One Choice I'd Never Make

by Remi Carrington

  I slipped on my shoes. “I just gathered some this morning. I’ll be right back.”

  “Oh that’s right! This is a farm.”

  Mom and I spent the next hour making pancakes and enjoying them. Something had shifted in the relationship, and I loved how it was. In truth, it wasn’t surprising that things were different. I’d changed, and watching the woman in my trailer made it clear that Mom had changed.

  I really hoped Mom and Dad would be able to work things out once she went home. Given her new—or maybe rediscovered—spunk, he would likely be getting more than he bargained for.

  Chapter 30

  I woke up to butterflies throwing a rave in my stomach. In six hours, I’d be walking down the aisle. And if I had any hope of being ready, I needed coffee now.

  As I walked into the living room, I caught Mom taking a closeup of my dress.

  “Please don’t post that picture anywhere. I don’t want Harper to see it before the doors open at the back of the chapel.” The imagined look on his face made my heart beat faster.

  “Give me some credit. I wouldn’t ruin that man’s surprise. You’re going to knock him off his feet.”

  “I just about did the day I met him.” I reminded myself that running down the aisle and throwing my arms around him broke all convention. That didn’t make it any less tempting. “Coffee?”

  “Please. Joji gave me a cup earlier, but I could use another.” Mom seemed more relaxed than I’d ever seen her.

  “Joji? Were you out when she was feeding the animals?”

  She grinned. “I was. Shocking, isn’t it?” In the kitchen, she pulled a plate out of the fridge. “She sent breakfast.”

  “I’ve enjoyed having you here this week. I’m not sure if I’ve said that.” I would relish the memories made in just a few days. After the last few months, these shared moments were even sweeter.

  “Me too.” She served the cheese toast onto plates. “Joji is impressive. That she took all this on by herself amazes me. And you’re a lot like her.”

  “No making me cry this morning. That isn’t allowed. Delaney will be here to do my makeup in less than an hour, and I don’t need puffy eyes.” I set two cups of coffee on the table. “I’ll be doing my share of crying at the ceremony.”

  “You and me both. While we eat, let’s go over the lists and make sure everything is covered. Are you packed?”

  “Yep. And you can stay here as long as you need. Eli said he was fine with that. He’ll move in after you go home.”

  Mom squeezed my hand. “I’m going home right after the wedding. I’m not ready to give up hope that the man I married is buried under all that bluster. But I promise to visit.”

  “I’ll fix up the guest room when we return from the honeymoon.”

  I pulled the list close and scanned it. “I’m so excited I might pop.”

  Over breakfast, Mom and I focused on what needed to be done. A busy few hours lay ahead of us.

  Birds chirped. The sun was shining on a perfect December day. Christmas was about a week away, and I was getting the best present in the entire world.

  Tessa held my bouquet as I maneuvered my way into the motor cart.

  Clint winked. “You look amazing, Cami.”

  “Thanks.”

  Joji slipped in next to me and grabbed my hand. “Lilith sent this picture.”

  Harper and his groomsmen were lined up near the altar.

  “Would you look at all those good-looking men?” Joji grinned.

  “Hey there.” Clint gave her a quick kiss. “Hold on tight. Ready, Beau?”

  The bridesmaids were in the cart Beau was driving.

  “As I’ll ever be.” Beau seemed to relish his role as chauffeur.

  We pulled away from the bridal house and drove through the venue.

  Clint parked the motor cart outside the chapel. “Ready or not, the time has come.”

  “Oh, I’m ready.” I gathered my full skirt and stepped out onto the red carpet that had been laid down outside the small white chapel.

  Joji climbed out after me.

  “Let us help you.” Tessa jumped out of the other cart.

  Haley, Delaney, and Lilith ran over, shaking their heads.

  “Slow down a bit. They’ll wait for you, I promise.” Joji hugged me. “Harper isn’t leaving that altar without you. Guaranteed.”

  “I know. I know. I’m just excited is all.” I was counting the seconds until seeing Harper at the front.

  Clint held out his arm to Joji, and they slipped inside.

  Music played inside the chapel, and only minutes separated me from married life.

  Haley, Tessa, and Delaney lined up, then one by one, they made their way down the aisle.

  I stood outside the double doors, waiting for Lilith to give me the signal. I hadn’t made the decision to walk in alone lightly.

  After all that changed in the last few months, I didn’t need anyone giving me away. Harper was my choice, and I’d walk to meet him all alone.

  When she nodded at Beau to open the doors, I inhaled.

  This was the moment.

  Instead of opening the door, he stared over my shoulder. The question in his brow was unmistakable. My dad’s car skidded to a stop in a cloud of dust, then he ran toward me.

  I wanted to believe that his suit signaled good news. Would he have dressed up to crash a wedding?

  Lilith positioned herself in front of me. “How can I help you?”

  “If it’s okay with my daughter, I want to watch her get married.” The softness in his brown eyes surprised me. But there was regret mixed with it.

  Nodding, I willed myself not to cry. “I asked Mom to save a seat for you.”

  “Your mother sent me a picture of the dress this morning. And she was right. If I’d missed this smile on your face, I would regret it the rest of my life.” He stepped closer. “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you.”

  His lips pinched. “I have a lot to apologize for.”

  I wasn’t sure what had prompted this surprising change of heart, but I couldn’t handle that conversation right now.

  Lilith held up her hand. “Hold that thought. Harper is probably getting nervous. Her music has already played once and just restarted. I don’t need him passing out at the front.” She nudged my father toward the door. “Hurry.”

  He kissed my cheek then slipped inside. Whatever Mom had texted this morning must’ve had an impact. Or maybe it was something Harper had said to my dad.

  My poor Harper was probably a basket case since I hadn’t walked up the aisle.

  “They aren’t brawling, are they?” I itched to peek in the door.

  “Perfectly civil. Now smile.” Lilith pointed at Beau, and each of them pulled open one of the doors.

  Harper’s gaze snapped to me, and his shoulders relaxed.

  I blew him a kiss before taking the first step.

  With my gaze locked with Harper’s, I counted in my head like Lilith had instructed. Then, slowly I marched up the aisle.

  His smile widened with every one of my steps.

  The slow walk lasted until I was only a few steps from my love. I broke into a run and threw my arms around his neck. Flower petals landed near his feet.

  The good-looking minister chuckled. “Someone is a wee bit excited.”

  Harper kissed my forehead. “I am.”

  Once the laughter died down, Minister Mad Dog Miller—that was what everyone called him—started the ceremony.

  “Friends and family, we are gathered here on this beautiful December day to witness the union of Camille Phillips and Ethan Harper.”

  My mom’s sniffles echoed in the small chapel, and even my dad wiped at tears.

  The ceremony continued just like I had dreamed over and over during the last few weeks.

  And when Harper heard the words “You may kiss the bride,” he didn’t hesitate. And the rest of the room faded away for a brief second.

  I’d married my hero.
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  Epilogue

  Eli

  While the guests were focused on Cami and Harper walking down the aisle, I was trying to keep my heartbeat from skyrocketing. Fainting at a wedding wouldn’t help my reputation. I was already a laughingstock.

  If I had any clue how to untie my tongue when Delaney was near me, I would. I’d compliment her on how beautiful she looked, ask about her hobbies, and invite her to dinner.

  But instead, I reverted to a boy and gave grunts in place of words.

  And when Delaney touched me the effect was much worse. That was why I was breathing with intention, hoping the thumping in my chest wasn’t so loud she could hear it too.

  As she rested a hand on my arm, her perfume wrapped around me. It was both pleasant and suffocating at the same time.

  Even with my heart lodged in my throat, I didn’t want her to let go.

  We walked into the reception hall, and she squeezed my arm. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

  I managed a nod, then realized she was talking about the wedding. “Yeah. Nice.”

  Tessa waved, and Delaney’s fingers slipped off my arm as she stepped away.

  This was when I wanted to be a fly on the wall. I could watch her, but no one would expect me to talk.

  Cami glanced over and flashed me a thumbs up.

  She’d just gotten married. Didn’t she have enough to think about without teasing me about Delaney?

  I found my seat at the wedding party table. The name card next to mine wasn’t a surprise. Delaney. I knew so little about her. And I wanted to know more.

  But at this rate, by the end of the day, she’d be convinced I was a moron.

  After making it through the meal, I braced for the traditional festivities. There was no way the guys were going to let me hide out in the corner when Harper tossed the garter.

  Ladies gathered on the dance floor, and I watched Delaney. She and Tessa nudged each other playfully.

  “Everyone ready?” Cami held up her bouquet. And every time she moved it, red petals drifted toward the floor. Smashing the bouquet against Harper’s back when she’d jumped into his arms hadn’t been good for the flowers.

  The crowd cheered even before she turned around. With her back to her friends, Cami tossed the bouquet.

  Delaney reached up and snagged the flowers out of the air. Cradling the bouquet, she beamed.

  Zach slapped my shoulder. “Wipe your chin and go out there.”

  “Funny.” As if it wasn’t bad enough that I behaved this way in front of my friends. Having an older cousin witness it all made it worse. He’d known me a long time.

  I marched out to the dance floor, ignoring the stare from Cami.

  Once all the bachelors were gathered and waiting, Cami perched on a stool, and Harper reached up under her dress.

  When he pulled that silly leopard tail from under her dress, the crowd went nuts.

  Harper swung it around in a circle, pointing at us. “Beware. There is a fastener at the end of this thing, so be careful. I don’t want to have to call in the paramedics.”

  Hank waved and draped an arm around Nacha’s shoulders. Hopefully, she would make it through the day without giving birth at the reception. But her husband was a paramedic, so he could handle it if she did.

  Harper turned around, and I made my way to the back of the cluster. One of the other guys could catch that tail.

  When I snuck one more look at Delaney, she waved. And I was entranced. The longer I held her gaze, the more fervently she waved.

  Maybe she didn’t think I was a complete dufus.

  Then that stupid tail whapped me in the eye. And that fastener carried a punch.

  Harper raced over. “Are you okay?”

  I nodded. “I just need a rug to slide under.”

  He leaned in close. “I’m going to need that tail back.”

  After shoving it at him, I walked off in search of ice.

  I was ready for the day to be over.

  Thank you for reading One Choice I’d Never Make! I hope you love Cami and Harper’s story. Find out what happens with Delaney and Eli in Three Rules I’d Never Break.

  Keep Reading for a BONUS epilogue!

  Bonus Epilogue

  Harper

  More than a year later

  Coming home after my shift, I never knew what I’d find. Some days I would find Cami drinking her fourth cup of coffee with a pen stuck in her messy bun and tapping away on the laptop.

  Other times, she would walk out of the bedroom, modeling her latest purchase from the lingerie shop. I really liked those mornings.

  Once, she was stretched out on the sofa in that leopard costume. I still smiled when I thought about it.

  There were never dull moments with Cami around.

  Since today was my birthday, I sort of hoped a birthday suit would be part of my surprise.

  On my last birthday, she’d given me a pair of kittens. That added to the excitement in the house. It also meant her parents stayed in a hotel when they came. And I was okay with that.

  Wondering what today would hold, I pushed open the front door. “Morning. I’m home.”

  Cami came rushing down the hall, dressed in her cute little pajamas. She launched into my arms. “Happy birthday.”

  The cats tore down the hall, wanting to be part of the fun.

  “Thank you.” I loved that she greeted me with the same fervor as the first time she’d met me . . . and the second.

  “Breakfast is ready,” she said between kisses. “I made pancakes.”

  I carried her into the kitchen. “Smells amazing, and I’m starved.”

  She wriggled out of my arms. “Sit. Let me get you food.”

  “I’ll happily delay eating for a few minutes of holding you.” I slipped my arms around her waist.

  She leaned back and kissed my cheek. “I know, but we’re on a little bit of a schedule.

  “A schedule? Now I’m curious.”

  I let go of her as she carried the platter of pancakes to the table.

  “Would you grab the baked omelets out of the oven, please?”

  “New recipe?” I inhaled the aroma then pulled the muffin pans out of the oven.

  “Yep. From your sister.” She dropped into her chair. “Eat up. You’ll get your present later.”

  “Are you just going to tease about what’s coming up?”

  Twinkles danced in her eyes. “I want you to be surprised.”

  As soon as I finished eating, she whisked my plate away. “Let me run and get dressed super quick.”

  While she was in the bedroom, I filled the cats’ food bowls and gave them fresh water. “What does she have planned? Has she told you?”

  The lanky black cats flicked their tails but gave no answer. She’d sworn them to secrecy.

  “Okay. I’m ready.” She eased up in front of me. “I think you’ll like this first part.”

  “Does that mean I won’t like the second part?”

  “No, silly. I wouldn’t have made it part of your birthday plan if I didn’t think you’d like it.”

  Hand in hand we walked out to my truck. After helping her in, I slid in behind the wheel. “Where to?”

  “Lilith’s venue. They have an event there later so we can only be there for a little while. That’s the reason for the schedule. Mostly.”

  While I drove, we talked about her parents’ upcoming visit.

  “Dad has been hinting about the SUV, but if it’s okay with you, I’d rather not have it back. I like Joji’s truck, and bartering social media stuff for a payment is kind of a steal.”

  “Agreed.” I was happy to see her parents involved in our lives, but I liked the financial independence.

  Even when they’d shown up with all the stuff Cami had taken home and handed over the keys to the storage unit, she didn’t accept all of it. For one thing, I wasn’t sure it would fit in our house.

  But she’d been intentional about not crossing back into territory she felt free of. And I admi
red that.

  I punched the code into the box by the gate, then parked near the picnic spot where I’d surprised her more than a year ago. A spot was set up on the ground just like it had been that day when I’d told her I loved her.

  She leaned across the cab and kissed my cheek. “I love this place.”

  “Me too.”

  When I opened her door she nudged my shoulder. “Turn around and give me a piggyback ride.”

  After getting to the blanket, I dropped to my knees, then we landed in a tangled pile.

  “I wish we could lie here for hours together, but we only have about thirty minutes. There are already workers running around. But . . .” She inhaled and pulled a small gift bag out of the cooler. “Open it.”

  I yanked the tissue out of the top of the bag and shoved it in the cooler.

  Cami stared as I pulled the t-shirt out of the bag. “Read the front.”

  I unfolded it, then looked from the t-shirt that read Super Dad to Cami. “Really?”

  “Uh-huh.” She rubbed her stomach. “I’m not that far along, but as hungry as I am lately, there is no way I can keep this a secret for long. Our friends will either guess that I’m pregnant or think I have a tape worm.”

  I stretched out and pulled her on top of me. “I love you.”

  “Love you too. At least we’ve had a year as cat parents. Think we’ll be okay at this?” Her smile was wide, but hesitation swirled in her eyes.

  “Cami, you’ll be an amazing mom. And you’ve had more than cats for training. What about the goats and chickens and llamas?”

  She laughed. “I guess parenting is like working on a goat farm. No matter how much you read about it or have someone give advice, it is still basically a crash course where knowledge is earned hands on.”

  Cami had never been more right.

  “Kiss me. Then we’re headed to Haley’s house for cake and stuff.”

  “You’ve planned a full day.” I dropped kisses on her neck as she giggled.

  “Partially. Cake and friends. Several hours alone. Then dinner at Jeffrey’s restaurant. The Cowboy Chef is big news right now. We’re fortunate to get a reservation.”