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“For our wedding.”
“Again—what?”
I lifted our daughter from the shore, and she squealed.
“Come on, Genie. Daddy and Mommy are getting married today.”
* * *
Our family was gathered in the front row, our friends behind them, and everyone from the village stood in the back. We’d designated an area for the kids beside the beautifully decorated gazebo with a side view of the ceremony. I thought I had this in the bag. Flowers, check. Guests and accommodations, check. Decorations, check. Food, check. Music, check. My heart hammering in my chest like a jackhammer and knees shaking: not on the list!
Genevieve shifted in my arms and pointed across the river. “Koko.”
I shaded my eyes and glanced at the riverbank. Kali and Koko were stretched out flat on a thick tree branch hanging over the shore, watching the commotion on our side.
“Are those the cougars Grace mentioned?” My best man and brother James was standing beside me.
“Kali and Koko.”
“Are they friendly? Is it true you let the cub sleep with Genie?”
I laughed. “No, we don’t. They know us, but they’re still wild. It’s why they’re over there, not here.”
When he didn’t answer, I explained. “The locals wouldn’t hesitate to kill a cougar in the village. But Kali’s smart. She knows to stay away.”
“But you pet her?”
“Pet her?” I laughed again. “We spend time together. They protect us.”
He shook his head. “I don’t get it. I see the beauty of the place, but I don’t know how you can live here.”
I kissed Genie’s cheek. “It has its rewards. I’ll give you the tour of the lodge tomorrow.”
Emma brushed her hand over my shirt on my other side. “I don’t see it either. The bugs out here are the size of rodents. No, thank you.” She shuddered.
“There are a lot of bugs out in Lord’s Valley where Eric’s at.”
“Yes, but they come with horse-riding cowboys. Have you thought about what I said?” she asked in a lowered voice.
“I have. If you want the case, Eric needs to ask for you. Your brothers can’t say no to a client. And try to act professional around him.”
“You try acting professional around a broad-shouldered, sexy cowboy in well-worn jeans, with swagger. He rides horses shirtless, and—”
“Ems?” I cleared my throat. “Maybe save it for later?”
The music chimed, and Emma composed herself, standing proudly in her position as the maid of honor.
I took my spot with Genie in front of our Abuela, who would officiate the ceremony, and I focused on the end of the path. Grace stood behind a row of her brothers, the four of them shielding her from my view. I hadn’t seen Grace since the moment Paula swept her away for hair and makeup. Aunt Mary had flown down with the wedding dress, promising a perfect fit. Truthfully, I didn’t care what Grace wore, as long as she’d be my wife by the end of the day and naked tonight.
The Wagner brothers parted, and Grace came into view. Axel and Scar each took her by an arm, and I was hypnotized. A breeze fluttered the silky dress flowing down her body, whisking her hair over her face. She connected her gaze with mine, and I couldn’t remember much after that moment. I couldn’t stop counting the seconds until she vowed to be mine and made me the happiest man alive. She walked down the aisle in slow motion and I went down a path of memories. Somehow, we managed to build a life. She was my best friend, my lover, and was about to become my wife.
I barely heard a word until Abuela said, “You may kiss your bride,cariño.”
“I love you,” I said into her mouth, sealing our commitment.
“And I love you.”
The crowd cheered, and the party fell into full swing. I held Grace’s face between my palms, kissing her in the middle of the dance floor. Genie had fallen asleep in her grandmother’s arms hours ago, giving us time to ourselves.
