Page 40 of Falling for the Bombshell (Falling for #1)

One More Week Until “ I Do”

The girls had been on dress missions for weeks, popping in and out of bridal shops, searching for the one. Linnie had tried on at least two dozen gowns, but nothing had felt like her. Not until Summer and Linnie walked into that cozy little boutique tucked into downtown Billings.

The moment she stepped into that dress, everyone knew.

It was a hybrid— mermaid meets ballgown.

Fitted perfectly around her curves, hugging her waist before blooming into a dreamy train that swept the floor like a soft sea.

The dress shimmered in the light, and the chiffon detail sparkled with tiny beaded bronco-blue crystals sewn in so subtly, it was like a secret only the girls could see.

Bria clutched her chest, whispering “ Oh my gosh” under her breath.

Her mom blinked back tears. Sadie straight-up cried. It was the one.

Linnie ’ s bridesmaids—including Bria, standing proud as ever—would wear deep navy blue dresses, all different styles to match their personalities but flowing and elegant all the same. It was a perfect match to the Denver Broncos wedding theme that Linnie and Blaine had totally leaned into.

Meanwhile, Blaine had run into a little hiccup of his own—he was too tall for anything off the rack.

After visiting three different places, they ended up at a local tailor who had to custom-make his navy-blue suit.

It fit like a dream, with orange details stitched into the lining and a matching orange bow-tie that made him look like he ’ d walked off the Broncos sideline.

The final touches were being checked off one by one .

Flowers? Finalized. Orange dahlias, navy roses, white calla lilies, and a mix of greenery. A bouquet Linnie couldn ’ t stop staring at in photos.

The cake? A showstopper. Three tiers of white cake with fresh berries folded in, topped with a Denver Broncos logo in navy fondant, with hints of orange peeking from under the floral designs. It was bold, classy, and totally them.

Dinner? Tailgate themed. Smoked meats, mac and cheese, sliders, coleslaw, mini cornbread muffins, and individual football-themed desserts. Blaine was obsessed. Linnie loved how it screamed “ us” without being too over the top.

The music playlist was almost finished—full of their favorite throwbacks, a handful of sappy love songs (thanks to Sadie) writing a beautiful song and preforming for us, and a couple of hilarious surprise dance numbers Brittany had snuck in.

Even Chase and cousin Eric helped out with a special groomsmen mix. The first dance song? A soft, emotional rendition of “ The Rose” by Conway Twitty. It was Blaine ’ s late grandmother ’ s favorite, and when he suggested it, Linnie cried on the spot.

Perfect .

Family, friends, coworkers, and teammates from the Bullets, Locos and the Billings She Wolves RSVP ’ d to celebrate. The venue, DanWalt Gardens, was blooming with color, and the reception space was ready for the orange and navy transformation.

Broncos season had started, and Sundays at home were already themed—jerseys, food, yelling at the TV and all. Ember was already used to barking every time Blaine cheered too loud. But this Sunday? It was less about football and more about forever.

One more week.

September 26th. It was circled in bold on every calendar. Linnie had written it in glitter gel on the kitchen whiteboard. Blaine had it as his phone lock screen. Their wedding hashtag?

#ForeverAustin ?? ??

One more week and the real game— theirs —would begin.

The night before the wedding was filled with anticipation and laughter as everyone gathered for the final walkthrough at DanWalt Gardens.

The bridal party rehearsed under the twinkle lights strung through the trees, Blaine stealing glances at Linnie every chance he got.

She looked so at ease, glowing even in casual jeans and a hoodie, and he couldn ’ t stop thinking about how she ’ d look tomorrow—his bride.

After the rehearsal, Blaine ’ s parents hosted a cozy, heartfelt Mexican-themed dinner under a large white tent on the venue grounds.

The tables were decked out with vibrant serapes, mini pinatas, and candles in painted glass holders.

Warm tortillas, street tacos, and enchiladas filled everyone ’ s plates while bowls of homemade salsa and chips kept getting refilled.

Blaine ’ s dad gave a sweet, slightly emotional toast about watching his son grow into the man he was today, and Linnie ’ s mom teared up across the table.

Linnie and Blaine sat side-by-side, their hands always touching— knees brushing, fingers intertwined. Linnie wore her navy “ Bride to Be” sweatshirt that Bria had gotten her, and Blaine had on a backwards Broncos cap, grinning like a man who knew tomorrow would change everything.

They hugged everyone goodbye with promises of an early bedtime… even though Blaine stood at the edge of her car for five more minutes, holding her hand and whispering, “ One more sleep, and you ’ re mine forever.”