Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 77936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Not everything can be fixed by eating.” Willow had taken on several of Maverick’s sayings and mannerisms over the past few months. Funny the way people wore off on each other. Hannah lived in riding boots and jeans these days, and Maverick and I awaited new episodes of their favorite show with almost as much anticipation as the girls.
“No.” I sat on a nearby bench outside the store and gestured for Willow to join me. “I know I’ve said it a bunch, but however you’re feeling, it’s okay.” Maverick and I had tried to make the whole wedding as low-key and pressure-free as possible. “If you’re not that into the whole wedding prep thing. If you want to wear something you already own. Whatever you feel and need, I’m here for it.”
“I wish Mom were here.” Willow stared at her slender hands. “Which is weird because if she were here, you wouldn’t be getting married. And I love Maverick. I just wish Mom was here to help me pick the perfect dress.”
“I get that.” I nodded slowly. “I miss my dad every day, Willow. I wish he was here to sit up front with Grandma. But I’m also happy Grandma is bringing a date.” My mother had recently started seeing the Realtor helping me list my current house. “You don’t stop missing someone simply because life keeps moving. But it’s also okay to enjoy the happy parts that happen along the way.”
“Yeah.” Willow exhaled hard as she swung her feet. “I haven’t picked a room color yet either. Maverick’s feelings might be hurt.”
“Maverick is fine.” I patted her knee. Willow was taking Maverick’s old room, next to Hannah’s, because we didn’t want to force the girls to share even though they were best friends. Maverick had offered to decorate in whatever scheme Willow could dream up. However, I understood Willow’s reluctance to move on from her cowgirl room. “Your mom will always be a part of our story, Willow. No matter where we live or how the family grows and changes, she’s a part of you and part of our family.”
“I’ll get to see Pepperjack every day.” Willow took a few more deep breaths. I tried not to take it personally that time with her horse was the big selling point for Willow. “Too bad he can’t come to the wedding.”
“Tell you what. I’ll wake up early on New Year’s Eve morning with you.” The whole reason for the fast engagement was that we wanted a true fresh start for our second chance, getting married on New Year’s Eve, so we could start the year as a married couple. Well, that and after waiting twenty years, Maverick and I weren’t inclined to wait much longer. But I tried to be sensitive to what that speed might mean for Willow. “We’ll go out to the barn and give you a little Pepperjack time before the big night.”
“Okay.” She nodded, then abruptly stood. “Look!”
She stalked to a nearby store window, which featured a bunch of mannequins having a New Year’s Eve party. Willow pointed at the center mannequin, who looked ready for a country music awards show in a pink rhinestone suit with flared legs ending in black cowboy boots. A black and pink cowboy hat sat nearby.
“That’s it,” she breathed with the awe I reserved for new trucks. “But it’s not a dress.”
“Do you love it?” I asked, praying the price tag gods would be kind to us.
“Yes.” She clasped her hands to her chest. “That’s so me.”
“And you are exactly who Maverick and I want at the wedding. He’s gonna love you in that suit.” I could say that because Maverick would love Willow in a paper bag. But Willow was our future rodeo queen, and if she wanted to dress like it, neither of us was going to stop her.
“Thank you.” She stretched to give me a kiss on the cheek. “Can we go try it on?”
Hours later, we’d done the airport pickup run, and the suit sat in a shiny pink shopping bag in the hotel room Hannah and Willow were sharing with Faith next to the one for Maverick and me. Finally alone, Maverick and I lay in bed, and I showed him pictures of Willow trying on the suit.
“It’s perfect.” Maverick smiled as he nudged me with his elbow. “And you’re a good dad, Colt.” He flipped back to the closeup I’d taken of Willow grinning at the camera. “I’m so glad she found something she wants to wear.”
“Me too.” I chuckled. “Keep that same attitude when she explains the bedroom theme she’s finally settled on. Some sort of rodeo meets girl power with a lot of glitter. She made a drawing.”
“I can’t wait.” Maverick wriggled against the sheets. “I can’t wait till New Year’s Eve.”
“We’ve waited this long.” I tickled along his bare ribs. I was so happy he was back that I couldn’t stop touching him.