“THANK YOU,” I SAY, HANDING a man in a tux my keys. He looks at my car and crinkles his face. “It’s just a few takeout bags. Don’t pretend yours doesn’t look like that.”

“Whatever you say,” he grumbles, climbing into the driver’s seat.

If today was any other day, I would rip him a new one for implying I’m less than a vision of cleanliness. Maybe I am. That’s not the point. The point is only assholes point it out.

“Hi, Mal!” I look up to see Sienna and Camilla coming towards me. In matching yellow bridesmaid’s dresses, their hair swept up in fancy chignons, they look beautiful. “That dress on you is gorgeous. Graham’s going to die,” Sienna gushes.

“It’s Joy’s,” I say brightly. “It’s pretty, isn’t it?”

“I love how it tucks right at your waist. And that pink is definitely your color,” Cam smiles. “Did you just get here?”

I nod, looking around the Farm. Soft, twinkling yellow lights lead down the path towards the back of the house. Fabric in shades of yellows and pinks is draped over the walkway, creating an inviting, stylish ambiance. Guests bustle around, some with champagne flutes in their hands, all dressed to the absolute nines.

It’s breathtakingly beautiful. Simple and elegant at the same time.

Very Landry.

“We need to be going inside,” Camilla says. “We have a few pictures to take before the wedding starts.”

“I still can’t believe Lincoln is getting married,” Sienna laughs. “I never thought he’d be first. As a matter of fact, I thought he’d be last.”

“Me either,” Camilla agrees.

“You’re staying for the reception, right?” Sienna asks me.

“Um, I think so. I’m at Graham’s mercy.”

“That sucks.”

“Why?” I laugh.

“Because he never stays long at things. He stays until the moment he can leave,” Camilla answers. “He’s not a people person.”

I yelp as a hand presses against the small of my back. When I look back, my eyes lock with Graham’s. It’s a mixture of all-out fire and the sweetest warmth I can imagine.

“Hey,” he whispers, his palm pressing into me a little more. “You look absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“We’re out of here,” Sienna scoffs playfully. “I think we’re getting pictures in just a few minutes, G. Don’t be late. Mom is already an emotional mess.”

“I won’t,” he says to her, his eyes still on me. “Thank you for coming.”

“Of course,” I say, finding my voice.

“I hate I couldn’t pick you up and bring you here myself. But, being Best Man and all, I had duties to fulfill.”

He offers me the crook of his arm and I take it. It’s impossible to miss the twinkle in his eye as we make our way towards the archway next to an open-air structure. It’s loaded with flowers—a happy, carefree, elegant visual as soft music plays from hidden speakers.

“After the ceremony, the reception is in there.” He points to an open-air structure that nearly glows from the candles lit inside. “I’ll meet you there.”

“Sounds good.”

Our steps slow as Graham’s father rounds the corner, spying us, and makes a beeline our way. I start to remove my hand from Graham’s arm, not sure if it is appropriate, but his hand clamps down on mine, making it impossible to move.

“I didn’t know you were joining us today,” Mr. Landry says. “It’s nice to see you, Mallory.”

“It’s nice to be here, Mr. Landry.”

“You can call me Harris.”

“I’ll try,” I laugh. “You’re technically my boss.”

“Graham is your boss. I’m just an old man that makes sure his son doesn’t get out of line.” He looks at Graham and smiles proudly. “I have a feeling he’s doing just fine.”

My heart fills, even more so when Graham squeezes my hand. Mr. Landry looks at me again. “I wanted to thank you again for helping sort out that contract this week. I’m not sure it would’ve gone through without you, Mallory.”

“What are you talking about?” Graham asks, his brows pulling together.

“Lincoln’s contract for the foundation he and Danielle are starting had a few hiccups. I mentioned it in passing when I was in the office for Ford’s meeting, and she jumped right in and helped get some details straightened out.”

Mr. Landry smiles proudly at me. He’s handsome, an older version of Graham, with a deep voice and an easy charisma. I can only imagine what he was like in his youth.

“I didn’t know this,” Graham looks down at me, a look of intrigue on his face. “When did you do that?”

“That’s why I stayed late the other day,” I remind him. “Remember?”

Mr. Landry clasps Graham’s shoulder as he heads towards the house. “Pictures in a few minutes, son.”

“I’ll be there,” Graham says, still looking at me. He turns his body to face mine, a little smile trying to break across his face. “Why didn’t you mention Lincoln’s contracts to me?”

“You were busy,” I explain. “You had all of Ford’s things on your desk and Lincoln’s contracts were something I could handle quickly without your involvement. There were no decisions to be made, just a shuffling of information.” When he smiles, I return it as my heart flutters in my chest. “I was just trying to take a few things off your plate, Graham. I hope that’s okay.”

He bends down and presses the simplest kiss against my lips. I see it coming, but it’s quick enough that there’s no time to prepare. When he pulls away, I’m breathless.

“Thank you,” he whispers almost reverently.

“For what?” I say, my voice sounding shakier than I’d like. “For doing my job?”

He just smiles. “For so many things.”

“That sounds like a cop-out,” I laugh.

“It is, in a way. I . . .”

“Graham!” We turn to see Sienna standing on the back porch. “Mom is freaking out. We never, ever wait on you. She’s certain the world is falling apart today.”

Graham chuckles and indicates for her that he needs one second. His gaze returns to me as he forces a swallow. “I don’t want to be here long tonight. I’ll make my speech, watch them cut the cake or whatever, but we’re leaving as soon as the opportunity presents itself.”

“Your sisters warned me you do this,” I laugh.

“I probably do,” he sighs. “But tonight . . . it’s different.”

“Okay.”

He walks towards his sister. There’s something about his posture that strikes me. It’s not his usual purposeful walk, like he had somewhere to be ten minutes ago. Today, his hands are in his pockets, his posture easy. As he reaches the steps, he hesitates, looking back at me. When he catches me watching him, his face breaks out in a huge smile. I return it, feeling my heart nearly burst in my chest. He simply shakes his head before disappearing inside.

THE SMELL OF FRESH FLOWERS drifts through the air. A fairly small group of people, maybe thirty or forty, sit in white chairs with yellow tulle tied in a bow on the backs. The pastor reads from his script while everyone watches Danielle and Lincoln.

They’re beautiful, magazine-like, as they hold hands and face one another in front of their friends and family. I’m not sure Lincoln is listening to the words being spoken. He’s just gazing at his bride like she’s the only person here. It’s fun to watch, and I understand why the woman beside me elbowed her husband in the side and told him to take notes.

My gaze, however, is affixed to the man right behind the groom. The one slightly taller, slightly darker, much broodier. The one out of the group of brothers that seems slightly frustrated by having all of this attention on him, the only one that didn’t mug for pictures before the wedding started. Barrett teased him that he was too uptight, but I have a feeling it was because he would have had to look somewhere other than at me. Because that’s all he has done—looked at me like he’s never seen me before. Sometimes it’s like we’re sharing an inside joke, but other times it’s like he’s completely perplexed at me sitting here amidst his family.

All the time, however, he’s looking like he wants to jump off the step someone built for this occasion and whisk me away.

“Lincoln?” The pastor nudges the groom and he laughs.

“Sorry, Pastor Frank.”

“That’s fine,” he says to a bubble of laughter from everyone. “It’s time for your vows.”

Lincoln turns and takes the ring from Graham and hovers it over Danielle’s finger.

“I, Lincoln Harrison Landry, take you, Ryan Danielle Ashley, to be my wife. I promise to keep coffee creamer in the fridge, chocolate donuts on the counter, and ice water by the bed.” He winks at Danielle, who blushes. “I promise to listen when you’re mad, hug you when you’re sad, and put your needs and desires before mine, even when you ruin my favorite shirts.”

He clears his throat and looks at the sky. Graham steps forward and puts a hand on his shoulder. It’s then we see a single tear trickle down Lincoln’s cheek.

I dab at my eyes, watching Danielle’s Maid of Honor hand her a tissue and Lincoln get himself together.

“I love you, Dani. I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone,” he says, his tone heavy with emotion. “You make me a better version of me, even though I didn’t think that was possible.”

Everyone laughs as Lincoln shrugs, his swagger back. “I promise to make this season the best one of our lives.”

He leans in to kiss Danielle, but the pastor puts his hand on Lincoln’s chest. “Not yet, Lincoln.”

Everyone laughs again as Danielle gets Lincoln’s ring and begins to place it on his finger.

“I, Ryan Danielle Ashley, take you, Lincoln Harrison Landry, to be my husband. I promise to not only love you, but cherish you forever because I want you to know each and every day how much I adore you. I promise to support you in everything you do and be your partner in all your endeavors. I’ll keep fake cheese in the pantry,” she says, her voice cracking, “and do the cooking so you don’t burn the house down. I . . .” Tears run down her face too quickly for her to finish her sentence.

As I soak up mine, I feel Graham looking at me. Flipping my sight to him, his brows are pulled together.

When our eyes meet, his features soften as his eyes widen and he takes a step back, like he’s seen an apparition.

“You okay?” I mouth, feeling my heartbeat pick up.

He nods, a slow smile spreading across his face. Our little moment is halted by a burst of cheers and applause from the crowd.

“I now give you Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Landry!” the pastor announces. “You may now kiss the bride.”

This is usually my favorite part of a wedding. The first few moments of the union, the kiss that seals the deal. But today, all I can do is return Graham’s grin.