Page 75 of Bad For Me (Rock Canyon, Idaho 5)

If I was his bride, I wouldn’t be walking down the aisle. I’d be running straight into his arms.

The thought was like a punch in the gut. But even though her head told her it was crazy to think like that so soon, she couldn’t stop imagining what it would be like to share forever with Everett. To marry him and share a life. To bear his children and experience all the joys she’d once dreamed about before . . .

Callie wiped at her cheeks and looked down at her laptop. She was making an idiot of herself, blubbering before the bride even walked down the aisle.

Callie clicked on the wedding processional folder and increased the volume just as Val’s youngest sister, Ellie, came sashaying down the aisle, her long dark hair spilling down her back in rich curls. The deep forest-green bridesmaid gown was simple chiffon and accented her curvy figure beautifully.

Moments later, Caroline came through the door in a similarly styled gown but in plum purple. Unlike her younger sister’s loose hairstyle, Caroline’s dark locks were piled up on top of her head, with curls escaping the topknot becomingly. Caroline looked over at Callie and winked.

Once Caroline took her place, Callie switched to the bridal march and everyone stood as Val—a vision in a white empire-waisted bridal gown that hid her baby bump beautifully—came through the door on her father’s arm. Her dark hair was slicked back from her face, hidden by a long veil. She was smiling widely as she looked down the aisle at her husband-to-be.

Callie was a little surprised that Edward Willis had shown up today, although Caroline had mentioned that he was trying to make things right with his three daughters. Some of the things she’d heard about him, though, would’ve been hard for her to forgive, but at least he was making an effort. That counted for something.

The ceremony was relatively short, barely fifteen minutes. When the preacher said, “You may kiss the bride,” Callie turned up Faith Hill’s “This Kiss,” and the whole room cheered.

After Justin and Val walked down the aisle as husband and wife, Callie took the mic. “All right, folks, while the bridal party and immediate family take pictures, I’m going to play some of the bride and groom’s favorite songs. Don’t mind the people moving the furniture around. They’re just setting up for the reception. So mingle, grab a glass of punch, and just have a good time.”

Sitting down finally, Callie rested her aching ankle while she watched people meander around.

“Well, look at you, Callie,” Mike Stevens said. She glanced up into his warm brown eyes that crinkled at the edges when he smiled. “You are the prettiest girl here.”

Callie knew Mike was trying out a new image, that of a “smooth-talking pimp daddy”—his words, not hers—and had even ordered a custom motorcycle from Caroline’s boyfriend, Gabe, but Mike just couldn’t shake his good-guy roots. No matter how smooth or bad he tried to be.

“Please. How many times have you said that already?”

Mike gave her a sheepish smile. “Fine, but you do look beautiful.”

“There he is, the real Michael. We were all wondering what happened to him,” Callie said.

“Ha-ha, come on. I haven’t been that bad.”

“Bad, no. Bordering on a split personality disorder, you betcha.”

“Well, being the good guy hasn’t done anything for me so far,” Mike grumbled.

Just then Callie saw Everett come back inside with Jared. “That’s just because you haven’t met the right girl, the woman who will appreciate all your charms. Even the nerdy ones.”

“Okay, what’s up with you? You’re practically glowing with happiness.”

Everett was heading toward them now, and Callie blushed as he looked between her and Mike.

“I see,” Mike said.

Callie knew he’d seen Everett coming toward them and snapped, “You see nothing. And so help me, if you embarrass me, I will tell Gracie. You know how much she loves to hatch revenge plots.”

“How did I never see the underlying evilness in you?”

“Hey, Mike,” Everett said, coming around the DJ booth. “Can you give us a minute?”

“Sure thing.” Mike shot Callie a wink as he backed away.

Before she could say anything, even a hello, Everett had her in his arms. As his mouth covered hers, kissing her thoroughly, she had no choice but to hang on tight. When he pulled away, they were both breathing hard.

“Sorry, but you look so fucking beautiful, and I’ve been dying to kiss you all night.”

“Really, you’ll get no complaints from me.”

Everett smiled, running his hand along her cheek. “I was supposed to come in and tell you they’re right behind me.”