39. Chapter 39

Iwould have married Max the same night he asked me to. Truthfully, I probably would have married him at 16, if I'd been able to. He didn't want to get married without his best men by his side, though. Jake had been instrumental in helping Max keep his sanity during everything that happened with Beth, the birth of his son, and the eventual silence from me, so I understood.

Eleven agonizing months later, Jake was finally free of the assignment that kept him undercover far longer than he ever intended to be. His assignment cost him the woman he had when he took it, not that I thought that was a big loss. It also cost him the woman he had fallen in love with while undercover.

When that woman found out that nearly everything she thought she knew about her boyfriend was made up, she told him to kick bricks and disappeared almost overnight without a trace.

Jake was probably too heartbroken to be the best man throughout a wedding where his best friend was deliriously happy and in love, but he chose to be there for Max anyway.

The whole time I got ready, Sharon threw me a knowing grin. I'd purposely chosen to wear my cowgirl boots instead of high heels. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that my fiancé – soon-to-be-husband – would be wearing his and for some ridiculous reason, I wanted us to match.

I wasn't wearing the old pair. My 28th birthday had been two weeks ago, and Greg and Sharon had gifted me with a new pair of boots that I cherished, especially since my feet had grown since Jack gifted my last pair to me when I was 16. I still had them in my closet, unable to part with the memories attached to the worn-down leather.

IMax would be 30 in a few months and J.J. would be 5. I couldn't believe how quickly time had flown by for us.

"Are you sure about this?" My Man of Honor asked as his mother let him into my dressing room. I turned to see Evan standing there looking charming as ever in his tuxedo and cowboy boots.

"I've never been surer of anything in my life."

He and my soon-to-be mother-in-law both grinned at me. "Well, then let's get you out there, so Dad can walk you down the aisle."

A tinge of sadness overwhelmed me to know that I wouldn't have either of my fathers to do that, but Greg had stepped in and offered, and I had gladly accepted.

Sharon went to take her place in the front pew of the church as everyone else took their places. My Man of honor and Max's best man were going to walk down the aisle side-by-side with J.J. leading the way. He was our ring bearer, so we wanted him to get up front where his uncle Jake could keep an eye on those rings before something happened to them.

"You look absolutely stunning," Greg complimented as I walked up and put my arm in his. "I know that considering your relationship with Jack, you probably think of me as more of a brother," he said. I kept my mouth shut and listened. "The thing is, I never saw you as a sister. I've always seen you as the daughter that Sharon and I were never blessed with. Jack had your heart and gave you that title when you needed it, but I hope, considering your about to marry my son, you won't mind us Carter men passing that torch down one more time, Petal." He winked at me as he tacked on Jack's nickname for me.

"I love you so much," I whispered, unable to speak louder because my emotions clogged my throat and it felt as though anything above a whisper would trigger tears to fall before I was able to walk down the aisle.

"Too much?"

I shook my head. "Just right, Dad." The wedding march started, and I thanked my lucky stars that Sharon convinced me to hire a videographer for the wedding because I'd completely missed the guys walking down the aisle in the wake of Greg telling me he hoped I'd consider him to be my third dad.

"I'm a lucky girl," I admitted as we took our first step.

"Nah, we're a lucky family."

My wedding was a blur. Between my excitement and emotions, it was a miracle I made it through while still on my feet. It wasn't until halfway through the reception that I truly checked back in and realized what was happening outside of the tiny little bubble that consisted of my new husband and me.

"Shock finally wore off?" Max asked as he leaned in to tease me.

"Hush. Today has been so emotional."

"I know it, sweetheart. Dream come true for both of us."

That made me smile because he wasn't wrong. There was only one – well two – things that could have made the day better. That would have been to have Jack and my biological father – Eric – there with us today. Even knowing it wasn't possible, I felt like they were still there with us in spirit.

"I have a confession to make," Max stated as we watched J.J. dance with Sharon. I turned to see my husband's eyes turned down.

"What is it?"

"My bachelor party…"

I sighed, knowing there weren't any strippers or anything, so not sure what my husband would have to confess to me.

"Well?" I prompted when he didn't finish.

"My brothers bet me I couldn't get through that mud pit out on the back field where Michael just tilled up the ground before all the rains." I sighed, knowing exactly where he was going with his story. "And… Well…" He paused before bringing his eyes back to meet mine. "The truck got a little muddy."

I laughed. "What is it with you and muddin' the night before formal occasions?" I questioned.

"Boys will be boys?" He muttered his semi-question with a sheepish shrug of his shoulders. I pulled my husband's face to mine as I rolled my eyes at him. Then, I kissed the shit out of him.

As I pulled away, I whispered against his lips, "Be glad I love you."

"I am. Every single day of my life."

We had to go back home to the new barn house after the reception because our flight to Montana, where we were going on our honeymoon, didn't leave until early afternoon the next day. As we left the party amidst all the cheers, I couldn't help but anticipate our first night in our home as man and wife.

That was until I saw the true state of Max's truck. As soon as it came into view, I almost busted out of my wedding dress when I doubled over in laughter. Someone, probably Evan, had written "Just Married" in the mud on the back window of Max's truck that was almost unrecognizable thanks to the sheer volume of dried on dirt covering the front, sides, and rear almost to the top of the truck.

"You are out of control, Maxwell Carter."

He grinned at me and then glanced back at his truck with pride. "Devon had to be pulled out of the mud and I made it through on my own, so it all worked out."

I would have rolled my eyes again, but my husband took the opportunity to pick me up bridal style and carry me over to the truck while his best man raced to get there to open the filth-covered door for him.

Max worked hard to get me into the truck without my dress touching the mess, but I didn't care. I like the messy parts of our lives just as much as I loved the serene moments. My only requirement was that as many of them as possible were spent with one another.

When we got back to the barn, we were both in for a bit of a surprise. Our bedroom had been transformed into a romantic honeymoon suite complete with rose pedals adorning the bed. The only thing that felt out of place were the two envelops that sat atop each of our pillows. As soon as I got closer, I noticed one was addressed to Petal and the other to Maxwell.

I picked them up and handed Max his. The handwriting was familiar to me and as I traced it, I could almost feel Jack swallowing me up in a giant hug.

My Dearest Petal,

I couldn't be there today, so I asked my son to step into my shoes and make sure you got this letter as you set out on a new adventure. Hopefully, you married my grandson, otherwise this letter might be a little embarrassing for both of us.

I giggled as I read that part.

I always knew that you two were meant to be.

That's not true, but do you know who did? My wife. She used to tell me all the time that one day, when the two of you grew up and found yourselves and one another, that you and Max would make a perfect pair.

At first, I couldn't believe my wife. Max was always a bit of a lady's man with an ego when he was younger and that didn't seem to fit with my far-too-serious Petal. Still, she proved me right. As you both grew older, I could see it too. I could also see that you both needed time before it could happen.

I'm so proud of you and all you've accomplished my pretty Petal. I'm excited to welcome you into the Carter family in one more way. The fact that you've held so many titles amongst us shows just how loved and cherished you really are. If you remember nothing else, always carry that knowledge in your heart.

Love my grandson with everything you have in you. I have no doubt you will be an amazing wife, mother to J.J., and to the rest of the kids I foresee the two of you having together. Thank you for shining your brilliant light on my family, my sweet daughter.

I'll see you again one day, but until then, live the best life you can with no regrets. We'll swap stories when we meet again.

Love Always,

Your Dad, Jack.

I glanced over and saw Max's eyes were just as misty as my own. We swapped letters and I read his too.

Max - my boy,

There was a day a long time ago when I told you that one day you would realize there was a woman who would appreciate you and your quirks. Because you were stubborn about it, you've had some misses over the years. You weren't bad at love, Max. I know you said that to me a few times, but I begged to differ. You were bad with those other women simply because they weren't the right one.

I'd be willing to bet the farm that those idiot brothers of yours talked you into muddin' just before your wedding. She didn't mind one stinkin' bit about the dirt on your truck or the cowboy boots you wore through the nuptials, did she?

I couldn't help the smile stuck on my face as I realized Jack really did know us better than we thought.

She's going to make you one happy man, Max. All you have to do is give her that happiness back and never forget that she's the one who would smile through the mud and chaos that life slings your way. She'll do it with her own pair of shit kickers on while raising your babies to grow to be the best kind of people. Never lose sight of what you have, Max. I never did and I want that kind of love for you. More importantly, I want it for my Petal. Give her a giant hug for me, I bet she misses them.

All my Love,

Pops