Page 92 of Forever Enough

“She does that as well.”

“Okay, my mind is blown, and now I want to be married in a barn. Doug, take note of this. Barn. Winter. Snow.”

Doug nodded. “Noted.”

Mackenzie chuckled. “This really is so beautiful.”

Aunt Kaylee walked in and clapped to get everyone’s attention. “It’s time! Everyone, please take your seats.”

Maverick walked in with Nathan at his side. He looked happy and scared at the same time.

“I take it that’s the groom?” Emily asked.

“Yes. He looks so nervous,” Mackenzie said, taking a seat and reaching for my hand. I loved that she didn’t even think about the motion. She just did it naturally, and that filled my chest with warmth.

Everyone quickly got to their seats, and a quiet hush filled the barn. Lily had decided it would only be her and Maverick in the wedding. I loved how simple they were keeping everything. All they wanted to do was share the moment with their family and closest friends, and that worked for them.

The music started to play, and we all stood and turned to see Lily standing there in a silver gown that sparkled from all the lights in the barn. A thin cape was tied around her neck with a piece of jewelry that appeared to be the clasp. She looked beautiful. And the glow on her face seemed to grow as she looked directly at Maverick. Then she smiled, and I was pretty sure everyone else in the barn simply vanished, and it was just the two of them alone.

“That dress is beautiful,” Mackenzie whispered to her sister. “The tulle cape that matches the gown is stunning.”

We watched as Tanner and Timberlynn both walked Lily down the aisle. I could already hear sniffles filling the space, and at one point, even noticed Mackenzie and Emily discreetly wiping tears away.

The ceremony went by so fast, as Lily and Maverick said traditional vows. Then it was time to kiss the bride, and they both turned to face everyone and grinned as the pastor introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Prescott. Lily looked at Maverick, and when he wiped her happy tears away and kissed her again, I felt Mackenzie squeeze my hand. It was a sweet and tender moment, and I was so glad I was home to be part of it.

After way too many photos of the couple, the families, and the extended families, it was time to head up to Uncle Brock and Aunt Lincoln’s house, where the party would immediately begin.

“What a beautiful wedding that was!” Emily gushed as we headed to the truck. “Everyone is so nice and has made us feel like we’re part of the family.”

Mackenzie smiled at her sister. “They’re an amazing group of people, aren’t they?”

The girls talked in the back seat while Doug and I discussed raising cattle. He was born and raised in New York City and found ranch life fascinating.

Once we got to Lincoln and Brock’s house, Avery got everyone’s attention.

“We have another reason to celebrate! Today is Emily’s birthday!”

Lincoln came walking out with a birthday cake. I glanced over to Emily and Mackenzie, both had tears in their eyes. We all sang happy birthday, and right after Emily blew out the candles, Avery pulled Emily and Mackenzie away to properly introduce Emily to the family. I watched as Doug looked on fondly.

“She misses her sister so much. Emily’s been looking forward to coming here for months now. The minute she heard Mackenzie was moving, she started making plans to visit.”

“They don’t get to see each other much, I guess.”

He shook his head and turned to me. “When we got here, and I first saw Mackenzie…it was like seeing another person, to be honest with you. I think moving to Montana was one of the best things she’s ever done. I know you know about her mother and stepfather.”

I frowned. “Yeah, she told me.”

Doug shook his head. “I hate that they’re all they have left of their small family, yet they’re so far away from each other.”

“Have you thought about leaving New York City?” I asked.

He wore a smile that said he was a man with a secret. “I have. As a matter of fact, I applied for a position here in Hamilton. At a pediatrician’s office. They’re looking to add another doctor.”

“You did?” I asked as my eyes flew open wide. “Emily hasn’t said anything to Mackenzie about it.”

He looked sheepish and rubbed at the back of his neck, almost like he was unsure of his actions. “She doesn’t know. My residency finishes up soon, and I know Emily doesn’t want to live in New York City long-term. I was offered a position with a pediatric office in Manhattan, but I haven’t given them an answer yet. I wanted to see how Emily liked it here in Montana before I mentioned anything to her.”

“Wow. You’d be willing to leave your family behind to move to Montana?” I asked.