Truly, Madly, Whiskey(91)
“Exactly.” Dixie gave Gemma a one-armed hug. “Want me to take Kennedy out and get the men to speed it up?”
Gemma nodded. “Thank you.” She rubbed noses with Kennedy. “See you in a few minutes, baby girl.”
“I need to kiss Cwystal!” She leaned forward, her lips puckered up tight.
Crystal’s heart warmed as she kissed her. “Love you, sweetie. You’re the prettiest flower girl ever.”
There was a time when she’d been afraid to become a mother, but she wasn’t afraid anymore. As Gemma’s wedding neared, she’d found herself thinking more and more about what it would be like to have a family. With Bear. She knew he’d be an incredible, loving father, even if overprotective, and she had a feeling she’d be a damn good mother.
“I can walk, Aunt Dixie,” Kennedy said, wiggling out of her arms as they left the bedroom. “I’m a big girl.”
Alone with Gemma, Crystal faced her best friend and held her hands. “You’re getting married to a man you met in Walmart.”
Their eyes teared up. Both of them fanned their faces.
“No crying,” Crystal said. “We look too good to ruin our makeup. I’m so happy for you, Gem. You deserve all the happiness in the world, and Truman is so wonderful.”
Gemma nodded, tears still brimming in her eyes.
“No crying,” Crystal whispered, and embraced her. “I love you so much. Thank you for sticking with me even after you found out I wasn’t the slutty girl you thought I was.”
“You’re the girl I always thought you were, and I have no doubt you and Bear are naughty, naughty, naughty. You’re my sister from another mother.”
A funny thing had happened when she’d tried to talk to Gemma about sex with Bear. It was too special to share. “Are you sure you want me to walk down the aisle with you? That’s your moment.”
“Yes. It’s our soul sister moment. Besides, I need you to hold me up in case I get so nervous I can’t walk.”
Crystal peered out the window again, spotting the men in their matching dark slacks, short-sleeved white dress shirts, and black suspenders and ties. Her eyes were drawn to Bear, Truman’s best man. She’d never seen him dressed up, and he was so handsome she couldn’t stop staring at him. He’d been teasingly making comments about getting married all week, and as she watched him standing by the altar, she couldn’t tamp down her emotions.
“Gemma,” she whispered. “I love him so much my heart actually hurts. I’m not afraid to want it all with Bear, and I’m not afraid of the bottom dropping out from under me, because I know he’ll be there to catch me.” She held out her trembling hand. “Look at me. You’re the bride, and I’m more nervous than you are.”
Gemma took her hand. “Maybe that’s because I’m the bride and you want to be.”
BEAR STOOD BESIDE Truman as Dixie and Quincy walked down the rose-petal aisle. Dixie looked beautiful in a pretty lace dress. She had the rosy glow of a woman who had been given something she’d always wanted. Two nights ago their father had told her the truth about why he had tried to dissuade her from working at the bar. Dixie told Bear that their father loving her too much was the best reason for his actions. He was glad Dixie was finally getting the credit she deserved.
Dixie took her place on the bride’s side as Quincy took his place beside Bear, and they bumped fists. He and Jed got along well in their new living arrangement. They were already playing wingmen for each other.
Bear watched Bullet walk down the aisle at a snail’s pace, holding Lincoln’s hand, like the Jolly Green Giant and Tiny Tim. Bullet’s eyes drifted to Finlay Wilson, and a smile lifted his lips. Boy was he barking up the wrong tree. Bear had spoken to Finlay earlier, and she was so sweet she could give a man cavities.
Lincoln looked adorable in his dark pants and suspenders. It was incredible, watching him grow from a gurgling baby to a walking, sort-of-talking little boy. The pang of wanting a family, which had been creeping in more and more over the last few months, slammed into him.
Bullet lifted Lincoln into his arms and took his place beside Quincy.
Bear’s heart swelled as Bones led Kennedy down the aisle in her fluffy white dress. She tossed rose petals into the air, a sweet smile on her pretty face. That earlier pang became a thrum, and he pictured a little girl with Crystal’s blue eyes and confidence. He felt a smile tugging at his lips.
“Uncle Boney!” Kennedy said, pulling him from his thoughts. “Look how handsome Daddy is.” She waved at Truman, then turned that brilliant smile on the rest of them. “Hi, Uncle Quincy. Hi, Uncle Beah! Hi, Uncle Bullet! Look at me! I’m a flowah girl!”
The three of them looked like grinning fools. Bear felt sorry for whoever tried to date that precious little girl when she grew up. She had a host of uncles who would fiercely protect her, and he was at the head of the line.
Kennedy yanked on Bullet’s trousers. “Uncle Bullet, bend down so I can kiss Linc!”
He did, and Bear’s insides turned to mush.
He clasped his hands in front of him, trying to calm his nerves as he awaited Crystal’s arrival, but the second she and Gemma stepped out of the house, it was all he could do to stare. He knew he should be focused on the bride, but sweet Jesus. He’d never seen Crystal look more gorgeous. Her hair was swept up in a knot on top of her head, and a few wispy strands framed her face, making her blue eyes, which were currently locked on him, even more alluring. Her neck looked long and graceful. His mouth watered to kiss her there. Her bluish minidress brought out the shine on her cheeks and accentuated her bare shoulders. He had a definite thing for her shoulders, and he wondered if she’d chosen that dress, and that hairstyle, just to drive him out of his mind. She wore a pretty jeweled cuff around her upper arm and a sexy copper anklet that wound around her lower leg like a snake. She looked classy and feminine. Exquisite. His pulse went crazy. He wanted to step out of line and sweep her into his arms, but he forced himself to stand tall and blew her a kiss instead.