In honor of Valentine’s Day, Goodreads had a list of fictional weddings that make them swoon, and it made me think of Garret and Reagan’s wedding!
We first meet Garret and Rayma in Burn on the Western Slope, but in the second (standalone) novel, Chayton and Naomi now get their chance (if they can ever stop arguing), and we celebrate Garret and Reagan’s wedding. I had such a fun time with this scene. Here’s an excerpt from Fatal Snag, where Naomi is walking down the aisle as her cousin’s bridesmaid, and has a hard time keeping her feet from going Chayton’s direction.
Excerpt:
The music began and the wedding planner’s nod indicated time for Naomi to step through the door. She gripped her flowers, letting the infusion of tulips, freesia, and dahlias steady her.
She paused at the entrance as the flash from the photographer’s camera caught what she hoped was a stunning smile, then stepped down the aisle, her dress gliding behind her. Glancing at Garret, she smiled. Her eyes trailed to Chayton. Her heart dropped. She nearly lost her footing and hoped no one noticed her wavering walk. Breathing deeply, she tried not to focus on him or think about how much she wished this was her wedding and she walked down the aisle toward him, her groom.
God, what was she thinking? How could she be so stupid? Her, marry Chayton?
Afraid she would veer his direction, she focused her attention opposite him, where she would stand.
She’d never seen a more gorgeous male. The black tux Chayton wore accentuated everything sexy about him, including his broad shoulders and lean, muscular frame. His thick hair, though combed immaculately, possessed that wild, disheveled look she loved.
She stepped past Garret and stood on the other side of him, facing the crowd of onlookers who waited for Reagan to emerge.
Underneath her skin, she buzzed with an underlying energy of excitement, nervousness, and longing. Reagan didn’t have to hide the fact she loved Garret with all her heart, and Garret returned her love tenfold. It was obvious every time he looked at her. Chayton’s mere presence made Naomi feel out of place. She wanted to be wrapped in his arms. She wanted to scream out her feelings for him in public so everyone would know. And she longed for him to share those feelings.
No, no, no. She couldn’t let it happen. Her feelings were just desire. Lust made her heart tremble so. Not love. No, no.
Yes, yes. Love wrapped itself tightly around her, stifling her breath, quickening her pulse. She glanced at Chayton, but he watched the door, his jaw clenched. The music introducing Naomi stopped. The wedding march started. Everyone stood in awe and respect when Reagan stepped through the door. Naomi forced herself to focus on Reagan, not Chayton.
Guests emitted ahs of delight. Although Naomi had been with her moments ago, she was still taken away by her cousin’s joy and beauty. Her wedding gown was made of silky satin, sequins beading the neckline, sheering into the straps and behind the back to cut into a V style. The long, flowing train fell to the floor in delicate softness, moving gracefully behind the bride as every sequin sparkled.
A tear escaped as Naomi watched Reagan glide down the aisle with her father. Her throat burned, her chest pounded and more tears bubbled deep in her chest, threatening to erupt in blubbers of weeping.
Months ago, when Reagan and her father had been kidnapped by a madman working for a jewel fencing mafia, Naomi was in California stressing over whether or not her cousin would live. Chayton had been involved in her rescue. This wedding was the happiest day of her life. The happiest of Naomi’s for it was a reminder of the importance of small things. She hoped to have a chance to talk to Chayton later, if he would listen.
Naomi faced the preacher as he asked who would give Reagan away. As her father gave his daughter to Garret, Naomi chanced a look at Chayton. Her heart flipped when he caught her gaze and gave her a small smile. He hadn’t smiled at her all day. She felt he’d given her a piece of him, and she treasured the precious gift.
Later, she hoped they would dance. Talk. Make love. Commemorate a new beginning.
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