Page 5 of Mountain Cowboy
Cormac stands in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie, then the Stetson on his head. The silver flecks at his temples stand out against the black. “Why, you don't want to repeat your duties again?”
“Ah, my duties,” I drawl. “You mean where I stood in a courtroom with one other witness while you and Davie got hitched? Can't say much was expected of me.”
“Exactly, which means you can stand with me today in front of our friends and family to do this properly.”
“I know, I'm just joking with you, big brother.” My hand clasps his shoulder. “And now little Jesse is old enough to be the ring bearer.”
“Yeah, Linnea's walking him down the aisle. We'll see if he makes it without crying this time.” Cormac's son, Jesse, just turned three, and he's the reason we're even having this vow renewal.
His aunt, Davie, showed up on our ranch a few years ago looking for his biological father, who turned out to be Cormac. After a little drama, Cormac and Davie decided to get married to protect Jesse from his biological mom's ex-boyfriend.
It was a complicated time but worked out for the best.
Jessica, Jesse's bio mom and Davie's sister, is even doing better after getting early parole from her stint in prison. She's not at the renewal today for her sister, but that's not exactly a surprise. According to Davie, she's always done her own thing, no matter how it affects those around her.
Cormac straightens my hat, then sweeps both hands over my shoulders as if to smooth wrinkles from my coat jacket.
“One of these days, it'll be you getting married. Am I going to have the honor of being your best man as payback? Or are you thinking Archer or Brandt?”
“You're getting way ahead of yourself. Let's focus on you today, huh?” I avoid his question for the sheer fact that there's only ever been one girl I've been interested in enough to see a future with, and we never even went on a date, let alone got close enough to get engaged.
I haven't seen Hailey in seventeen years, not since she turned me down before our high school graduation then left town for college.
I never even saw her during school breaks.
The irony, of course, is that she's catering my brother's reception after the vows are exchanged.
She moved to Suitor’s Crossing a few months ago, and despite working closely with Davie on this event, she must be avoiding me on the ranch. Or she’s just that lucky, I can't tell.
But her luck will run out today, because I plan on catching up with my wayward bookworm.
She may not be interested in me still, but a guy has to shoot his shot for the one that got away.
There's a knock on the door before Deacon and Briggs enter in dark jeans and charcoal gray jackets, their own Stetsons covering their heads.
“We're ready when you are.”
“Davie’s all set?” my brother checks.
“According to Linnea, yeah.” Deacon's face does something complicated when he says Linnea's name, but I don't have time to place the emotion before we're hurrying out of the room and down the hall.
The renewal is taking place outside, and we have to take a vehicle out to the pretty spot that overlooks the pond with the mountains as a backdrop—a spot that is apparently special to Davie and Cormac.
A hodge podge of rustic chairs form a makeshift aisle on the clearing, and they lead to a flower arch with ribbons that float on the summer breeze. It’s a step up from the courthouse wedding but not as ostentatious as some nuptials I’ve attended.
Once we're situated by the arch and pastor, music begins to play.
Davie appears in a cream silk dress. She looks gorgeous, and I can tell my brother is fighting tears as she walks up the aisle with a soft smile.
It’s obvious that they're really, truly in love.
Even years later, I'm still amazed at the circumstances that led my big, gruff brother to fall for a near-stranger and agree to marry her to protect his kid.
My eyes scan the guests and the freelancers at the edge of the space. Photographer, videographer, but no caterer, no Hailey yet, which makes sense. Food and tables are set up in an empty barn back near the main house. That's probably where she is right now.
My feet itch to go find her, but now's not the time. First, I have to stand through the sickly sweet vows that draw a tear even from my eye, before Cormac bends his wife back in a passionate kiss. Their son, Jesse, screams in delight.
Everybody disperses to the barn for refreshments and dancing once Cormac and Davie have retreated down the aisle, and that's my cue to search for Hailey. I snag a ride with Deacon and Linnea while eyeing the looming barn in anticipation.
