Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
“Much better. Glad I went with a tea length dress,” I tell her.
“Can I talk to her alone, girls?” Mrs. Maple asks.
Thea and Ginger give me a round of hugs and kisses before they leave the room. My heart is so full today. Not only am I marrying the world’s biggest, sweetest cowboy, I’m also gaining a family of people who love me. From Zac’s older brothers to his younger sister and even his mom, it’s clear they adore me. I feel the same way about them.
“What is it?” I ask as soon as we’re alone. I’m nervous she’s going to bring up the pregnancy.
But before she can say anything, there’s a knock on the door. When Mrs. Maple gives permission, Walter enters the room. The two of them got married a few months ago in a quiet ceremony in the center of town. They both looked so happy. They live together now, splitting their time between the Maple farm and Walter’s house on the edge of town.
Walter comes to stand beside Linda, putting a hand on her shoulder. He gives her a little squeeze, and I love that. They’re so affectionate with each other, so tender and patient. I can only hope that will be me and Zac in a few decades.
“We know your parents aren’t here today,” Walter says. “Linda and I thought…well, it would mean a lot to us if we could do the honor.”
I try to blink back the tears, but they still come anyway. All I can think about is how my baby is going to grow up with so much more love than I ever did. My voice cracks when I say, “I would love that.”
After a long hug from both of them and a quick fix of my makeup, the three of us are walking down the aisle toward the love of my life.
The moment Zac sees me, his face transforms. Eager anticipation gives way to delight.
“Beautiful,” he whispers the word softly as he takes my hand in his. His fingers caress mine gently, and I know it will always be like this between us. Always loving and gentle and kind. We’ll fight sometimes, and we won’t always see eye-to-eye, but we’ll always love each other.
I listen to him repeating his vows in his growly tone, smiling as he promises to love and cherish me for the rest of our lives. Then it’s my turn, and I’m promising before our family and friends that this man will always be the love of my life.
He presses a soft kiss to my lips before Gray even gives him permission.
“You’re mine forever,” Zac whispers, ignoring the time-honored tradition of waiting. I don’t care. This man can kiss me whenever he wants.
“And together, we’re going to raise a family,” I tell him softly. I think Gray is still talking about the importance of love. It doesn’t matter. The two of us are lost in our own little world.
He raises his eyebrows, and I give him a little nod. “Three months along.”
“Can we—?”
I nod again, excited to share this news with our guests. I can’t believe we got this lucky. I thought it would take a few more months of trying together. But we’re getting our little miracle.
“And now introducing as man and wife—”
Zac elbows Gray and whispers something in his ear.
Gray chuckles then says to our audience, “And now introducing as man and wife and soon-to-be parents, Mr. And Mrs. Zac Maple.”
Our guests break into loud applause and whistles as Zac beams down at me. “Best day ever.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Epilogue
Dotty
“Da-duh!” Missy, my two-year-old daughter, squeals the moment that Zac is through the door of the bus. The three of us have been on tour for the last two months.
When it was time for Zac to go on the road to promote his new album, neither of us wanted to be apart. He retrofitted the bus to make it safe for our little girl and now we’re traveling the country.
I love that Missy gets to see all of these new things. At only two, she’s not impressed by much. Except her “da-duh”. She adores Zac and one look at the two of them together, and it’s obvious the feeling is mutual.
She lunges for him and he catches her easily, scooping her into his arms. He peppers her with kisses before turning his attention to me. “How’s my other favorite cowgirl?”
“Feeling pretty good,” I tell him, touching my stomach where the bump is barely visible through my clothes. Without my clothes, there’s the slightest pooch.
Zac loves making me to take off my clothes so he can “measure” the bump with his hands. Every time he measures it though, I end up on the bed with his head between my thighs.
“Tars!” Missy demands.
He smiles at her. “OK, one song before bed.”