my finger. As we walk around, I can't stop staring at how it sparkles and reflects the light.
“Does anyone know you planned this?” I ask once we go outside.
“Hadleigh and Harper. They helped me pick out the ring and plan your days off so we could come here. But knowing your sister, she told Knox, and he told someone else and so on. I did tell my parents and Grandma Bishop. Oh, I also asked your mom for permission.”
I gasp. “You did?”
“She adores me.”
Rolling my eyes, I laugh. “She does.”
As we walk hand in hand, Kane asks, “So should we set a date? You know everyone will ask the second we're back.”
“Ha! That's true. How about a spring wedding?”
“Hmm...April?”
“That's only seven months away. Think that'll be enough time to plan it?”
“Between your sister and my family, yes. They recruit for wedding planning like the military—all hands on deck.”
I smile. “Truthfully, I don't really care when it is because all I want is to be your wife. Nothing else matters.”
Kane stops us in the middle of the sidewalk and pulls me closer. “Good because that's all I want too. The first time you tempted me with your sweet smile and brown doe eyes, I knew I wanted forever with you.”
BONUS EPILOGUE
KAITLYN
SEVEN MONTHS LATER
“Wasn’t the ceremony beautiful?” my mom says as soon as we’re done with family photos. “I couldn’t stop crying.”
“It was. Those vows nearly had me in a puddle of tears on the altar,” I admit.
Kane and Ivy got married at the little church on Main Street. The reception will be held at the Event Center just a block away.
Dad follows us while my brother and his new wife finish taking couple photos. “Looks like you’re next,” he taunts, knowing damn well I hate when people say that to me. “Just FYI, I’m fine with an elopement.”
I turn and give him a death glare. “Considering I’m nearly middle age, pretty sure marriage just ain’t in my cards.”
Dad chuckles. “You know how many times I thought the same thing? I was over thirty when I got married.”
“Grandma would track me down and murder me if I eloped.”
“Jackson.” Mom places her hand on his shoulder as we enter the reception hall. “Don’t poke the bear.”
“Exactly,” I say, my mood slightly turning sour as I move to the wine bar. Instead of taking one glass, I grab two and double fist them. I need to drink my way through this reception before I roll into a ball of emotions because I’m the last single kid.
The room looks gorgeous with twinkle lights hanging from the ceiling, creating a warm ambience in the room as the DJ plays love songs. It’d be a million times better if I had someone to dance with.
I’m happy for my brother and excited for them, but I’m definitely jealous. He’s loved Ivy for years, and they’re perfect for each other. A true match made in heaven. You know, all the things they say about every Bishop who’s gotten married. But being at weddings is just a reminder that I’ll be an old hag before I have the opportunity to even start a family. The pressure that puts on me is intense.
I groan as I look around the room at all the happy couples and begrudgingly drink my chardonnay.
It doesn’t bother me as much that I don’t have a husband. I only need a man for his sperm and knocking me up. Being a mother is something I’ve wanted since I was a kid, and if finding true love isn’t in my cards, then I’ll at least find a way to have a baby.
I’ve always been independent and taken care of myself. With twin brothers like Knox and Kane, I always had to be able to take and throw punches, but some guys find that intimidating.
“Hey!” Rowan comes my way with two glasses of wine in her hands.
I arch a brow at her. “You’re partyin’ hard, huh?”
“This weekend is like a staycation, and I’m taking full advantage.”
I snicker. “You’re gonna be sloppy drunk.”
“Looks like I’m just followin’ your lead.” She people-watches with me. Diesel is taking silly pictures at the photo booth with the kids.
“I ain’t got nowhere to be tomorrow either. And since everyone is basically heading back to the ranch, I’ll find a designated driver,” I explain, then finish off the first glass and start on the second one. “But they need to bring out those hors d’oeuvres because I haven’t eaten since breakfast. I’m not tryin’ to puke tonight.” My stomach growls, and when I take another sip of my second glass, I know I should slow down.
