Page 123 of Sweet Madness

I beam happily up at him while he smiles back.

I think back to everything that led me here—a stalker, a friend’s betrayal, fate. It all leads me to him.

My beautiful and perfect green flag, that I wouldn’t change for the world. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

My very own grump with a heart made of gold.

Space Note

“Humans have used the stars to guide themselves on sometimes vast journeys over both land and sea.” — S

Happily Ever After

SHAW

“Oh, what a beautiful ride life will be with you.” — S

Sunshine Stables never looked as beautiful as it does today—my wedding day. I never dreamed of the day I would get married, yet this day feels exactly like a dream.

The sun is setting below the horizon, casting a golden-pink glow across the tulip field. My bride wanted to get married somewhere we both love and where there was pink. So, the tulip field was the perfect choice for our private ceremony.

Ella also didn’t want anything big and even suggested we elope in Las Vegas, but I refused. She deserves to wear a wedding dress and feel like the princess she is, surrounded by the people who love her.

The atmosphere fills with serene anticipation as we wait for Ella to appear. Her family and she did a beautiful job preparing this place for the wedding.

I’m still amazed at how they turned my ranch into her dream wedding destination.

The trees by the entry are adorned with fairy lights, making it look like a magical place.

I stand on a makeshift altar adorned with cascading bouquets of pink tulips. I am dressed in all white, and so are the guests. She wants everyone to wear white. I still don’t understand why she would choose to share her wedding color with everyone else on a day that is all about her. Beside me, Ben stands, sporting an outfit with a mischievous glint in his eye. “You’re one lucky fucker, little cousin. I hope you know that.”

Smiling like a fool in love, I nod, feeling butterflies in my belly. Shit. She gives me butterflies. “That I am, Ben. That I am.” We both smile and then glance toward the path where Ella is due to make her entrance at any moment.

I can’t help but notice the sea of familiar faces surrounding us. Every seat is occupied by members of Ella’s family—parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and more. Their faces show a mix of fond, quiet tears and unspoken joys, all directed toward Ella, their daughter, sister, cousin, and niece.

They all flew to Montana from all over the country for her. She is loved by all of them, and it shows in their faces as they, too, wait for her to make her appearance.

I’m a grown man, yet I stand here holding my breath, excited and nervous at the same time as I fix my gaze on where she will soon appear. While I wait for her, I think back to every memory I share with Ella and smile. Loving Ella comes easily. It’s the kind of love I never thought I would ever know—a love that makes me weak yet strong, a love that I am sure will transcend time and space.

I also believe I loved her in another life, and I’m sure I will love her in every other life.

“Breathe, man. She’s almost here,” Ben nudges me playfully, easing the tension. “Oh, wow. I knew she would make the most beautiful bride.” My cousin whispers, but I can’t hear him.

I can’t hear or see anything but her.

Sebastian walks my girl down the path toward me, a look of pride and love shining in his eyes.

And then there is her.

The light of my love walks toward me in a modern yet delicate pink wedding gown adorned with intricate lace and a bouquet of vibrant pink tulips in her hand. My heart swells, and I am sure it will fall out of my chest at her feet as I watch her walking toward me—a vision that surpasses all my dreams. Her perfect smile lights up as soon as she sees me, and then the world seems to stop, leaving only us.

At her feet, Poppy trots merrily along with a big pink bow on her head and a sparkly dress that matches Ella’s.

I can’t help but smile.

This is it.

The happily ever after she craved so much. It’s finally here.