37. Six Months Later

After months of sorting through endless swaths of fabric, comparing flower petals, and promoting the date to her fans and followers —

Her day had finally arrived.

Oakleigh could have realistically planned the elaborate wedding in just a few short weeks, but she found herself inundated with her new role around the ranch. The delay had turned out to be a blessing.

It had been a struggle to bring all her loved ones together, even for the sake of her special day.

Paisley had her reasons.

“ I’m sorry, Oaks. I cannot under any

circumstances, be in the same room as

that woman. ”

Oakleigh understood her feelings on the matter, more than she ever wanted to admit.

The dust had settled since her mother had left White Bridge. She had spent many early morning coffee talks with Maeve, discussing her complex feelings. As always, Maeve patiently listened, offering advice only when she was asked. Finally, one day — she spoke up.

“Why don’t you send your mom a letter?”

“Like in the mail?” Oakleigh asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

“Yes, Oakleigh,” Maeve sighed, thumbing the handle of her coffee mug. “In the mail.”

Oakleigh ordered a pad of flowery, pink stationary paper and a pen. Jotting down a quick letter, she addressed the envelope to her mother’s brand new beachside condo —which had been paid for entirely in the divorce settlement with Shepard Davenport.

Oakleigh wasn’t sure what she was hoping for, uncertain if she would even receive a response.

Much to her surprise, a letter soon arrived in the mail.

Her mother’s penmanship was perfectly scrawled across the beautiful floral pages. Her words were muted, yet hopeful for continued dialogue.

Oakleigh wrote again and received yet another letter in reply.

Each time, her mother’s handwriting showed less perfection. It began with an occasional word dipping under the line here, and then a crossed-out word there. Slowly but surely, she opened up about her past. Soon, entire sentences began to be scribbled out, and she was seemingly unbothered at all to start over with a fresh page.

When her mother got to the part about her own parents, and finally Shep, she followed up some of her harsh statements with —

“I probably shouldn’t have said that.”

Reading the unvarnished truth made her laugh, weep, and consider what had shaped Harper Davenport — and what had ultimately created Oakleigh. When it came to Harper’s own life choices, Oakleigh expected the weak excuses to begin filling up the pages.

Yet, there were none.

Only apologies.

Eventually, she opened up to Oakleigh about her relationship with the Lord, and how he had met her at her lowest point.

When it finally came down to making her guest list for the wedding, Oakleigh felt an overwhelming peace over inviting her mother.

She was relieved when Harper RSVP’d with Yes.

It was more than she would ever receive from her father, who hadn’t even bothered to reply.

Oakleigh knew her mother’s response would begin the extensive negotiation with Paisley, who was still adamantly digging in her heels .

Oakleigh — typing…

Please Pais. I need you.

It took some effort, but she successfully wore her little sister down.

The wedding had been everything she had wanted and more. Dallas had walked her down the aisle, his proud smile pushing up the edges of his dark brown mustache. He had become the father she had never known that she needed, and she was so grateful for his love and support.

She had somehow talked her cute cowboy into wearing a suit jacket over his button-up shirt, with a brand-new pair of Wrangler jeans. As usual, his shaggy blonde hair was tucked neatly under his black cowboy hat. He gazed at her coming down the aisle in her elegant white gown as though she were the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.

At her request, Sawyer had agreed to perform the ceremony, and even he had looked happy to be there.

Crew’s choice for best man ended up being a tie between Wade and Colton. They had long since accepted Oakleigh as their new boss, and sometimes, it seemed like they were even starting to like her a little. It was also possible that Maeve had started paying them off for their respect.

Paisley and Mia stood by her side. Her best friend was noticeably distracted, scanning the room for a cute cowboy of her own .

After their heartfelt handwritten vows, Sawyer announced them husband and wife.

“All right, cowboy,” he grinned. “Kiss your bride.”

Crew pulled off his cowboy hat, placing it firmly on Oakleigh's head. He took her in his arms, and pressed his lips to hers.

“You finally got what you wanted,” he quipped, grinning with his perfect white smile that traveled all the way to the corners of his eyes. The wedding was simple and sweet with a touch of elegance, just like them.

The early summer weather that evening made for a perfect reception. A calm breeze whispered off the pasture, and bright stars hung in the sky above them. Sawyer played his guitar, and Bethany sang. She had an engagement ring on her finger that occasionally caught the light, sending a proud smile across Sawyer’s face.

The twinkle lights strung between the ranch house and barn shimmered, while the newlyweds took their first dance as husband and wife. Oakleigh swayed in Crew’s firm embrace, and all the anxious feelings of the day fluttered away.

When it was time for them to head out for the evening, the couple made the rounds, thanking each of their loved ones for attending their special day.

June swooped Oakleigh and Crew into a hearty hug.

“You’ve got a good one here, Crew,” she chided. “Don’t you go messing it up.”

Crew chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck nervously .

“I’ll do my best.”

The newlyweds made their way over to the table where Maeve and Dallas were seated. They were both dressed casually, wearing their usual jeans and a button-up shirt. Maeve’s brown hair was flying free under her tan cowboy hat.

Harper sat beside them in a designer navy blue dress, with her blonde hair pulled into a loose bun.

Oakleigh couldn't help but notice that her mother looked healthier than she had in a long time. There was a hopefulness about her, despite the recent disappointing news that the twins had chosen to live full-time with their father.

Harper kept to herself throughout the long day and into the evening, almost as though she simply appreciated being included. Paisley still hadn't spoken to her, rarely venturing to meet her eyes. It wasn’t what Oakleigh had wanted, but she had felt grateful to have them both there nonetheless.

Before the couple reached the table, Paisley and Mia swept into their path.

Oakleigh wrapped her arms around her sister. Hugging her close, she whispered in her ear, “I love you, but talk to her, please.”

Paisley took a deep breath. “I’ll think about it,” she replied. “No promises, okay?”

Oakleigh nodded, knowing that her sister was like her in that way. She loved hard and fought hard, there was no in-between. Paisley would cool off, but it would be in her own timing .

Mia took Oakleigh by the hands. “I’ll be back in a month for the Cowboy Festival.”

Oakleigh didn’t know how to break it to her best friend that there were more cows than cowboys at the festival, but her visits never failed to brighten her spirits.

Finally, they were free to make their way to Dallas and Maeve. The two rose from the table to greet the young couple. Dallas took Crew’s hand in a firm grip while Maeve gave him a tight hug.

“You’ve done good, kid,” she said with a proud motherly smile.

When Maeve turned to her, Oakleigh felt her eyes fill with tears before she could even say a word.

“Now, hun, don’t start that,” Maeve said, her voice quivering. She dabbed away a rebellious tear, pulling Oakleigh into a tight embrace. “You are one of the most unexpected and tremendous blessings of my life,” she whispered. “Don’t you ever forget that.”

“Thank you, Maeve,” Oakleigh choked out, doing her best not to ruin her perfect makeup.

Harper quietly stood by with her hands folded, looking on respectfully as though she had fully embraced Maeve’s important role in her daughter’s life.

Oakleigh smiled through her tears, “Come on, Mom.” She threw her arm wide, inviting her into their group hug .

Harper took a deep breath, thankfulness sweeping over her tearful expression as she stepped forward into Oakleigh’s embrace.

Oakleigh squeezed them tight, thanking the Lord for every blessing.

Catching from the corner of her vision her husband's stunning blue eyes shimmering just for her, she knew it was time for them to make their escape. Stepping into his arms again, he tilted her lips to his as he kissed her softly.

“Let’s get out of here, cowboy,” she breathed.

Oakleigh had chosen who she wanted to be. She poured her energy into making sure no one ever felt alone, unwelcome, or beyond hope.

Throughout each painful moment of despair and doubt, the Lord had been there all along, nudging her down the path of healing. She had seen the hardest of hearts softened, hers being one of them. With her family behind her and her handsome cowboy by her side, Oakleigh Davenport Beckett had found her purpose.