by Harloe Rae
“Hey, love birds,” Jace cuts in. “We’re not done yet.”
I chuckle. “Sorry, brother. Do your thing.”
He clears his throat and addresses the crowd in front of us. “Please help me introduce, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Bowen!”
Our guests erupt in cheers while we hold up our connected palms. Our meadow has been transformed for the event. Two modest rows are arranged near the trellis I built. Dandelions still blanket the grass, even though it’s late in the season. Everyone holds a floppy stem in their hand. When we pass through the middle, they take turns blowing the puffy seeds at us. Wishes swirl up into the air along with our promise of eternity.
I scoop Sutton into my arms and she squeals. “I can walk.”
“I’ll be your chariot,” I growl into her neck.
She cups my freshly shaved cheek. “Spoiling me already?”
“I’ll never quit.”
The overgrown weeds wisp against my black slacks as I stride ahead to the massive tent. Sutton and I wanted our celebration of love to take place in the spot we shared our first happy something. I can guarantee this day is earning a top spot on our list. From start to finish, our wedding will be surrounded by everything good.
I lower Sutton onto the plush throne reserved for her at the head table. She pushes out my matching chair and pats the seat. After placing a kiss on her forehead, I settle in beside my bride. The slow trickle of our family and friends soon filters in.
Sunset creates a natural wonder for our backdrop. A splash of blue and orange illuminate us as dinner is served. We feed each other fried chicken and lasagna, courtesy of Alice’s recipes. I swipe marinara sauce off Sutton’s bottom lip. She brushes crumbs off my tie. Glasses clink and we never disappoint, exchanging kisses that become more daring with each turn.
When the plates are cleared, Jace and Harlyn stand up beside us. He passes her the microphone. Ladies first. Sutton’s maid of honor smiles at us before turning to the small crowd.
“Hey, everyone. I’m Harlyn—Sutton’s bestie and college roomie. I met Sutton our first day of freshman year. We were wide-eyed and looking toward the future. Everything was an adventure and we took advantage. Well, mostly.” She winks at my bride. Sutton’s gaze visibly widens.
Her friend rolls on without hesitation. “She never told me, but there was something always holding her back. That turned out to be a certain someone. When Sutton introduced me to Grady this summer, I finally figured out why she never bothered dating. No one else would matter. You’ve all seen it, right? Impossible not to with these two. It took them a bit to reach this point, but they’re crazy meant to be. I’m honored and grateful to be witness to such a love. So, let’s raise our glasses for a toast. To the newlyweds.”
We all lift our champagne flutes. Sutton sniffs and wipes at her eyes, wrapping Harlyn in a tight hug. They exchange several unintelligible words. I smirk at their display, a familiar pang bumping off my ribs from missing out on those years. But there’s no room for regret, especially not in this space. Jace takes the microphone and clears his throat.
“It’s no secret I’ve always been protective of Sutton.” He earns a chorus of chuckles from all of us for that. “No one would ever be good enough for my little sister, right? It’s the big brother role. I could pretend to be shocked when Grady told me how he really felt for her. The biggest shock was how long it took for him to admit it. These two are setting the new standard for marital bliss. Sorry, mom and dad. You’ve been replaced,” he laughs. His parents each shake a finger at him.
“So, yeah. There was no use trying to keep them apart. Sutton and Grady are a magnetic force of their own. If I tried to step between them, I’d be shoved out of their axis. That didn’t stop me from attempting to be a roadblock. Temporary, of course. Not sure why. My best friend is the greatest man I’ve ever met. Here we are at their wedding and I couldn’t be happier. It’s a great joy to see two people find this kind of overwhelming bliss. And on that note, let’s drink!” Jace lifts a glass and we all cheers.
I clap him on the back and lean in. “Thanks, man. For everything.”
“Meant every word, Grady. Congrats. You two are perfect for each other. Always have been.”
“Stop being sappy.” I cover the lump in my throat with a laugh. “Girls love a tough guy.”
“Well,” he rocks on his heels, “lucky for me, there aren’t many available options swarming tonight. I can let my inner Prince Charming loose.”
And it’s true. Besides Harlyn, Molly and Lacie are the only women under forty. The first is still licking her wounds after the shit-storm with Lance. But I’m not sure what the latter’s excuse would be. Not sure Jace is all that interested either way.
The moment for our first dance as husband and wife comes next. I hold a hand out for my bride and escort her to the square of wood laid out in the center. Stand By You by the Pretenders croons through the speakers set up in the corners.
Sutton rests her head on my shoulder as we sway. “Such a classic staple.”
I tuck her tighter against my chest. “Our love will never fade so it’s fitting.”
“Are you happy, husband?”
“Are you seriously questioning that, wife?”
She tips her chin up and graces me with a wide smile. “Nope, not in the slightest. I just enjoy riling you up. It’s sexy when you get all growly.”
I bend lower and rumble in her ear. She trembles in my hold. “You in this dress, Sutt? Good Lord. I can hardly contain myself. When you came down the aisle, I had to check my pulse and make sure this was real.”
Sutton pinches my arm. “Not dreaming.”
“You’re the most beautiful bride, baby. I can’t believe life gave me you. What did I do to deserve perfection?” I stroke a thumb down her cheek.
She nuzzles into my touch. “You’re biased.”
“I’m lucky in love, beautiful.” I give her a final twirl as the song comes to an end. With another low dip, my lips seal over hers.
“Maybe we can sneak off now,” she suggests. Her breathless tone gets me half-hard in a split second.
“Don’t you think people will—”
“Mind if I cut in for my turn?” Alice sways onto the makeshift dance floor wearing a wobbling smile and flowing blue gown. She’s been crying off and on since Sutton met me at the altar. There’s still a ball of tissue crushed in her small fist.
“I suppose, mom.” Sutton releases me with a sigh. She tugs on my lapels and I tip down, pressing our mouths together for a searing moment. “Don’t be gone long, Gray.”
I grin into our kiss. “Couldn’t if I tried.”
Alice steps into me, one hand slipping into mine and the other perched on my shoulder. “It’s almost criminal to separate you, even for three minutes.”
“I can still feel her.” I tap the spot over my heart.
Her bottom lip begins quivering again. “Oh, Grady. I’m so blessed to have you in our lives.”
“The feeling is very mutual, Alice.”
“Is it too soon for me to call you son?”
A broken piece buried deep inside of me wiggles loose. Her words smooth the jaded edges. I slide my eyes closed with a sigh. “Absolutely not.”
I receive another watery grin for that. “Okay, good. I don’t want to push my luck, but is it too early for me to bring up grandchildren?”
“Ah, maybe?” I allow my eyes to naturally find Sutton waiting in the wings. She winks and blows me a kiss. “Or not.”
She follows my line of sight, smiling at her daughter. “That girl has been in love with you since she was little.”
A hum vibrates my chest. “I’m finally coming around to believing that. It took a long time, but I realize she’s always felt the same as me.”
“And you should. You two deserve one another.” She gives me a hug as the final notes fade. “Thanks for humoring me with a dance.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” I glance away before adding, “Mom.
”
Alice squeaks and waves a hand in front of her watering eyes. “Oh, that’s the sweetest gift. Thank you. Okay, wow. I’m a mess. Go get your girl while I clean myself up.”
I latch my gaze onto Sutton. “Gladly.”
My wife is back in my arms a beat later, where she belongs. We fold into a close embrace while another tune plays. “What did my mother have to say?”
“She wants to call me son.”
Sutton blinks up at me. “That’s so precious. What did you say?”
I kiss her temple. “Of course. She’s always been a mother to me.”
“You totally made her year with that one. What else happened?”
“She’s ready for a grandkid.”
Sutton coughs. “Oh my gosh. Babies? Already?”
I chuckle against her smooth skin. “That’s for us to decide. Let’s take our time and do whatever we want. Traveling might be fun.”
“Oh, that could be exciting. Where would we go?”
I lift her in my arms and spin us in a circle. “Maybe Minnesota. I hear they have a lot of pretty lakes.”
She tosses her head back and giggles. “Okay, but not in the winter. It’s too cold.”
“Don’t worry, Sutt. I’ll always be here to keep you warm.”
Happy something #74: Sunshine and rainbows and candy.
Grady puts the rental car in park along the curb on Maple Street. A row of vibrant buildings and lush trees border this side of the road. A front desk employee at our hotel highly recommended we spend an afternoon along this charming strip. We can get the best hot fudge sundae, taffy, nachos, unique gifts, and all that Minnesota has to offer. There’s nothing wrong with splurging on this small-town goodness for several hours. That’s the tagline for any decent vacation, after all.
He taps the steering wheel with his thumb. “Do you think this is the place?”
I glance out the windshield, an enormous lollipop glowing back at me. The neon sign is a memorable marker to finding the store. “Seems to fit the description spot on.”
“Thicket is an interesting name. I wonder what’s behind that.”
“Guess we’ll find out.”
I open my door and step onto the sidewalk. Grady gets out to meet me, linking our fingers together. Our stride is lazy while we stroll through the entrance. I almost trip out of my flip-flops when catching sight of the room. Every inch of space is splashed with different shades from a rainbow. The bursts of color pull my gaze from one corner to another, bouncing off the creative pieces adorning the walls.
I’m not sure where to look first.
The candy section takes up the entire front portion. This appears to be a major focal point. I find my gaze swinging to this part more than the rest. There are bins and racks and trays stacked up. An array of sweet treats spills out in all directions. But it’s not cluttered. Just the opposite. It appears the shelves and display cases are professionally organized. All of the items have a designated area.
“What is this place?”
I didn’t realize my question tumbled out until a woman turns to face us. “Well, hey there. Welcome to Thicket.” Her smile is toasty warm as she motions us deeper into the store. “This is our little slice of paradise. Feel free to get lost in whatever capacity that means for you.”
I blink at her. She resembles a blonde beauty queen, but all natural. Not a stitch of makeup covers her face. I get this odd urge to hug her, which is weird considering she’s a complete stranger. She seems to pull me under this peaceful lull. Before I can contemplate my bizarre reaction further, a ball of zig-zagging motion screeches to a halt in front of me.
When the dust settles, a boy is standing in front of me. His wide grin is missing several teeth. The sneakers on his feet are almost a blur as he bops up and down. I’d peg him to be about seven or eight, still young enough to love the dog cartoon emblazoned on his shirt. He has the kindest blue eyes I’ve ever seen.
He sticks up a little palm and I offer him a high-five. “Hi! I’m Oliver, but you can call me Ollie. This is the greatest place ever. You’ll love it. Right, mom?”
The blonde sways out from behind the counter and joins us. She ruffles the kid’s mop of brown hair. “He’s my best salesman. Business is booming thanks to you, Ollie.”
Ollie beams up at her. “Thanks.”
She settles her bright green eyes on me. “Hopefully you weren’t expecting a traditional shopping experience. You get a bit of chaos with each visit.”
I offer a grin. “This is wonderful. I had no clue what to expect when we pulled up.”
“Ah, it’s best to just fly in blind.”
Grady loops an arm around my waist, remaining silent. I lean into him while keeping my gaze on the woman. “That always works well for us.”
“Then you’ve come to the right place. I’m Braelyn.” She places a palm on her chest before pointing down. “And this social butterfly is my son.”
I give them a little wave. “I’m Sutton. This is my husband, Grady.”
He nods at them, allowing his lips to tip up at Ollie.
Braelyn sighs in that way women do when something romantic happens. “You two are a stunning pair. I can tell you’re a very happy couple.”
Grady squeezes my hip. “We are.”
Seemingly out of nowhere, an extremely good looking man—not Grady hot, of course—appears at the end of an aisle. There’s a very familiar protective vibe wafting off him. Piercing blue eyes glare at us before sliding to Braelyn. The frost clears in a snap. Love is thick in the air and I sag against Grady. A high-pitch giggle draws my attention up. Perched on the guy’s shoulders is a cute little girl with hearts in her eyes.
“Hey, babe? Where’d you put the juice boxes?”
Braelyn turns to him and I witness that bond only destiny brings. Their eyes connect with sparks crackling into the air. Static creates a low buzz, the lights flicker, and the background tunnels away. I swear a tether snaps taut and latches them together.
“Whoa, is that what happens when I look at Grady?”
“Yes,” he murmurs into the crook of my neck.
Dang, my filter is loose today. I really need to watch the whole thinking out loud thing. “That’s intense.”
He nips at my skin. “Why do you think it’s hard for me to look away?”
Cue the swoon. Grady has been on his game lately. Well, since we started dating really. It’s been a year of floating high in the clouds.
Braelyn coughs and drags her gaze to us. The shift seems to take a lot of effort, but her smile is easy and light. “This is my husband, Brance,”—he lifts his chin our way—“and the tiny tot is Oaklee.”
“Did we stumble into a dream?” I’m mostly joking.
Her laugh is a twinkling song. “Most days it feels that way.”
“Uh-huh, yeah. It’s so fun in here. This is my most favorite place in the whole world. Hopefully you’ll stop by all the time because we’re super glad to make new friends. And you’re really pretty.” Ollie is granting me another gap-tooth grin. This kid is going to be a lady-killer one day.
Once I wrap my mind around his mishmash, I return his joy. “This shop is clearly magical. We’re happy to be here. But we live in Wyoming. I’m not sure when we’ll be back.”
Ollie stares at me. “Uh, that’s super far away.”
I giggle. “It really is. We drove all the way here.”
His eyes stretch wide open. “Wow, that is so cool.” He spins toward his parents. “Can we visit Wyoming? Let’s take a road trip! Please, please?”
Brance chuckles. “We’ll see, kiddo. That would be a long trip.”
Ollie folds his hands and lifts them up. “So? I’ll take care of Lee. She can sit in the backseat with me.”
He earns a sigh from his father for that. “Your sister isn’t the issue, little man. Let’s talk about it later.”
His bottom lip sticks out. “That’s your nice way of saying no.”
“Okay, moving on.” Braelyn
claps and focuses on us. “Is there anything particular you’re in the market for?”
I take a moment to glance at all the store has to offer. “I’m not sure where to start.”
“Oh, oh!” Ollie is leaping on his toes. “Taffy! There are so many choices. They’re all my favorite. You should try one of each.” His eyes glitter under the fluorescent lights.
Braelyn laughs. “See? He pushes my product without breaking a sweat.”
Ollie dashes over to a collection of bins. “Do you like chocolate? Cherry? Blueberry? Butterscotch? Vanilla? Apple? Banana? Root beer? Birthday cake? Caramel?”
Braelyn walks over to him. “Sweetie, you’re going to overwhelm them. Let’s choose one.”
His expression morphs into sheer disbelief. “What? No. That’s impossible. How can I decide?”
Braelyn plucks a wrapped candy out of a container and passes it to me. “This is one of my most popular flavors.”
I pop the pink piece of candy into my mouth. A burst of watermelon hits my tongue. Almost immediately, my stomach revolts and flips upside down. A gagging heave follows close behind. I spit out the half-chewed piece into my palm.
Braelyn’s expression pinches. “Not good?”
“It was really delicious for a split second. Then the taste made me queasy.”
Her smile returns. “Ah, that makes sense. How far along are you?”
Now my belly is churning for another reason. “Um, what?”
“I’m so sorry. Are you not pregnant?” She points to my torso—flat and trim, thanks very much. Hasn’t this woman heard of girl-code? That’s one subject we never broach, unless the evidence is undeniable.
My pulse does a tap dance. I force a laugh while sucking in another deep breath. The nausea fades for the most part. “Nope, not preggers.”
She slaps a flat palm to her flushing cheek. “Oh my gosh, I feel terrible. It’s just that I was very sensitive to fruit flavors while pregnant with Oaklee. A lot of women who come in have a similar reaction.”
Grady’s hand settles low on my stomach. “Is there something you need to tell me, Sutt?”
“I don’t think so?” But then I do a quick calculation. I’ve never been one to pay close attention. Over two weeks late. Can that be right? I rub at my forehead. “Is that possible? We just started trying.”