Pick Up Speed: The Wedding
Speed It Up
Lawson Malssum wanted to wear a bow tie, but tying the thing might defeat him.
Dani always wore happy, swirling dresses. For their wedding, he wanted to match her level of style. While his normally ran to jeans and t-shirts, this was a special day.
He’d do anything for Dani on a normal day. On their wedding day? No ask was too big.
Although she’d never asked for anything. The woman was independent and self-sufficient. She’d told him to wear whatever he’d wanted.
What he wanted, was to see her light up.
And to make her officially his.
Forever.
Sounded damn good.
He was at Nash’s house which was closest to Dani’s property. He and the guys were getting ready there while the women were at Dani’s. They’d all meet in the field soon.
He walked into the living room and held up the tie. “Who knows how to do this.”
Charlie bounced up. “I do.”
Lawson stared at him. “You’re not even in high school yet. How do you know to do this?”
Charlie laughed. “My dad taught me when he and Olivia got married. It’s fun.”
Fun. Lawson sat on the coffee table and in no time, the kid had his tie fixed up. “Thank bud.”
The guys were all wearing good jeans, white button downs and black vests. He added the bow tie, hoping to make Dani smile.
Knox walked in from outside, a huge grin on his face. “Prepare yourself.”
The grin told him it wasn’t a problem, but his stomach still flipped. And then Burke walked through the door, wearing the same gear as the rest of them. “You came.”
Burke rolled his eyes. “Of course I came. Like I’d let you get married without me.”
Lawson clapped his brother into a hug. “Thanks, Burke. I’m so glad you came. I’m glad we’re all here.”
Burke hugged him hard. “We’re all here. All of us. I’m sure Fox, Mom and Dad are here, too.”
Lawson swallowed hard. Burke was right because he could feel them all. Feel the love from his whole family. Jay included.
Family he would share with Dani because she’d never had much. Although now she had a sister and brother she could count on.
Her great-grandmother had taught Dani all the important stuff and she’d achieved so much on her own. Now with a supportive family all around her, she’d never have reason to doubt herself again.
He wanted to be married. Now. Seeing everyone was ready around him, he nodded. “Let’s go.”
Bee Prepared
Dani twirled around in her dress, enjoying the soft material brushing against her skin. She hoped Lawson liked her choice. She always wore dresses and sweaters in honour of Frannie B. Her great-grandmother had more style than any ten people put together. Dani didn’t have a hundredth of that, but she loved emulating Frannie B, right down to dresses that flowed around her knees and ankles.
Normally Dani wore her work boots with her flowery dresses, floppy hats, and chunky Frannie B-style sweaters.
Today, she wore sneakers. Bridal sneakers she’d ordered from a site her sister had shown her. Because Evelyn was the queen of exquisite shoes, and had known exactly where to order white sneakers covered with lace and fun. Finding laces covered in bees had been a happy accident.
Although with Evelyn’s party planning skills, she wasn’t sure accidents were allowed to happen. Her sister was the most organized and efficient person Dani had ever met. Frannie B had passed some skills her way, too.
As if on cue, Evelyn tapped on Dani’s bedroom door. “Less than five minutes before we need to leave. How are you doing?”
“Come on in, I think I’m ready.” She was more than ready to get married. Less sure about her outfit and the audience, but she’d get through it. With Lawson at her side, she’d get through anything.
Evelyn entered the room and clapped her hands. Eyes misty, she smiled. “You’re beyond stunning, Dani. Frannie B is dancing and applauding right now. Everything is perfect.”
Dani battled back her own tears. “Thanks. I wish she was here. I miss her so much.”
Evelyn nodded. “I do, too. I wasn’t as close to her as you were, but I wish I had been. She was an amazing lady with so much strength.”
Dani hugged her sister. “I was just thinking how you inherited her organizational skills. She’d be so proud of you. How you’re finding your own path, your own way. And she wouldn’t be in the least surprised that you’re rocking your new business. Events by Evelyn is going to be a huge success.”
Evelyn squeezed her. “Thanks to Frannie B and to my little sister who’s taught me so much. It’s weird to be so grateful that Frannie B gave you veto power over name changes. Otherwise, my life would be boring and lonely.”
Dani was thrilled her sister was having so much fun with her new company. With the contacts she’d made through working for Frances Bishop Cosmetics, she already had events booked, but today would be her first.
Echoing her thoughts, Evelyn released her. “Okay, time to get the first ever Event by Evelyn underway. We’re not allowed to be late and ruin my reputation before I even begin.”
Laughing, they moved into the living room where the rest of the women waited. Jolie, Amber, Thea, Olivia, and little Ella Mae. Everyone dressed up with matching sneakers, too.
Amber hugged her. “You’re so beautiful. I’m so happy for you, but I’m even happier for Lawson. You two are so good together. You’re going to have a wonderful life. Thanks for helping us keep him here.”
Jolie laughed. “Sounds like she’s keeping him hostage, but whatever it takes. Are you ready?”
Outside, they met up with Lorraine and her troop, plus Bibi and Hemsworth. With the walk through the fields, all the women wore sneakers or flats with their pretty dresses. Anything with heels would be too dangerous.
Bibi moved to Dani’s side, wearing a collar of flowers. She grinned at Lorraine. “She looks like a princess, thank you.”
Lorraine smiled back. “I figured she’d like to dress up like everyone else.”
Evelyn pointed at the hive-shaped sign she’d set up at the garage. It featured several bees flying around the words Wedding this way. Time to buzz off. “Let’s get you married, Dani.”
Laughing, she walked with her friends toward the field.
Her parents hadn’t shown up. They’d never even answered her voice messages or email invitations.
But that was okay, because everything she’d ever wanted was waiting for her in the field ahead.
Keep On Trucking
Lawson grinned as he spotted another sign along the path to Beatrice’s field. Like the others, this one was in the shape of a 1931 truck. Exactly like Beatrice and Bonny.
Keep on trucking, wedding ahead.
Speed it up.
Full speed ahead.
Step on it.
He hadn’t expected Dani’s sister to have so much fun planning a casual wedding set in a field. These signs were more proof that she’d gotten to know Dani well in the past few months. The two chatted frequently and Evelyn visited every few weeks. Dani wasn’t ready to head to the city yet, but when she was ready, he’d go with her.
For now, he walked through the forest with his family and friends, enjoying the path brightened by Dani’s wildflower pots, art in the trees, and Evelyn’s signs.
At the edge of Beatrice’s field, the sign announced Finish Line.
He and Dani hadn’t wanted anything formal for the day. They wanted to include their families and friends in a fun ceremony and party.
Her parents hadn’t responded to her invitations. Or to the messages he’d left. He wasn’t usually one to judge, but Spencer and Dorothy Richards had a lot to prove before he’d think of them with anything other than disdain. Her brother was in Europe and unable to attend, but had sent along his best wishes and a gift Dani hadn’t opened yet.
Knox moved to where a table had been set up near Beatrice’s shiny red tailgate. Her entire body was rust-free, buffed, and ready for the day. Evelyn had added more pots of wildflowers in and around the truck
Knox had become an officiant for Jolie’s wedding and he’d also married Amber and Gray along with Olivia and Nash. Now, he would do it again, today.
Inheriting an apple farm had been good for their family in so many ways. Strengthening their sibling bonds was one. He hoped they’d lure Burke here for good one day, but so far he’d shown no signs of arriving for more than the weddings.
Lawson moved to stand near Knox, Burke and the others nearby. He kept his eyes locked on the path to Dani’s cottage.
Dani didn’t much like being the center of attention, so they’d decided not to have a walk down the aisle. Which was good as her father hadn’t shown up. Instead she and her friends would walk to the ceremony together.
Shaking off any thoughts of his almost in-laws, he focused on the path. Waiting for the woman he loved. Waiting for his future.
Soon, he spotted the colorful hats. Hats that resembled the ones Dani often wore. Floppy straw hats that protected her skin and shaded her eyes.
Hats that were sexy as hell.
The women emerged as a group, wearing flowery, colorful dresses that matched their hats. All wore matching sneakers as well.
He was grinning even before they separated enough and he saw Dani. Then his heart nearly stopped.
She was stunning. Flowers the color of her honey and the stones in the ring he’d bought her decorated her white hat.
Her dress was soft lace and softer silk. Flowing around her legs, dipping at her cleavage just enough to have him drooling. Her white sneakers were lacy and fun. She carried more honey-colored flowers.
But it was her bright smile and the love in her eyes that captured him.
She was magic. Pure magic.
Burke slapped his hand on Lawson’s shoulder. “Hold on there, let her have her moment.”
He realized he’d been moving toward her. She drew him like a magnet. The happiest magnet in the world.
When she was only a few steps away, Lawson shrugged off his brother’s hand and moved to her. He gripped her elbows and lifted her straight up, capturing her laugh in a kiss that he felt right down to his toes.
He only set her down when the laughter and cheers around him registered. Even then, he had to kiss her smile one more time. “You’re stunningly beautiful, Dani.”
Her cheeks flushed and her smiled widened. She patted his bow tie. “I think that’s my line.”
Behind them, Knox laughed. “Want to get married, you two?”
Lawson took her hand and the moved to stand in front of his brother. “More than anything.”
Buzzwords
Dani squeezed Lawson’s hand. She’d been prepared to feel awkward in the spotlight, but she didn’t. How could she when everyone around them was so happy for them? When she was marrying the man she loved more than anything.
Knox grinned at them. “I’m so happy to officiate at your wedding today. It’s going to bee a bee-autiful wedding. The whole group is abuzz with excitement for the day.”
She laughed along with everyone else. Definitely nothing to be nervous about. Not with this group.
Knox grinned. “Since almost the moment Lawson arrived here in Vermont, he’s been droning on about the honey he spotted with his new toy.”
Groans at the puns filled the field and had Dani giggling again.
Knox continued. “Of course, at first he meant Beatrice here. But it only took a moment for him to bee smitten with Dani. He hit a massive speed bump that first day, but we helped him fix that with advice to keep buzzing around her.”
Lawson growled but his lips twitched with a smile.
Knox grinned at him and continued. “Thankfully, Dani doesn’t hold a grudge because she’s sweet as honey. She didn’t tell him to buzz off and that brings us up to speed. Today, you’re getting married.”
Dani grinned up at Lawson and he leaned down to kiss her again.
Knox cleared his throat with a grain. “Almost there, big brother. Dani, why don’t you say your buzzwords first?”
She’d thought she’d be nervous to speak in front of their small crowd, but love left no room in her heart for nerves. She and Lawson faced each other and she took his hands.
“I don’t have any puns like your brother, just love. Lawson, I love you so much. As Knox said, it didn’t start that way, but it didn’t take me long to realize you weren’t a threat to anything other than my heart. Your kindness and strength know no bounds. Bibi here fell for you first, showing how smart she is.”
At her name, Bibi nuzzled their joined hands and they both reached to pet her.
She smiled. “Bibi is an amazing judge of character and she knew from the first moment that you’re a good man. The perfect man for me. I promise to love you forever, to keep your heart safe.”
She slipped the ring from her pocket and he held out his hand for her to put it on. “This ring is made from tungsten to represent your strength. I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together. Building a life worth living, and I know our love will only grow stronger over the decades. I love you, Lawson. You’re the center of my world.”
That might not have been what she’d practiced, but it was all true. Lawson’s misty eyes and smile were the only approval she needed.
Speed It Up
Lawson swallowed hard and then reached down to brush his lips over Dani’s. “I love you, too, Dani. So much.”
He straightened, but kept her hands in his. “While Beatrice did indeed catch my attention first, it’s you who hold my heart. When I first came to Vermont, I was out of a job and at a loss of what to do next.”
He squeezed her hands. “Didn’t take me long to figure it out. You’re an amazing woman, Dani. With your amazing Frannie B for inspiration, you’ve created a wonderful home and two businesses you love. You know exactly how to create a life of joy and possibilities. I want to be a part of your joy forever.”
He had to swallow hard as tears filled her eyes. She rolled her smiling lips together and he brushed one of his thumbs over them. “I promise to treasure you for the amazing woman you are. I love your strength, your determination, and your resilience. You always find joy and ways to move forward. Nothing can keep you down, and I look forward to helping you achieve every last one of your dreams. You deserve the world and I’m going to do my damnedest to give it to you.”
He took out the ring that matched her engagement band and slipped in on her finger. He kissed the rings and then her lips. “Forever, Dani. I love you.”
When they broke apart, Knox grinned. “Before we finish up, I’m going to assume we don’t need to have the talk about the birds and the bees.”
Lawson groaned while Dani and the crowd laughed.
Knox continued. “Dani, you can now make Honey Do lists to your heart’s content. We all know Lawson will do anything for you.”
He couldn’t deny that. “Say the words, little brother.”
Knox laughed. “I know pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your Queen Bee.”
Lawson captured Dani’s laugh and then swung her in a circle before turning his attention to kissing her breathless. Their first kiss as a married couple was everything he could have imagined. And more.
Catch A Buzz
Dani knew her face was flushed when she and Lawson finally broke the kiss. She also knew her smile was the biggest it had ever been. “We’re married.”
Lawson chuckled. “We are. Best day ever.”
He lifted her into another hug and swirled her around in a circle before kissing her again. Then they were surrounded by family and friends. Hugs and best wishes.
Jolie called out. “Time for champagne, sparkling juice, or sparkling water.”
Dani took a champagne flute. She’d toast her new husband, her new life with one glass. Then she’d switch to the non-alcoholic stuff. She wanted to be one hundred percent present for today.
For tonight.
Her first night with her husband.
Burke whistled until everyone stilled to look at him. “To Dani and Lawson. We wish you a long future filled with joy and laughter. To all your wishes coming true.”
Cries of To Dani and Lawson echoed through the field. She and Lawson tapped their glasses together, and then sipped. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “We’ll start on some of those wishes in a little while. I have plans involving that dress and those shoes.”
Her cheeks flushed and she grinned. “I have thoughts about that bow tie as well.”
He nearly choked on his champagne, and then he kissed her again.
When they eased apart, the silence had them turning to see what had happened.
As a group, they faced the path to her cottage. For a moment, fear galloped through her. Was her cottage okay?
And then she saw them. Her parents. At the edge of the clearing. Bodies stiff, heads held high. Unsure of their welcome?
“Wow.”
At her whisper, Lawson took her hand. “Want to talk with them?”
She nodded, and they walked over. Behind her, people pretended to mingle but she was sure everyone watched them. She couldn’t blame them at all.
She could feel their support lifting her up. They’d follow her lead and it things turned awful, they’d help her pick up the pieces.
Dani had found her real family. Sadly, it didn’t include the people in front of her.
But they’d come. Maybe there was hope.
“Mother. Father. You came.”
They both nodded and her father answered. “There was an accident on the highway that delayed us. We apologize for being late, but we’re glad we made it in time to witness the ceremony.”
She smiled. “That’s okay. I’m glad you came. I wasn’t sure if you would.”
Something flashed in their eyes. Sorrow? Hurt? She wasn’t sure.
Ignoring that, she squeezed Lawson’s hand. “Lawson, I’d like you to meet my parents. Spencer and Dorothy Richards. Mother and Father, this is Lawson Malssum, my husband.”
Just the words had her grinning. Lawson too. He kissed her quickly before extending his hand to her father. “It’s good to meet you. I’m glad you came.”
Which was more than polite for how he felt.
Her father shook his hand. “We’re pleased to meet you Lawson. Congratulations.”
Lawson nodded. “Thank you. Then he shook her mother’s hand. She nodded as well.
The awkward introduction was interrupted by Evelyn arriving with champagne for the pair. “I’m glad you came.”
Evelyn held up her own glass. “To Dani and Lawson.”
Dani and Lawson tapped their glasses to hers and then her parents echoed the phrase and tapped their glasses to everyone else’s.
Her mother gripped her glass tightly. “Thank you for the invitation. We didn’t respond as we weren’t sure we’d be able to make it.”
Which was probably code for they hadn’t been sure they wanted to come. That might have upset Dani before. Now, she was glad they were here, but not devastated to learn she hadn’t been their priority. Her new life and family gave her the confidence to forgive them for being who they were. “I’m glad you were able to make it. Why don’t we introduce you to everyone? Be careful where you step, we don’t want you to twist an ankle or ruin your beautiful shoes.”
Lawson put his arm around her waist as they moved to introduce her parents to the others.
Today, all things seemed possible. Maybe she could take this as a starting point and build a relationship with them as well. Not as a child in need of a parent, but as another adult who wanted a connection.
With Lawson at her side, she figured she could do just about anything.
A Honey Of A Truck
Lawson was impressed at how well Dani handled the unexpected arrival of her parents. They were uptight and awkward people, or maybe that was due to the circumstances. A few weeks ago, she might have been stressed and upset. Today, she was confident and handled everything with class.
He was so damn proud of this sexy, incredible woman he’d married.
And it was about time to have her to himself. They’d had dancing, cake, and photographs. Enough was enough.
On cue, Knox approached him with a nod and handed him some keys. Knowing that he’d be driving tonight, he’d only had the one flute of champagne to toast his beautiful bride. Now was the time to have her to himself.
Of course, it wouldn’t be as simple as waving goodbye. They were in the middle of the field and the evening was settling in toward night.
Lawson crossed to where Dani danced with Burke. “I’m cutting in.” But instead of dancing with his wife, he scooped her up into his arms.
Dani grinned and looped her arms around his neck and leaned in to kiss him. “Hi there.”
“Ready?”
Her eyes darkened, and she nodded. “Absolutely.”
He turned and strode toward her cottage without putting her down. She laughed and leaned in his chest.
Everyone called out variations of Congratulations, Have fun, and other best wishes. All PG-rated because Charlie and Ella Mae were in the crowd.
To his surprise, no one followed them. He’d have to thank Knox for that.
“Oh, we forgot Bibi.”
Lawson grinned. “She’s having a sleepover with Charlie and his family.”
Dani’s smile sparkled in the deepening dusk. “Just us.”
When they reached the driveway, Dani gasped. “Bonny. She’s here. She’s finished. You finished her.”
He laughed at the excitement in her voice. “Had her certified as road-worthy yesterday. Want to take a ride?”
Her laugh filled his soul. “I do. Several kinds of rides. Not all involving Bonny.”
His body reacted predictably to her words and he kissed her again. “Hold onto that thought. I’m sure your parents will be walking this way any minute.”
Her head spun around, but she didn’t see them. “I still can’t believe they showed up.”
Lawson walked around the truck and opened the passenger door, then slid Dani into the seat. “Me too. And that they stayed. They didn’t just put in an appearance and then disappear. They made an effort to get to know everyone.”
Dani cupped his face. “Thanks to you. My mother told me you messaged them as well.”
“Okay, enough thinking about your parents. We’ve got a reservation to get to.”
Her eyes widened. “A reservation?”
He grinned. “At the Phail B&B. Although Carl gave me a key so we don’t have to worry about keeping them up if we’re running late.”
Dani’s grin had his body tightening further. “Good, then we might be able to find a nice quiet road between here and there.”
He simply lifted his eyebrows and she laughed. “You said you wanted to give her a test drive.”
Just the thought of having her in the truck had his body thrumming with desire. “You bet I do.”
It didn’t take long to find a quiet side road. He drove through a couple of curves ensuring no one could see them. Then he turned off the truck, and turned to his wife. Her hand trembled when he took it. They met in the middle of the bench seat for a deep kiss. He lifted her to straddle his lap and framed her face. In the quiet starlight, she was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen.
“I love you, Mrs. Richards-Malssum.”
She framed his face. “I love you, my husband.”
He grinned. “I like the sound of that, my wife.”
And then he kissed her. Their first time making love as husband was going to be magical. “I think I need to see you soar at least three times in this truck. Three’s a lucky number, isn’t it?”
She laughed. “I’m betting it will be. Kiss me, Lawson.”
So he did.
Turned out four was even luckier.
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this bonus scene to the Heroes To The Core Romantic Suspense series!
The next book in the series is Pick Up Steam spotlighting Seth and Mara.
