Page 82 of Denim & Diamonds

Later, as the priest spoke, Brock kept nudging me with his elbow, sarcastically challenging some of the points in the sermon.

Surrendering control to God and trusting in His plan.

“Thank goodness God’s plan was not to have you end up with that douche,” he whispered.

Exploring mutual love and respect in marriage...

“These two know a lot about respect, don’t they?”

Two being better than one.

“That’s your ex’smotto anyway. She’d better watch her friends around him.”

Forgiving each other just as God forgives.

“God might forgive. But karma? Karma’s a bitch, and she remembers.”

I shook with laughter throughout the ceremony. What I’d assumed would be one of the toughest hours of my life turned into anything but. I couldn’t stop smiling.

When the ceremony ended, everyone lined up to greet the bride and groom near the entrance of the church.

When we finally got our turn with the happy couple, my ex put on his best fake smile. “February,sohappy you could make it.” He turned to Brock. “Who’s this?”

I held my hand out toward my handsome date. “This is Brock Hawkins.”

“Herboyfriend,” Brock added.

Butterflies swarmed in my stomach. Even if that declaration was just for show, it made me weak in the knees.

Johnathan tilted his head. “How…nice. You never mentioned him, February. How did you guys meet?”

I froze for a moment, realizing I hadn’t planned for this. I didn’t want to admit where I’d been when Brock and I met—neither at the bar nor Sierra. Not that there was anything to be ashamed of, but my reasons for being in Meadowbrook were none of their business. Johnathan and Ilona might misinterpret it to mean I’d had a nervous breakdown because ofthem. That’s how self-centered they were.

Brock seemed to sense my hesitation and quickly stepped in. “February was sightseeing up in the woods of Maine where I live. She got a little lost trying to find one of our local establishments, so I stopped to help. We got to talking, and honestly, the rest was history.”

That was simple enough, and if you thought about it, it could even be considered true. I had beenlostwhen I’d met Brock. Just not literally.

“Well, doesn’t that sound like a Hallmark movie?” Ilona chimed in. “I suppose you were wearing a plaid,flannel shirt and drove a big red truck, perhaps with a Christmas tree strapped on the top?”

I narrowed my eyes, unable to tell if that was meant to be funny or insulting for some reason.Everything but the Christmas tree, bitch.

“Don’t forget the ax for chopping wood.” Brock winked, not missing a beat.

“Ah, yes.” She laughed.

After we walked away, I teased, “Thanks for not telling them theactualway we met.”

“That I carried your drunk ass to my bed? They’d draw the wrong conclusion there. But it’s none of their freaking business, anyway.”

“I like how you think, Hawkins.”

“I likeyou.” He wrapped his arm around me as we returned to the spot where he’d paid the driver to wait for us.

When we arrived at the swanky reception, Brock and I kept to ourselves. It was like our own private party as we drank champagne and sampled hors d’oeuvres.

After dinner was served, I couldn’t believe my ears. The DJ had put on the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses.”

“You’re kidding.” Brock dropped his fork. “It’s our song, Red. You have to dance with me.”