Page 104 of Perfect Guy

“But you love me more when I’m dirty.”

A throaty laugh escapes me. “I love all of you.” I tilt my head, staring into his eyes. “Every single part.” I cup his cheek.

He nods, turning his head to kiss my palm.

“I do, too.”

“Let’s go back and see if they’re ready to take our picture,” I suggest.

We head back to where the wedding party is, and Joy turns to us with narrowed eyes.

“Where’d you get that?” She tilts her head toward my hand.

“We snuck into the catering tent and grabbed some,” Canaan answers.

“And you couldn’t get one for your sister?” She widens her eyes.

“Only had one functioning hand.” Canaan points out, with a gleam in his eyes.

“That excuse is getting old,” she rolls her eyes. “Madelyn has two.” She points at me.

“Hey, I was just there for the ride.” I lift my hands in mock surrender, careful not to spill any of the champagne.

“I’ll grab you one, babe.” Brayden kisses Joy’s temple. “If I stand here and wait for our picture any longer, I’m going to go insane.” He walks away, and Joy sighs.

“He’s the best.” Her eyes are filled with love.

“Mads,” Wilder calls out. “Come take a picture.” He waves me over.

Canaan takes my glass, holding the stems of both between his fingers. I smile at my brother and nudge Levi with my elbow when he pretends he’s going to ruffle my hair. We stand on either side of Wilder, taking a photo of the siblings first. Then, he calls our cousins, Grady, Jase, and Cole to stand with us, all of us smiling. It’s hard not to get emotional, seeing us all grown up and moving forward in life. Even Jase seems to be settling down after reconnecting with Savannah.

I’m so grateful I still have them in my life.

Growing up, I hated it. I was younger and the only girl. They’d tease me and play pranks on me. When I wanted to hang out with them, they’d kick me out. As we grew up, they became overprotective. Every stage of my life has been marked by my family.

“Don’t cry, Mads.” Grady leans in and whispers.

“I can’t help it,” I laugh through my tears.

Hallie joins us, taking more photos with our family. Camille, Charlee, Joey, and Savannah join us afterward. I call Canaanup, wanting him to be a part of this. He’s my forever. I want photos of him here like the rest of my family has their significant others.

When we’re finally done with all that, we walk to the reception area. It’s an outdoor wedding, and the afternoon is perfect for it. A slight breeze where it isn’t too hot, but the sun is shining.

We eat and drink. We laugh and talk about growing up and what the future holds. We watch Wilder and Hallie’s first dance with tears in our eyes and listen to the best man and maid-of-honor speeches with chuckles and smiles. It’s been a perfect wedding and exactly what my brother and sister-in-law deserve.

When the band starts playing, Canaan stands and reaches his hand out. “Will you dance with me?”

“Of course.” I take his hand and face him.

I wrap my arms around him, feeling the warmth of his around my back. Even with a cast, he can sway me around a dance floor. We’re quiet as we move to the slow beats. Canaan hums the song in my ear, and I close my eyes, getting lost in this moment and the feel of his body against mine.

I’ve never felt a love like this. I didn’t know it existed. It’s as if my entire heart belongs to him. As if we’re tied together with some invisible string, belonging to each other. It’s scary and beautiful. I never want to be without it, without him.

I lean my cheek against his chest and sigh. Being in his arms is my favorite place to be. I may have experienced a shitty situation in college. My dreams were broken when I realized how ugly people could be.

I returned to Mason Creek needing my safe place, needing my family. I wanted to be home and move on from the disappointment and lack of self-worth when it came to my career. Canaan unknowingly gave me a new opportunity for my career. Then, he stole my heart and gave me another reason to love my life and myself.

I wasn’t sure if I’d stay in Mason Creek for a long time or search for a job in a city later on in life. For the moment, I was happy being back home. Mason Creek is my forever because that’s where the man of my dreams is. I found a job I love. I help my family with the ranch. I can live a life that fulfills me and stay true to my roots.