Chapter 72 Part 72
Asher
The campfire was bright in the dark woods. They sat on their bedrolls, drinking coffee, and talking about their younger years. It was nice being out in nature with his brothers. Joel and Oscar listened intently to their stories, laughing, and asking too many questions.
“I still want to know how you almost burned down the church,” Joel said.
“We were young and stupid,” Dylan said, as Colt laughed.
“As I recall, you let the match fall to the floor when the door slammed shut.”
“And I still maintain that the church is haunted,” Dylan said.
“Blair closed the door,” Asher said, as he laughed.
“Really?”
“Yeah, I did,” Blair said, laughing at the look on Dylan’s face.
“Thanks for telling me…like ten years later.”
They all laughed again and Dylan shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re getting married in the morning.”
“When you know, you know,” Asher said.
“So, you’re telling me you knew when she hit you with that broom?” Dylan asked.
“He must’ve, otherwise, he wouldn’t have bought that crib,” Finn said.
“I was more amused that she hit me, but I kept thinking about her smile. I think I knew I was in love when I found her standing on my porch with that awful pie. She was so embarrassed, and that night was the first time I kissed her.”
“You’re lucky, Asher. Maggie’s a wonderful woman, and everyone can tell how much she loves you,” Oscar said.
“Yeah, I am.”
“She’s lucky, too. You’re a good man, brother. Honest, caring, and I’m pretty sure she knows she is,” Blair said.
“I appreciate that.”
They spent the rest of the night reliving their childhoods, telling more stories, and giving the boys advice. Asher preferred it to the standard bachelor parties that seemed to be the new norm.
The next morning, they rode their horses back to the ranch, and Asher looked at his house from a distance. It had felt weird, knowing Maggie was at the house while he was sleeping in the woods.
“You’ll have her all to yourself in a few hours,” Colt said, as they dismounted, and led the horses into the barn.
Asher headed up to his old bedroom, smiling at the suit that was laid out on the bed. He left the boys in his room to shower and get dressed while he went downstairs to get some coffee.
“Hey, Pops,” Asher said.
“Your momma would be proud of you, Son. You’re marrying a good woman today. I know she would’ve loved Maggie just as much as I do,” Thomas said.
“Don’t get all soppy on me now, Pops,” Asher said, chuckling.
“I don’t always say it enough, but I love you, Asher. I’ve loved you from the moment you took your first breath, and I’ve always been proud of you. You turned into a fine man, one I’m proud to call my son.”
Asher swallowed the emotion away, and looked at his father. “I had the best father to show me the way.”
Two hours later, they were all ready to leave the house. Thomas headed over to Asher’s house. He’d nominated himself to walk Maggie down the aisle and give her away.
The gazebo had turned out beautifully, and Asher was proud of the work he’d done. Melody was sitting on Eden’s lap as Asher greeted the arriving guests. Gifts were piled onto a table by the marquee tent. People were milling around, and Asher shook his head when Lorelei arrived with her two friends. She hadn’t been invited, making Asher clench his jaw.
“Let me handle this,” Finn said, walking toward them.
Asher grinned, turning his back on them. Pastor Mitchells walked down the aisle, greeting people before shaking Asher’s hand. “It’s a fine day, Asher.”
“That it is,” Asher said.
Amy and Jennifer were making a ruckus as Finn tried to herd them away from the chairs. Asher sighed, stalking toward them. Lorelei smiled sweetly at Asher.
“You weren’t invited,” Asher said as he glared at them.
“I just need to speak to you for two minutes, Asher,” Lorelei pleaded.
“Make it quick,” Asher said, taking a few steps away from the guests.
“You can’t marry her, Asher, please. I know you still love me. She’s a rebound, and you’re making the biggest mistake of your life.”
Asher looked intently at her. “She’s not a rebound, and I know that because I never really loved you. I realized that too late. I’m marrying Maggie today because I love her, and she loves me. Please leave the ranch with your dignity intact.”
“Asher, please,” she said, her eyes glistening with tears.
“Give it up, Lorelei! I don’t want you! Do I need to call the sheriff to remove you in cuffs?”
People had turned to look at them, a few whispering. Lorelei lifted her chin, turning on her heel, but stopped to look at him again. “I won’t wait forever, Asher. That woman is no good for you.”
Asher smoothed the front of his jacket as Joel and Oscar joined him. “You want us to make sure she leaves?”
“Yes. I don’t want her anywhere near Maggie.”
“Consider it done,” Joel said, and the two brothers set off behind the women, following them to their car.
Once Colt gave the signal, Asher moved to the gazebo. Music filled the air, and everyone’s heads turned when Maggie appeared on Thomas’ arm. Asher could only focus on her. He barely noticed Joel and Oscar returning and taking their seats.
Maggie was a vision in her wedding dress. He could read every emotion in her eyes, and for a moment, he thought she looked uncertain. His heart hammered in his chest, but she smiled when she saw him, and kept walking down the aisle.
Thomas shook Asher’s hand, and smiled at him. “We both know you don’t need another speech from me.”
The guests chuckled as Asher took Maggie’s hand in his. Everything else faded away, and it was just the two of them.
Pastor Mitchells smiled at them and opened his mouth, but Maggie held her hand up, and turned to look at Asher.
“I have to talk to you before we do this.”
“Okay,” Asher said, following her back down the aisle with his heart in his throat.