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I know that.
I believethat.
It’s just nerves.
“Okay. Ready,” I say. “Let’s do this.”
Soon I’m gathered up in tearful hugs.
We’re all sniffling, but we manage not to cry, and suddenly Nell flies into our huddle.
She’s completely adorable in her little flower girl dress with butterfly wings scalloping the hem. It hits me that she barely speaks, just throws her little arms around me and clings like a blessing.
And then I’m alone, waiting for my cue.
Outside, I hear the wedding march starting.
Delilah Graves recruited the high school band to play it because Nell asked. Another little personal touch that makes my heart mush.
Sure, they’re a little clumsy, a little off-key.
But that honest imperfection feels like a better fit when nothing about our love story was ever easy or orderly.
Jensen Faircross leans into the tent, peeking around the flap with his eyes averted, probably making sure he doesn’t catch me in a state of undress.
“Ready to be my daughter for real, Ophelia?”
I flush hotly and nod, stepping forward to take his arm.
Yep, I’m speechless.
Everything I’ve been missing my whole life is here in Redhaven—family, love, acceptance.
I wonder why I ever ran away.
Jensen draws me out into the light, standing at the foot of the long white silk carpet laid over the grass and leading up to the altar. The entire Redhaven police force, minus Chief Bowden, is lined up on Grant’s side.
My mother, Ros, Janelle Bowden, Nell, and Delilah wait for me on my side. And right there before the pulpit with the priest looking like a ghost in his shadow, I see him.
Grant.
My big lumbering bear of a man has never looked more handsome in his life.
I don’t even want to know what Ros did to find a tux that fit him.
It sits on him perfectly, though, wrapping his grizzly frame in this sleek gloss, but it also can’t hide what a wild man he is. His hair’s slicked back, his beard neatly trimmed, but he’s still my gentle giant.
Maybe he’s a grouch.
Maybe he’s a little feral, sometimes.
Maybe, justmaybeon some days he can be a bit of a massive asshole.
But I love him desperately.
He loves me.
And there’s nothing else that matters in the world except the love shining in his eyes as they land on me and he freezes.
