Pick Your Moment: The Wedding
Toasting The Moment
Wyatt handed his bow tie to Charlie. The kid was their group’s expert and had tied them for all the guys. Knox, Ford, Gray, Nash, Lawson, and Seth.
Wyatt had never put much thought into his wedding. Sure, he’d assumed he’d get married one day, but he hadn’t imagined the day itself.
Esme had spent years showcasing the finest fashions and products from famous designers. He didn’t want her to have a single regret about their wedding day, so the guys were wearing their best suits with bow ties, while he’d ordered a tailored tux for himself.
Gray approached with a boutonniere. “When I put together a bouquet for Esme, I made this for you so you’ll match in the wedding photos.”
Wyatt grinned. He knew some men would never think of flowers, but he and Gray were the exception. His boutonniere was one fully-opened daisy alongside two almost-open ones, greenery, and a wisp of baby’s breath. “It’s perfect. Thanks, Claus.”
Gray pinned it on him, and then Charlie demanded a final check to ensure they were all ready. Once the kid had them all looking fine, Nash brought out a couple of bottles. “This is our first attempt at hard cider and it seemed appropriate to toast with it today.”
“Me too?”
Nash rolled his eyes at his son. “I’ll put a bottle aside for you. You can have it in a few years.”
Charlie grinned while Nash opened a bottle of the regular cider for him.
Once everyone had a full shot glass, Gray lifted his. “To Wyatt and Esme. May your future be filled with love and little ones.”
Everyone laughed at that, but Wyatt hoped the toast would turn out to be completely true. He couldn’t wait to be a dad.
Knox held up his glass. “To years of fun in your greenhouse, creating all kinds of new life.”
Thinking back to the times he and Esme had made love in that very greenhouse, Wyatt wondered if Charlie caught onto the innuendo in that toast. He didn’t think he was quite old enough for that yet, but it wouldn’t shock him if the kid got it.
Nash spoke next. “To fresh starts and fun adventures.”
Ford nodded. “To building a life here with your new family.”
Lawson lifted his glass. “To proving to Esme she made the right choice. Don’t mess it up, Slinger.”
Seth laughed. “To Wyatt Earp, High Noon, and our Gunslinger. Time to ride off happily into the sunset with your bride.”
Charlie finished off the round of toasts as he lifted his glass. “To not having to wear this get-up every day. Happy wedding day, Wyatt.”
Laughing, they all clinked glasses and shot back the cider.
Time to get himself married.
A Fairy Tale Moment
Esme knew dozens of photographs would be taken of her today, maybe hundreds. And she knew her smile would be the brightest it had ever been.
None of the photos would belong to paparazzi. They would all be taken by friends and family. Her new family.
She was getting married.
Arms wide, Esme twirled like someone from one of Mara’s favorite musicals. She wouldn’t be surprised if woodland creatures climbed in through the windows to help her finish her preparations.
A knock sounded on the door of the Appley-Ever-After room at the No Phailed Apples Inn. It wasn’t officially a honeymoon suite, but it was the largest room with a gorgeous claw foot tub that would be put to excellent use later.
Before her imagination could take flight, Amber called out. “It’s us. Can we come in?”
Esme laughed. “Please do.” Because that meant she was that much closer to marrying her fiancé.
The door opened and her new friends, her new family entered. Amber, Jolie, Thea, Mara, Dani, Olivia, and little Ella Mae. Far better than any woodland creatures.
The little girl twirled in her swirly pink dress. “Pwetty.”
Esme clapped her hands. “Yes, you are, Ella Mae. You’re aways pretty, but today you’re like a princess.”
Ella squealed and twirled again before dancing into the room while her mom closed the door.
Her friends wore lovely dresses and Esme clapped her hands again. “You’re all gorgeous. What a picture you make.”
Jolie laughed. “Pot, meet kettle. You’re absolutely stunning, Esme. The dress is perfection.”
Esme twirled, making Ella mimic her with a laugh. “Thank you. I love it.”
Her years of modeling meant she knew what styles and materials she preferred, which flattered her body and helped her feel confident. She also knew designers.
Mara sighed. “Even better than a princess dress. It’s so you. I can’t believe you know Calaia.”
The designer was world-renowned, and one of the nicest people Esme had ever worked with. “She’s a sweetheart. Because we were pressed for time, I hoped she had something already made that would fit.”
Amber smiled. “And now you’re wearing an exclusive that hasn’t been revealed to the world yet.”
Esme laughed. “I’ve worn a ton of designer clothes for a few hours at a time, but I’ve never loved anything as much as I love this dress.”
The silky material draped her in a single column that looked plain on the hanger. Once she slid it on, it hugged her curves in the very best way. Lacy bits covered the V in the bodice and floated on the wispy layers of the skirt. It was romantic without being a full-on princess dress. The skirt layers stuck close to her body and moved with her in a way she hoped Wyatt found sexy.
If a woman couldn’t torment her fiancé on their wedding day, something wasn’t right with the world.
A Moment To Remember
Wyatt wanted everything about this day to make Esme smile. She and her Nans loved daisies and sunflowers best, so Wyatt and Gray had used them to turn the inn’s main room into a garden. Sure, there were other pots and blooms to round it out, but the happy flowers set the tone, and he knew Esme would love it.
They’d invited their friends from Phail and Midnight Lake, so they’d opened the doors between the two main living spaces and the dining room to accommodate the small crowd.
When he and the guys entered the room, he was surrounded by friends offering best wishes and congratulations.
Knox had become an officiant in order to marry Jolie and Ford, and he’d agreed to take on the duty today.
Quiet music filled the space, courtesy of Mara he imagined.
When the song changed and the volume climbed, everything in Wyatt went on alert. He turned to the staircase and waited.
His parents hadn’t listened to a lot of music, but when they did, it had been jazz. It only took a few notes for him to recognize one of their favorites. “At Last” by Etta James.
Even though he and Esme hadn’t known each other that long, the song was perfect. They’d both been alone for some time, and now they had each other and a home full of family.
At last, they would be together. Part of a family again. Part of each other’s lives forever.
Wyatt swallowed against the emotion and grinned as Ella Mae led the way down the stairs with Oggie at her side and Olivia close by.
The little girl waved at everyone, and when she saw Nash and Charlie, she yelled their names. “Na. Lee. Pwetty dwess.”
Everyone laughed as she raced across the room to be scooped up by Nash.
The other women came as a group with Boomer and Gomez trotting alongside.
When they came into view, Amber squeezed Esme’s hand and moved to join the group, leaving Esme to descend the final stairs on her own.
Her eyes locked on Wyatt and he couldn’t look away. Her dress moved like a shadow, her subtle curves showcased by the soft material hugging her in all the right places.
She was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen, and his heart nearly burst in amazement that she wanted to be his. That she would be his in only minutes.
Her gaze tracked over him in his tux, and her smile widened, her eyes sparkling with fun, desire, and so much more.
He was a lucky man.
In a stage whisper, Knox whispered. “You’re drooling, man.”
Wyatt chuckled. “Damn straight, I am.”
Then he strode forward to meet Esme at the bottom of the stairs. Unable to do anything else, he captured her smile in a kiss.
A Moment Of Truth
The cheers finally penetrated, and Esme laughed into the kiss, then pulled back enough to speak. “I think they’re waiting for us.”
He grinned. “I think you’re right. Ready to get married?”
“So ready.”
“Let’s do it.”
He held out his elbow and she looped her arm through, leaning into him with a smile.
Knox waited for them at a table covered in sunflowers and daisies.
Esme had to blink back the tears as she squeezed Wyatt’s arm again. “Thank you. Nans would love the flowers. It means she’s here with me. With us. Thank you.”
He kissed her lightly. “They’re all here.”
Knox nodded. “I’m going to take that as my cue. Welcome everyone. We’re here to witness the marriage of Wyatt and Esme. Don’t be wall flowers, come on in close. This isn’t your garden variety wedding, it’s a celebration of two people blooming where they’ve decided to put down roots.”
Esme laughed along with the rest of the group. More than a few groans filled the room at Knox’s word play.
He grinned at them. “Now, be a model audience, so these two can get spliced together. Anyone tries to disrupt the ceremony, and I’ll nip it in the bud.”
More groans and laughter. Nans would have hooted with joy.
Knox grinned as he looked at them. “Okay, time to talk turkey. Esme, would you like to speak first?”
She laughed. “Sure, but I won’t attempt any jokes, I can’t compete with the master.”
Knox bowed his head with a grin.
Esme turned to Wyatt and took both his hands. “You’re such a good man, Wyatt. You’re brave and loyal, steady and kind. You look past the surface. From the moment we met, you acted like I was a real person. The only other person who accepted me as a real person so quickly was Nans.”
His eyes misted and she blinked back her own tears. “Nans would love you. I know she’s giggling somewhere right now and battling back happy tears. She taught me everything that’s important in life, and she would approve of you in every way.”
She took out the ring, a band etched with two vines intertwined, just as their lives would blend. “I look forward to spending decades with you here on the farm, making new plants, and showcasing the love that grows here to the world. You’re the best man I know, and I’m so proud to be your wife. I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of our lives. I love you, Wyatt, with everything I am.”
She slipped the ring on his finger and squeezed his hand.
Wyatt swallowed hard, his eyes trained on hers. “You’re the most beautiful woman I know, Esme. And while that is certainly true of the outside, it’s your inner beauty that pulls at me. You’re kind and see the good in everyone. You love showcasing others and spotting what makes them special. From almost the moment we met, I could picture our future, side by side, rocking on porch swings and making videos when we turn a hundred.”
His smile had her feeling his love straight to her soul. “I promise to keep you and your heart safe. We’re going to have the best life.”
He slipped a band on her finger, one with matching blended vines that fit perfectly with her engagement ring.
Then he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Forever, Esme.”
“Forever.”
Know grinned. “I now pronounce you a rose and a thorn in her side. No, wait, a pair of wildflowers. A model pair? Shrinking violets?”
Esme laughed while Wyatt mock growled at Knox. “Say the words, man.”
Knox laughed. “I know pronounce you husband and wife. Kiss your bride, Slinger.”
Wyatt’s lips were on hers before their friend finished the sentence and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Every Moment Counts
Wyatt wanted to toss Esme over his shoulder, race up to their Appley-Ever-After room and make love to her for hours.
Instead, he held her close while they got through the formalities. Their friends had worked hard to pull off this Thanksgiving-weekend wedding, and he didn’t want Esme to miss any of it.
He’d make sure she didn’t have any regrets about missing anything. Hell, he’d spend the rest of his life ensuing she had no regrets about the marriage either. His beautiful wife deserved to be happy and know she was loved.
He held her close when “Marry You” by Bruno Mars filled the room. He heard the others talking, saw the pictures being taken, but his entire focus was on the woman in his arms.
She smiled up at him. “We’re married.”
He grinned. “Damn right. Forever.”
“Forever.”
He kissed her, and managed to keep it mostly family-friendly, pouring his love into the kiss.
For the next few hours, they danced with other guests, always returning to each other.
Seth and Mara had gone all out. They had buffet tables stacked with incredible finger foods. The traditional Thanksgiving meal would happen tomorrow. Tonight, there were appetizers or all kinds, charcuterie boards, fruit and veggie trays. Apple fritters, cookies and chocolates in the shapes of apples, dogs, ducks, chickens, and anything else that represented the farm. Daisies and sunflowers covered the wedding cake. Mara was a genius.
Finally, Wyatt was done with it all.
Across the room, Esme smiled as Seth swung her through a complicated dance that had her laughing. Wyatt wanted all of her, including that laugh, to himself.
Gray slapped him on the shoulder. “You’ve suffered enough, Slinger. Go get your bride.”
The song ended and he caught Esme’s eye. As he stalked across the room, her smile widened, and he saw desire and love sparkling in her eyes.
She met him halfway and threw her arms around him, then tilted her face up for a kiss.
“I want you alone.” His voice was more growl than speech.
She shivered in his arms. “Yes.”
Of course, the staircase was in the middle of the space, so they couldn’t disappear unnoticed. He didn’t care and, judging by her grin, she didn’t either.
Wyatt swooped her into his arms and she put her arms around his neck.
Knox whistled to grab everyone’s attention. “Time to say goodnight to our happy couple.”
Well-wishes, cheers, and applause filled the room.
Wyatt moved though the space with a nod. Esme called out her thanks to everyone as he climbed the stairs, holding her close.
He turned left at the top of the stairs and the people and noise faded away behind them.
Esme kissed his jaw. “I can walk.”
“Not a chance. This may not be our regular threshold, but it’s the first of many I’ll carry you over. Our room, the greenhouse, the cabin that will grown into our home. All of them.”
Esme laughed and moved trail kisses along his jaw. “I like it. Not only do I feel cherished and loved, it leaves me free to concentrate on more important things.”
While she kissed him, her hands moved to caress his chest and undo buttons. “We need to eliminate a few layers.”
“I like the way you think.”
A Magical Moment
Esme loved being held in Wyatt’s arms, surrounded by his love. When they reached their room, she opened the door.
He grinned at her as he paused at the threshold. “I love you, Esme. My wife.”
Her smile widened. “I love you, Wyatt. My husband. My forever love.”
He grinned, eyes sparkling with so many emotions, she felt joyful tears prick the back of her eyes.
He crossed the threshold and kicked the door closed behind him. She reached to throw the bolt, but knew no one would interrupt them until they emerged.
Wyatt spun her in a circle and then his mouth crashed over hers.
When they broke apart, Wyatt shifted to set her on her feet. He spun her into a dance hold and moved to the dresser. Someone had left a bottle of champagne nestled in an ice-filled bucket beside two flutes. Daisies were sprinkled over the dresser and tray. Soft, sexy music filled the room. “We have very good friends.”
Wyatt chuckled. “We do.”
He popped the cork and filled the glasses. He passed her one flute, then held up his own. “To my beautiful wife. I love you more than I thought possible.”
She tapped her glass to his. “To my sexy husband. I feel the same. We’re going to have the most amazing life. I love you.”
The kiss started soft and sweet, then Wyatt took their glasses and placed them back on the tray.
He drove her wild with his mouth as he danced them around the room.
He kissed his way to her ear and growled. “This dress has been driving me crazy since I saw you on the stairs. It’s sinful.”
She sent a mental thank you to Calaia. “Then it’s doing its job.”
His mouth moved along the edge of the dress, reaching the valley between her breasts. Her body shivered and she arched into his touch with a soft moan.
“Silky, lacy perfection. Did you know when you move, the material clings to your curves like a hug? Made me jealous. I’ve been imagining my hands on you all night.”
Esme sighed happily. “I like that thought. I’ve had the same kind. Agents would run over each other to sign you up if they saw you in this tux. Sexy. Powerful. Confident. Gorgeous.”
His chuckle rumbled along her skin and his hands searched for a zipper. When he found it, he licked the skin just above it, making her entire body shiver.
He unzipped the dress slowly, following the progress with his tongue. When the dress pooled at her feet, he cursed reverently. “Holy hell, Esme. You’re going to kill me.”
The sexy lingerie had been worth every penny she’d paid. More silk and delicate lace designed to make a woman confident and drive a lover wild.
Wyatt put his hands on her waist and lifted her away from the dress puddled on the floor. He set her down and took one of her hands. Holding it, he walked around her in a slow circle, eyes taking in all of her. The heat of his gaze had her shivering and her knees threatening to give out.
When he returned to stand in front of her, his eyes gleamed and she couldn’t contain the whimper.
“I don’t know where to worship first. Do I start at the top and work my way down, or start with those sexy shoes and move up that gorgeous body, driving you wild along the way?”
Another whimper escaped her and heat flared in his gaze.
“Sexy shoes it is.”
Wyatt lifted her gently and kissed her as he set her in the middle of the bed.
She reached up and tugged on one end of his bow tie, loosening it before she eased it gently from his shirt collar.
Wyatt’s grin turned wicked. “You want to play with that tie, Esme?”
That hadn’t been her intention, but the idea thrilled her. Like in every other aspect of her life, she’d always been cautious, wanting to be sure before she tried something new.
Wyatt had changed that. With him, she was confident and eager to play, as long as it was with him, her husband. The man who would do everything to protect her, everything to ensure she felt cherished and safe.
She brushed the tie softly over her lips and then down her body, brushing the material over her breasts, making Wyatt groan.
“Let’s play.”
The Moment Of Truth
Wyatt wondered if he’d ever be able to stop smiling. He was pretty sure the grin was permanent.
He and Esme had made love too many times to count throughout the night and morning. They’d taken turns having fun with the bow tie, and he figured those memories would loop in his head for decades to come.
The room had been stocked with snacks and breakfast foods, so they hadn’t emerged into the real world yet. A check of the time showed they’d have to move soon if they wanted to share this first Thanksgiving with their friends. The meal would be served in the early afternoon, and then he had another surprise for Esme. They’d need to leave in a few hours in order to make it happen.
Still, leaving the bed and the room where they’d created magical memories was difficult.
Esme brushed her hair into a ponytail, then looked around the room with a sigh. “I guess we have to rejoin the real world at some point.”
He laughed. “I was thinking the same thing. But we can recreate the night whenever we like.”
Esme laughed. “We can. And I think we’re going to more than once. It was a magical wedding and an even better night, Wyatt.”
He kissed her. “It was.”
The dinner bell that Knox had added to the dining room clanged, making them grin.
He sighed and rested his forehead against hers. “That’s probably for us. Time to go.”
They snuck in another kiss, and then walked down to the dining room, hand in hand.
They handled the friendly ribbing about enjoying a good night as they helped everyone set up the meal.
Once everyone was seated, Knox held up his glass of cranberry-apple cider. “I’d like to propose a Thanksgiving toast. To our new and growing family. The No Phailed Apples Inn and farm has grown and expanded over the past year and a half. We’ve gained family, grown our farm, and put jerks in jail.”
Everyone laughed at that.
Knox continued. “I’m thankful to Jay for leaving us this farm and for giving so many of us a chance for a fresh start. I’m thankful for all of you taking a chance on joining us here. Here’s to our families, friends who’ve become family, loved ones we’ve lost, and a future filled with happiness. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.”
Wyatt hugged Esme when her eyes sparkled with emotion at the toast. They tapped glasses and everyone drank.
Soon, the plates were full and laughter filled the room.
Charlie looked at Wyatt. “Are you guys going on a honeymoon?”
Esme shook her head. “No need for a honeymoon. The farm here is perfect.”
Wyatt grinned. “I hate to contradict my beautiful wife, but we are indeed going on a honeymoon. We need to leave soon in order to catch our plane.”
Esme turned to him. “What?”
He grinned. “Surprise.”
She laughed. “Where are we going? I’ll need to pack.”
“I had the ladies take care of that. Our bags are ready to go.”
Her grin widened. “Go where?”
“I thought about a dozen places, but where do you take your wife when she’s already been everywhere?”
She started to protest, but Wyatt shook his head. “But I figure I have the perfect place picked. We’re going to Giblet.”
For a beat, Esme was completely still and silent. Then her eyes filled with tears, but her smile grew impossibly wide. “Giblet? We’re going to Giblet?”
He nodded. “Booked us in at the Giblets and Gravy B&B.”
She laughed as she threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you. That’s amazing. You’re amazing.”
His gut had been right. Esme wasn’t one who craved the limelight or the fancy things in life. She was all about friendships and family. He imagined she’d have a blast taking videos in the town where her Nans had given her the best years of her life.
It would be a great place to start building their lives. Wyatt knew his parents would approve of his choices. Of honeymooning in Giblet, but mostly, they’d approve of Esme herself.
Looking back at that hot day when he’d snapped and quit his job, Wyatt couldn’t regret a single thing. He’d found Esme. Together, they’d found a home. A place for new starts and picture perfect moments.
It was going to be a hell of a good life.
A Final Moment
Hi everyone. This is Esme, and you’ll never believe where I am.
My brand new wonderful husband, surprised me with a honeymoon to one of my favorite places in the world. A place you’ve heard me talk about.
Giblet, California.
I know! Isn’t that amazing?
I spent the best years of my childhood here with my wonderful Nans. This is the town that helped me believe that people could be kind and generous. I also learned about silly puns and general fun. I can’t wait to showcase it all for you.
Today, I’m going to start with the B&B where we’re spending our honeymoon. The Giblets and Gravy B&B.
She panned the camera to show the turkey wind chimes hanging from the porch, then to the wreath on the door sporting cartoon turkeys and autumn leaves.
I promise to show you more later. For now, I’ve got a honeymoon to start with a man I love more than I ever thought possible.
To everyone out there who’s living in a tough situation, keep striving for more. Believe in yourself and work hard to make the world and your life better. I believe in you.
Take care, and we’ll talk soon. I love you all.
Esme dropped her phone into her oversized purse and turned to find Wyatt grinning at her. “Ready?”
He nodded and picked up their duffels. “With you? Always. Let’s get registered. We’ve got a honeymoon to start.”
Laughing, they walked up the porch steps.
She patted her heart. Thanks, Nans. For everything.
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this bonus scene to the Heroes To The Core Small-Town Romance series!
The next book in the series is Pick Of The Crop spotlighting Burke and Rissa.
