Mandy leaned back on her couch that had been delivered the day before and took a deep breath. It had been a long few days and by the sound of things, it wasn’t going to calm down any time soon. Chloe cooed in her arms as she stared at the new world around her.
Laura lay on the other couch, flipping through bridal magazines. “I’m thinking next year when Chloe is old enough to stay with a babysitter, we take another trip with the four of us. Just you, me, Thomas, and Justin.”
“If this shop takes off, I’m all for it. Right now, I’m a little broke.” It wasn’t something Mandy had ever had to say, and she wasn’t thrilled with the way it sounded. Except that by June of next year, she’d be a shop owner. And a married woman. That part still blew her away.
“I think you’re right. You can make a better dress. But do you have time?” Laura dropped the magazine she held and went for another one that was filled with bridesmaid dresses.
Mandy pointed to a notebook on the coffee table. “It’s there. I came up with it last night while Mom was droning on about the perfect centerpieces.”
Laura flipped through and gasped. “It’s perfect.”
“Thanks. I think so too. Emily is supposed to be working on it right now.” Mandy clapped Chloe’s hands together. “It’s too bad she’s not a little older. I’d have her be the flower girl.”
Laura laughed. “I’d like her to be old enough so she’ll actually sleep at night.”
The door slammed, and Mom walked into the living room holding an armful of tablecloths. “I believe we’re down to these three.”
“It’s a good thing. The wedding is in two days.” Mandy sat up and stood to hand Chloe back to Laura.
“Oh, no you don’t. I need to see this little one.” Mom held her arms out. “Oh, she’s just a doll.”
Laura rolled off the couch. “Thank you. I’ll be right back.”
Mandy held up the notebook. “My dress.”
“Oh, darling. That is gorgeous. You designed this?” Mom looked at her with a respect that Mandy hadn’t seen before.
“Yes. And since it’s fall, I’ll have some fall colors to accent it.” Mandy turned the page to show her the other designs.
Mom pulled Mandy to her and kissed her forehead. “You have a gift. And while I don’t like that you’re hiding out here with it, I’m proud of what you’ve been able to accomplish.”
Mandy figured asking her mom to say it again so she could save it and frame it was probably a bit much, so she filed it away under things she’d never thought she’d hear. “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s out with Thomas looking at the land he owns. Really, honey. A ranch?”
Mandy laughed. “Not for a while. We want to get things set up here first and then once the shop is established, we’ll move out there.”
Mom sighed. “Very well. Now, about the guest list.”
Mandy couldn’t stop grinning as she walked down the aisle. The cold November weather had given away to warmth just for her special day. The leaves underfoot crunched as she took one slow step after another. It was too slow for her taste, but she’d already sped enough things up. She could slow down and savor this day.
Thomas stood just below the arch that led into the fairy garden dressed in a tux that her father had helped pick out. Thomas’s parents stared her down as she walked past. While Thomas had won over her parents, it would be a while before she would win over his. Not even the promise of the reception in New York had appeased them.
Laura gave Mandy a thumbs up and Emily stood next to her, grinning. She’d fallen in love with everything about this place, but still swore she would never leave the big city. Mandy knew that would only last for so long.
Dad kissed Mandy’s cheek and went to sit down by Mom. Thomas took her hand and they faced the pastor. The stooped man had also married Justin and Laura, so it was only natural that they chose him.
“I have known Thomas for years. He came to us a little rough around the edges, but he grew to be a remarkable young man. I feel so honored that he would ask me to marry him to his beautiful bride.”
Thomas cleared his throat. “Thank you.”
Mandy was surprised at the emotion in his voice.
“Thomas, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” Thomas smiled and squeezed Mandy’s hand.
“Amanda, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, Thomas and Amanda, as husband and wife lawfully wedded before God. You may now kiss the bride.”
Mandy’s heart felt like it would burst as Thomas bent down and pulled her in for a kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Her cowboy. She took his hat off and tossed it into the crowd, followed by her bouquet.
Chaos broke out as people scrambled to catch each one of them. Mandy jumped when someone tapped on her shoulder. She turned to find Justin and Laura standing there, holding a globe.
Mandy looked up at Thomas. “Are you ready?”