He smiled at me and asked, “Are you ready, Miss Birk?”
I nodded my head and walked over to stand next to Garrett. My heart was pounding a mile a minute. I couldn’t believe I was fixin’ to become Mrs. Garrett Thomas Mathews.
Garrett held my hand and quickly rubbed his thumb back and forth across my skin. Each movement left a trail of fire in its place.
As the justice of the peace started the ceremony, Garrett and I stared into each other’s eyes. I wasn’t even sure what all was being said. All I knew was that we were getting married, and there would be no more sneaking around. We were free to be with each other. I could now take care of Garrett and help him with his recovery—in more ways than one.
Garrett gave me a smirk and lifted his eyebrow at me. My face instantly turned red. He must have known what I was thinking.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride, Garrett.”
Garrett licked his lips, and my insides melted.
Oh, how I want him more than anything.
I leaned down, and Garrett slipped his hand through my hair. He held me close to him as we kissed. He moved his tongue along my lips, seeking entry, and I opened myself up to his passionate kiss. Soon, we were lost in each other…until I heard my father clear his throat. I smiled against Garrett’s lips and pulled slightly away.
“I love you, Emma Rose Mathews.”
My heart soared. “I love you more, Garrett.”
Emma stopped just short of the restaurant.
I turned and looked at her. “Em, what’s wrong?”
Her eyes filled with tears. “I said such horrible things to Marg. What if she doesn’t forgive me?”
I pulled her into my arms. “Trust me, Margie misses you like crazy. It’s been four months since you’ve seen her. Now, come on. They’re waiting inside.”
We were meeting Billy and Margie in Fredericksburg for dinner. It was the first time the girls would be seeing each other since the night of the fight. I was still having a hard time moving around, but I was slowly making a go of things.
As we walked in, I saw Billy stand up. He was grinning from ear to ear, and I couldn’t help but smile. We made our way to the table, and Margie jumped up.
“Emma Rose,” she whispered.
It didn’t take long before they were in each other’s arms. Billy and I both let out a sigh of relief.
Thank you, God.
They had both been so unhappy during the last few months.
Billy smiled and winked at me as he held out his hand. “How are you feeling, Garrett?”
“Sore still in my ribs, and my leg is giving me a bit of trouble, but other than that, I’m slowly getting back to it. You?”
His smile faded slightly before it came back. “I’m a hundred percent now.”
I nodded my head. “Good. I’m glad to hear that.”
We all took our seats, and within seconds, Emma let out a small scream. Everyone in the restaurant looked over at us.
Emma said, “Oh, I’m so sorry.”
I looked at Emma. She was staring down at Margie’s hand.
I snapped my head up and looked at Billy. “Congratulations, Billy! When did this happen?”
Margie and Emma were lost in conversation—something about dress shopping and where the wedding would be held. They were making my head spin.