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I gave my best friend away to the only man who was worthy of her, then went to sit with the love of my life to listen to them make their promises.
Helena sat with Bells on one side and me the other. The two women held hands as Helena sniffled and leaned against my chest.
I had a feeling I’d be just as gone as Ronan when I stood up there waiting on Helena.
And I couldn’t wait.
When the officiant announced they were married, we all stood and cheered.
Now I just had to wait for the right time to whisk Helena away and ask her to be mine.
* * *
Helena
I’d never danced so much in my life. I swore I’d been passed from one giant to another. Ronan’s entire family, as well as his best friends, were all ridiculously super-sized.
Every time I tried to find Beckett, I was dragged back to the dance floor.
Food and hard cider had been imbibed and everyone was in an exceptional mood.
Laverne and Kain had taken over the music, and I had a feeling we’d all have sore feet by the end of the night.
“Have another dance with me, darlin’.”
I waved off Niall, Ronan’s brother who had a touch of Ireland to his voice thanks to living there for the last half dozen years. “I need a break.”
He held a hand to his chest. “You wound me.”
“Not likely.” I pushed him toward Bells and Cara. “I know they wouldn’t mind a dance.”
“Fine, fine.” His smile was dangerous and I worried after Cara a little. She’d had stars in her eyes since meeting all of Ronan’s brothers at the rehearsal dinner.
I escaped down the stairs and outside for a little air. The days were long and the air was humid. Summer was going by so fast. I’d settled into working with Laverne and her team and I couldn’t have been happier.
With the additions of the rental properties and wedding season, we’d been busier than ever. Beckett was getting ready for harvest, and the orchard was buzzing with people. Seasonal employees were starting up again as well as the workers helping out with adding on to The Lodge.
I was tired by the end of every day, but in the very best way possible.
I wandered over to the pergola and looked down at the orchard. A familiar whinny came from the edge of the patio. I turned my head and my breath caught.
Beckett was on Storm with his black cowboy hat. He’d stripped down to a vest with his dress shirt rolled up at the forearms.
I didn’t even think about it. Or hesitate.
I ran to him and the smile he gave me stole the last of my breath. He reached down and pulled me up to sit in front of him on the saddle he’d had made for us. At first, Beckett wanted to get me a horse so we could ride together, but I preferred to ride on Storm. And having Beckett’s arms around me was never a bad thing.
“Ride with me?”
Always and forever. Whenever he asked.
“Should we really leave the wedding?”
“Just for a little while.” He tipped his head down and brushed his lips over mine. “I need some alone time with you.”
My cheeks flamed. “Like I could say no.”
He slid his arm around me to pick up the reins. I caught Laverne standing on the stairs and she waved at us before melting back into the party.
