Page 19 of Sweet Temptation (Honeysuckle, Texas #3)

Never had Rachel seen a more beautiful bride.

Well, Jess and Sarah Sue had been lovely brides, but neither had been married with all the trappings.

Seeing Jackie walk down the aisle of the old church with the organ playing had been breathtaking.

So much so, that when she glanced at her brother, she wondered if the groom was even breathing.

Since their mother had insisted on inviting the entire town as well as every ranching friend, near or far, that she and Charlie Sweet had ever met, the only place large enough to host all those people was the old hay barn.

Of course it took more work than anyone had expected to clear it out enough to fit all the rented tables.

Rachel adjusted the sky-blue bridesmaid dress, still surprised Jackie had found the perfect style of dress that looked good on her, Jillian, and Jackie’s maid of honor from Houston, Katie.

Scanning the surroundings, she had to admit, the transformed barn was worthy of a bridal magazine—twinkling lights draped from the rafters, wildflowers arranged in mason jars, and crisp white linens on round tables created a rustic-elegant vibe.

Her mother had finally gotten the church wedding and big reception she’d been waiting for. In only a short time, they’d pulled off an event the entire town was talking about.

“The caterers are ready for them to cut the cake,” Jillian appeared at her elbow, looking flushed but happy, “and I can’t find the newlyweds.”

“They’re over there.” Lifting a finger, she pointed toward the far corner of the barn where Jackie and Garret stood, seemingly oblivious to the celebration swirling around them.

Even from this distance, Rachel could see the way Garret looked at his bride—like she was the only person in the room.

His hand rested at the small of Jackie’s back, his thumb tracing small circles against the delicate lace of her gown.

Jackie said something that made him throw back his head and laugh, the sound carrying across the barn.

“Those two…” Jillian shook her head, smiling. “I’ve never seen Garret so happy.”

“Seems like yesterday he was stressing about finding a suitable temporary bride.” Rachel chuckled, accepting a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

“And then she just fell into his lap. Or rather, passed out in his car.”

They shared a laugh, watching as Jackie reached up to straighten Garret’s tie, letting her hand linger on his chest afterward. The love-filled gesture made her smile. When he caught her fingers, pressing them to his lips in a move so tender, the sweetness made Rachel’s heart squeeze.

“Guess I’ll go tell the caterers to wait fifteen minutes.” Jillian kept her gaze on her brother and his bride. “Those two need a little more time before we interrupt their bubble.”

As Jillian disappeared into the crowd, Rachel leaned against a wooden post, observing the celebration.

Her mother moved from group to group, accepting congratulations as if she were the bride herself.

Eleanor Shannon chatted animatedly with Aunt Vicki near the bar, gesturing with her champagne flute.

Carson and Jess swayed together on the makeshift dance floor, wrapped in each other’s arms despite the upbeat tempo of the music.

Preston stood, his arm around his wife, the two admiring a handmade quilt on the gift table.

Somehow even that simple moment between them seemed tender and special.

Her brothers had all truly hit the jackpot of love.

The Sweet family marriages had started as business arrangements, but looking around now, no one would ever guess.

Love had found its way in despite everyone’s best efforts to keep things professional.

Rachel’s gaze drifted back to Jackie and Garret.

They’d moved to the edge of the dance floor, Jackie’s white dress gleaming under the string lights.

Garret whispered in her ear. The intensity of the way the newlyweds gazed into each other’s eyes felt so personal and private that Rachel had to look away, feeling like an intruder.

Her gaze drifted back to her family. Couples.

Real couples, born from the most unlikely of circumstances.

The ranch, within a hair’s breadth of being lost, was now slowly inching toward recovery thanks to the marriages and the trust fund initial payments.

They still needed more, but at least the immediate fear of losing it all was no longer hanging over their heads by a thread.

Their father would have been relieved; maybe even amused by the roundabout way they’d saved the family legacy.

She thought of Kade, still serving overseas, his absence a quiet ache amidst the celebration. They’d sent him pictures, of course, but it wasn’t the same. The mantel of fully saving the ranch was now on her and Jillian. She could only hope Honeysuckle still had a few surprises left up its sleeve.

The band shifted tempo, easing into a slow, sweet country ballad.

Garret led Jackie onto the floor for a proper dance, pulling her close.

The barn lights seemed to dim around them, catching the sparkle of the ring on Jackie’s finger as she rested her hand on Garret’s shoulder.

He murmured something against her hair, his smile so full of love it was almost blinding.

Rachel felt a warmth spread through her chest. The new marriage hadn’t started conventionally.

None of their recent marriages had. But watching her brother hold his wife as if she were the most precious, irreplaceable thing in the world, seeing the absolute certainty reflected in their eyes, she knew it didn’t matter how love started.

Only that it had arrived, fierce and true, right here under the Texas stars, surrounded by family.

She raised her glass in a silent toast. To Garret and Jackie. To unexpected journeys and happy landings. Tonight she would enjoy the party and all the love surrounding them. Tomorrow, she would figure out how the heck she was going to find a husband… and fast.