Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 68066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
With Daddy’s approval.
Or else, he really would put him to ground.
No doubt about that.
I hugged him one last time and let him go, fully aware he couldn’t wait to hug his wife. Swiftly, he made his way over to her, drawin’ her toward him.
“You look good enough to eat, Pippin.” He leaned forward, whisperin’ in her ear.
I smirked, knowin’ he was sayin’ somethin’ really dirty. My father’s blatant affection for my mother never bothered me, but my brothers were a different story.
“Damn, Pops. Get a room,” Luke grumbled, provin’ my point. Walkin’ in with Owen behind him.
“I did. My house, ya feel me?”
“Loud and clear, still fuckin’ gross.”
“Luke!” Mom reprimanded.
“Fuck isn’t a bad word. It’s in the dictionary.”
She disagreed, “That makes no sense.”
“It does in my head.”
I scoffed out a chuckle, bringin’ his attention over to me. “You gonna let her ride out like that?”
“There is nothin’ wrong with my dress, baby brother. Dad says I look beautiful, you cock-blocker.”
“Harley Jameson!” Momma chastised.
“What? That’s what Daddy says to them. He says they’re supposed to be my cock-blockers. Why am I always gettin’ in trouble for repeatin’ the things he says? But Luke and Owen can say anythin’ they want?”
“Cuz we got big dic—”
The glare in Momma’s eyes was enough to render Owen speechless.
This was the norm in my house, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
By the time we arrived at Memaw’s restaurant that Uncle Noah had rented out for the night, everyone was already there, except for the guest of honor, Aunt Skyler. Who had no idea he was surprisin’ her with this party for their anniversary. I, for one, couldn’t wait to see her reaction.
Memaw closed down the restaurant for the private party, transformin’ it into an elegant space. Yellow linen tables surrounded the dance floor and stage, while twinklin’ lights hung from the ceilin’, addin’ the perfect touch to their romantic event.
A huge cake sat on the table in the corner, just waitin’ to be eaten. I may have been all Jameson, but I still had the Ryder sweet tooth from my momma.
It was all going to be super romantic.
There was just somethin’ about anniversaries and weddin’s that got to my heart, and this was no different. Aunt Skyler was stunned and amazed when she arrived by the love fillin’ the room from her family and friends. Uncle Noah even flew in some people from her Skyler Bell days.
I resisted the urge to ask for autographs, tryin’ to play it cool. However, I snapped a few photos incognito from across the room.
You know, for The Gram.
“Harley, that dress is everything!” Aunt Skyler exclaimed when she saw me.
“I know. I made it awesome.”
“Just let me know when to make the call. My finger is already on the send button.”
She was constantly sayin’ this to Cash and me, wantin’ to help us with her industry connections. But we were both adamant on accomplishin’ our dreams and goals on our own. It’d mean more than it just bein’ handed to us.
“Babe, you have such an eye for fashion.”
“She gets it from me,” Uncle Noah chimed in, beamin’ at her.
“You mean you own more than five white t-shirts, three pairs of jeans, a pair of combat boots, and a cut?” she replied, rustlin’ his feathers.
“I got this suit for ya, yeah?”
“I have a feeling it’s rented.”
I giggled, agreein’ with her. He tickled the side of her stomach and pulled her out on the dance floor. I watched as they took the floor front and center. Holdin’ each other tight as they danced to their weddin’ song.
They looked perfect together.
The way my aunt and uncle stared at each other was something I’d always remember. I’d meet my prince, and I’d have my perfect night too. Hopin’ he would look at me the way Uncle Noah looked at her.
Sometimes, it felt like I would never find a love like the couples in my family shared. They all had their own stories, their own battles and obstacles they’d overcome.
Where love prevailed, no matter what.
In one way or another, each of their love stories were my favorite.
Especially, my parents’.
Where my dad didn’t give up...
Until he got his girl.
I would forever be waitin’ for a love like that of my own. The older I got, the more I realized who I wanted to share my happily ever after with.
Except, it wouldn’t be easy. It never was with him. I hated him. I loved him. I wanted him to be mine.
But maybe, just maybe...
He always was.
Our eyes locked from across the dance floor just as that thought crossed my mind. Like a sign from the universe. In a room filled to the brim with people, we found each other without even tryin’ or lookin’.
As if our souls just connected.
The expression on Jackson’s face was one I hadn’t seen before. I never wanted to know what he was thinkin’ more than I did in that second.