CHAPTER THIRTY

Elaina—

It's the week before Christmas. I don't know how we did it, but with the help of the ol' ladies, we've managed to pull together a wedding in record time.

The venue was the easy part. Rock offered us the use of the clubhouse and set the boys to work, making the place spotless. They cleared all the furniture, so we can get married in front of the massive fireplace.

Evelyn and Lola found a fabulous wedding planner who worked wonders with the log cabin feel of the place, rigging it with twinkling lights, and brought in enough rental plants to make it look like a snowy pine forest. She set up a long table with stunning settings. We had a DJ, and of course, the place already had a bar.

"Does everything meet with your approval?" the planner asks me the morning of our big day. I look around, stunned.

"It's absolutely beautiful. Yes, it's perfect."

"Wonderful." She turns me gently by the shoulders and aims me at the girls. "Then I don't want to see any of you back here until 4pm. Out, all of you."

"Yes, ma'am." I giggle, follow the girls outside to Lola's truck, and we head to Trez and Isabella's house to get ready.

I sit before a makeup mirror while a hairdresser does my hair. My gown hangs from the curtain rod in the window, its train flaring out. The photographer we hired kneels and snaps a shot of it.

Maggie, my best friend, sits on a stool next to me.

My eyes trail over her pretty bridesmaid gown, and I reach out to squeeze her hand. "Thank you so much for being a part of this day."

"Of course." She gives me a radiant smile. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'm only sorry your parents refused to be a part of it."

I shake my head. "That's their choice. If they can't be happy I found love, then they don't need to be here."

She tilts her head, and her face softens. "I'm so happy for you. And to think I was there the moment it all started. I watched you and Dylan meet."

I giggle. "You did."

"That was a grand wedding, and you were a beautiful bride walking down the aisle that day, but I had a knot in my stomach the entire time. I knew you were marrying the wrong man. Today, I don't have any concerns. Dylan loves you completely."

My eyes start to water. "Stop. You're going to make me ruin my makeup."

"Sorry about that. I just had to tell you." She squeezes my hand. "Today is going to be the best day. I can feel it."

"Me, too."

"There. How's that?" My hairdresser turns me to face the mirror.

She's done an incredible job with a loose bun at the back and tendrils framing my face. A gold vine of rhinestones in the shape of leaves is woven into my hair.

"Oh, Elaina," Maggie whispers. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks."

"It's time to get in your dress," Evelyn says. "We've got to get going."

Lola herds her six-year-old daughter, Willow, over to me. "How's she look?"

"Like the most beautiful flower girl in the whole world." I give her a big hug.

"Thanks, Elaina. You look real pretty, too."

"Well, thank you, angel." I take her hand and stand. "Do you have your flower basket?"

"Mmhmm."

"Do you know what to do?"

"Drop the petals?"

"Right."

Maggie ushers me toward the bedroom. "Okay, ladies. We'll be right out."

It only takes a couple minutes before I'm standing in front of the mirror in the pretty boho dress I chose. It's got a voluminous train of sheer fabric with trailing vines embroidered along the back.

"Can you tell I'm pregnant?" I ask Maggie.

"Not at all. You're barely even showing. You just look radiant." She hugs me from behind. "Now come on. We don't want to be late."

When I walk out of the bedroom door, the girls gasp.

"Oh, Elaina. You're beautiful," Isabella says, putting her hands to her mouth.

"Gorgeous," Kate agrees.

"What do you think?" Lola and Willow ask together, and I see them squatting next to Rosie, who has a big bow tied around her neck.

I laugh. "She looks adorable." Night Train has agreed to take care of her when we leave on a short honeymoon.

Willow hugs her. "Rosie's family, too."

"She is," I agree, then take in all the ladies. "Thank you so much for helping to make this wedding day for us. I know it's going to be perfect."

"Come on," Evelyn says, motioning us out. "Time to go knock the breath out of your groom."

We drive over, and Evelyn goes inside to make sure everything is ready, while my bridesmaids and I line up on the porch. The wedding planner passes out the bouquets, and I hear the music start.

Rock appears in a pretty black suit jacket and white shirt. He offers me his arm.

"I know we didn't plan this, but I'd be honored to walk you in, sweetheart."

My eyes glisten. "I can't think of anything more perfect."

Isabella leads us in, followed by Kate, then Lola, and finally Willow, who precedes me and does a wonderful job scattering flower petals.

Rock looks at me. "Ready?"

I nod. "More than ready."

We enter, and everyone rises to their feet. All of Baja's club brothers are there, and they've all caved to the pressure Rock put on them to wear suit jackets, even though most of them have jeans and boots on as well. It doesn't matter. I appreciate the fact they went to the trouble to please me.

Baja is standing before the fireplace with the minister, and Trez is by his side as best man.

Baja looks gorgeous, and as I walk toward him, I know that today, after a long line of Mr. Wrongs, Mr. Right is waiting for me at the altar. And this time I have no doubts about it.

***

Baja—

I turn to see the most beautiful woman in the world standing there in a gorgeous gown, looking like an angel. She takes my breath. As she walks toward me, I remember the first moment I laid eyes on her. Only this time, she's not walking down the aisle to my brother. This time, it's me whose eyes she stares into with that incredible smile of hers.

This time that smile is all for me, because this time, she's all mine.

And I'm never letting her go.

After the vows and an incredible catered meal, my love cuddles on my lap as my brothers toast us, but it turns into more of a roast with them making jokes about me.

Trez stands and gives a speech, then wraps it up, pulling a note from his pocket. "Just some last messages here to read out: one from his old coach from his high school football team. Dear Elaina, apologies we couldn't be there today. Good luck with Dylan. We found him to be useless in most positions but wishing you all the best for tonight."

My brothers laugh hysterically, and I lift my glass to Trez. "Thanks, bro."

Rock gets up to say a few words and congratulates me on nabbing such a sweet and beautiful bride. "Elaina, please put your left hand flat on the table. Baja, please place your hand on top of hers. Enjoy this moment Baja, because it's the first and last time in your marriage that you'll have the upper hand."

I lift my glass to my president. "Thanks, boss. You'd know."

Everyone laughs at that one.

Darko is next. My VP pulls a note card out of his pocket. "So where do I start with Baja? Well, for starters he's handsome, witty, intelligent, he's charm— Sorry… Baja, I'm having trouble reading your handwriting."

The crowd roars.

"But seriously. This has truly been a day to remember. Baja finally bought a round of drinks!"

I lift my glass and stand. "Okay, enough of my brothers' buffoonery." I turn to Elaina. "I'd like to toast my bride. She's not only beautiful, but smart and kind."

"She's everything you're not, Baja," Utah yells out, and everyone laughs.

"Can I get serious for a moment, guys?" They quiet down. "To be able to find your soulmate is a true blessing. I never thought I'd find you, Elaina. And then suddenly you were standing in front of me, marrying my brother, and so out of my reach it wasn't even funny. But fate has a way of fixing things. I don't know how we got here, but I'm so glad you gave me a shot. You were meant to be mine and I yours. And though we found each other in the most unlikely of places, the point is we found each other. Some people never do. I thought happiness like this wasn't in the cards for me. And then you came along, blowing into my life like a hurricane, and you changed everything. I thought I didn't need anyone. Now I can't live without you. I love you, babe. I'm going to spend the rest of my days making you happy." I turn to my brothers. "And if some of you haven't heard the news yet, we've already started on our little family."

I knew Elaina had told the girls, but I'd asked that she let me tell my brothers. I didn't know if the ol' ladies would be able to keep our secret, but judging from the reaction, I'd say they did.

My brothers jump to their feet, punching fists in the air and clapping like I won the damn lottery. And that's exactly what I feel like.

I stare at my bride and know I've won the biggest lottery there is.

We party for a while longer, but I'm impatient to get Elaina alone, so we say our goodbyes and head to my truck.

I lace my fingers with hers and drive us out of the clubhouse parking lot and down the street toward home.

There's a rattling noise, and I frown. "You hear that?"

"Yes. What is it?"

I pull over and go around to the back of the truck. There's a bunch of tin cans on a string tied to the bumper. I notice they've also written on the tailgate. Just Hitched . Every time you honk, the bride has to kiss the groom.

I climb in the truck.

"What is it?" Elaina asks.

"Bunch of cans."

"Did you take them off?"

"Nope. This only happens once in a lifetime. I'm going to enjoy every part of it." I grin. "Oh, and every time you hear someone honk, you have to kiss me. Deal?"

She grins. "Deal."

I drive us down Main Street, not that it's the shortest way to our destination, but because I know my bride loves Christmas, and I want her to see the decorations. Lights are strung across the street, creating a canopy of light.

"Oh, honey. I just knew this town would be idyllic when it was transformed for Christmas. It's magical."

I pull her hand to my mouth and kiss it. "It is."

We head to Rock's cabin. He told us we could use it for the week. It's high in the mountains, about an hour from town. By the time we get there, a light snow is falling.

When we pull up, there's a pickup truck parked outside.

"Who's here?" Elaina asks.

"Rock warned me he sent a prospect to light a fire for us and make sure the place was warm."

"How thoughtful."

She doesn't know about the other surprise I have in store. I had to get the ol' ladies to help with that. They came up yesterday.

I come around the truck and help Elaina out, then sweep her in my arms, long train and all.

The prospect is waiting at the open door and steps out, nodding.

"It's all set. Congratulations, Baja. Ma'am." He tips his head, then bolts for his truck.

I carry my bride across the threshold and set her down.

She looks around, and her mouth falls open.

There's a fire roaring, candles lit, and flowers everywhere. The small dining table is set for two with elegant China and stemware. A bottle of non-alcoholic cider is chilling in a silver bucket. There's a card propped against it.

I hand it to Elaina.

To the happy couple,

May you have a long and happy marriage, but first, enjoy your honeymoon.

Love, the ol' ladies.

P.S. There's a late-night meal warming in the oven. If you decide to forgo eating and head straight for the big bed, remember to turn off the oven.

I grin at Elaina. "Well, which to choose?"

She wraps her arms around me. "Did you have anything to do with this?"

"I may have made a few suggestions."

She kisses me, then looks toward the open door to the bedroom. A heart made of red rose petals lay on the white sheets. "It's so pretty."

I swoop her in my arms again and drop her on the bed, then come down on top of her. "Ever had sex on rose petals?"

"No, sir. Sounds good."

"You naked on them sounds awesome."

"Then you better get busy, husband, and get me out of this dress."

"I like the sound of that."

"What? Getting me out of this dress?"

"No… Husband . Say it again."

"I love you, husband."

"I love you, wife." I press a kiss to her tummy. "And I'm going to love this little one so much."

"Baja?"

"Yes, baby?"

"I think you should turn off the oven."

I laugh and do her bidding. "Yes, wife."