An hour later, we were sitting at The Coffee Pot. I had a large French dip sandwich with French fries in front of me, along with a chocolate milkshake.
“How’s the milkshake, sweetheart?” Hunter asked with a wink.
I’d been craving one for the last two days and hadn’t stopped talking about it. “It’s amazing. No one makes a shake like Tess does.”
Hunter chuckled. “I agree.”
After taking a bite of my sandwich, I wiped my mouth and looked at Hunter. “So, I know we’ve had a lot going on with us moving into the farm house, transporting the hives, and now with the baby…”
“It’s been a whirlwind, but an amazing one with lots and lots of…downtime.” He smiled.
I felt my cheeks warm.
“Tell me what you’re thinking, Bella. I see your brain working overtime.”
The way this man knew me so well still boggled my mind. It was as if he could read me like a book. “I’ve been thinking that I know we said we were going to wait for warmer weather to get married, but I want to get married now.”
His brows shot up. “Now? As in, like, right now?”
Laughing, I shook my head. “No, not this very moment. But soon. I don’t need a large, over-the-top wedding. And even though I don’t think I’ll be that much bigger in May, I’d like to be your wife sooner rather than later.”
A brilliant smile lit up his face. “I like this plan. What were you thinking?”
“Well, maybe we could get married at the church, with just family and our closest friends, and then when the weather turns better, we can exchange vows again in the gazebo. Just the two of us and Jack.”
Hunter swallowed hard and cleared his throat. It was clear he was trying to get his emotions under control. “You have no idea how much it means to me that you want to include Jack.”
I reached across the table and took his hand in mine. “He’s a part of our family, Hunter. I love him, and he somehow always knows when I’m having a bad moment. I couldn’t imagine not having him with us when we get married.”
“Even at the church?”
“Yes! Of course.”
“If we were at home, I’d totally take you on the table right now.”
I quickly looked around and then flashed him a stern look. “Stop that, Hunter Turner, or you’ll make me want to abandon my lunch, and the baby and I need food!”
He winked. “Later, then.”
I giggled as I whispered, “Later.”
Two weeks later
Five sets of eyes stared back at me as I looked at myself in the mirror.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful bride in my life,” Candace said, placing the simple diamond and pearl tiara on my head. My hair was pulled back in a low ponytail with my bangs swept back. Little bits of baby’s breath were woven through my hair to give it the perfect touch.
Greer sniffled and wiped away a tear. “I agree.”
I met her eyes. Greer and Hudson were planning a summer wedding at their house in the back garden. It was going to be stunning. “You’re going to be a beautiful bride, too, Greer.”
She smiled and nodded. “I know.” We all laughed, and Greer chuckled. “Wait, that’s not what I meant!”
I took her hand in mine. “I know what you meant, sweetie.”
“This dress, though, I can’t believe we found it as fast as we did,” Abby said as she adjusted the ribbon tied around my waist.
Willa sighed. “It’s so romantic looking.”
“Like it’s from a storybook,” Greer added.
I looked back at myself in the mirror. The A-line gown was made of chiffon, tulle, and lace. The illusion lace bodice and three-quarter sleeves were perfect for a winter wedding and added just the right amount of romance to the dress. The waistline was natural with lace draping down onto the softly gathered chiffon skirt. I turned and looked at the deep-scooped back that led to satin-covered buttons and more lace. I moved my leg to reveal the side slit. It was the perfect blend of romantic, sweet, and sexy.
After I’d told the girls that Hunter and I had talked to Buck Gale, the pastor at First United Methodist Church, and told him we wanted to get married as soon as possible, Bree and Candace had planned a shopping trip to Boston. We found the dress at the very first bridal shop we walked into. Or, I should say, Bree found the dress. The woman ought to be in fashion.
“I still can’t believe how fast Maddie altered the dress!” Candace said. “That woman needs to be working in Paris and not owning a little quilt shop in Boggy Creek.”
Abby nodded. “She’s talented, but she’s our little hidden gem.”
“Yes, don’t give her any ideas, Candace. Whenever I find a wedding dress, I want Maddie to do all the alterations,” Greer added.