Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 94119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 471(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 471(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“Yes!” June said, holding her left hand up to her mom and dad. “I’m getting married!” Mr. Scott scooped June up in his arms. “You get to walk me down the aisle, Daddy,” June said, and Mr. Scott’s eyes closed.
“I know, baby. I cannot wait,” he whispered, opening them again and staring adoringly at his daughter.
Mom hugged me, and Lucy and Emily ran straight to June, forgetting about me entirely. “Can we be your bridesmaids?” Lucy asked my fiancée.
My fiancée.
Emily hit Lucy on the arm. “You have to ask nicely! We talked about this!”
I laughed, and as June’s eyes met mine, there was no more fear, no more pain, just happiness reflecting back at all of us.
“Of course you can,” June said to the little monsters. “Who else would I have? You’re going to be my sisters.” Those words were an arrow to the chest. Lucy and Emily jumped on June, screaming in excitement.
For the first time since I’d been told I was on palliative care, I wished time to go faster. I couldn’t wait for three days from now to get here.
I couldn’t wait to be able to call my Junebug my wife.
CHAPTER 28
June
“June…” my mama said as she finished buttoning me up and stepping away.
I stared in the mirror at my reflection. I wore a white dress that clung to my frame. It was fully lace, with a high neck and long sleeves. Patterns of feathers were woven into the lace. It was perfect. The bridal store had even made me a headscarf made of the same material, with crystals sewed in it to give me a little sparkle.
It was my vintage dream.
A makeup artist had heard about our wedding from Neenee and had come to the ranch to do my makeup, giving me soft smoky eyes and a natural pink lip.
I’d never thought of myself as pretty, but looking at my refection now…I finally did. I couldn’t wait for Jesse to see me. I lifted my left hand and ran my fingers over my ring—Mamaw’s ring.
The wedding had been pulled together in just three short days. Neenee had handled almost everything, telling the local community near the ranch about our nuptials and many reaching out to help. The bridal store had donated the dress, and a catering company was currently setting up in the formal dining room, where we would eat afterwards. A party-planning company was making a dance floor in the grand hall. I liked to think Mr. Owens would have approved of our marriage too. He never got to see his daughter marry; she died too young.
A throat cleared behind me. I turned, and my daddy stood there in a tux. My lips wobbled as his eyes softened seeing me in my dress.
“Do you like it?” I asked, smoothing my hand down the delicate lace.
“June,” Daddy whispered, and he had to wipe at his freshly shaven face.
He walked up and took hold of my hand. His breathing was shaky, as he said, “I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful in my life.”
“You look real handsome, Daddy,” I said, and fixed a yellow rose on his lapel. “Have you seen Jesse?” A flutter of nerves gathered within me. I wasn’t nervous in a bad way. If I could have, I would’ve run down the aisle and become Jesse’s wife that very second. I wanted this so badly.
“He’s good,” Daddy said. “He’s already at the chapel.” Daddy playfully rolled his eyes. “I’m pretty sure he got ready there last night and has been waiting for you by the altar ever since.”
I smiled so wide my jaw ached as I raised a brow at him. “Is he wearing his Longhorns cap?”
My daddy laughed. “Darlin’, if he’d have been wearing that too-worn cap, I would have pulled it from his head and burned the damned thing to ashes.” Daddy still hadn’t gotten over how Jesse had worn it to propose to me.
I laughed, and Daddy sobered. “He looks great, darlin’. He’s just waiting on his beautiful bride to arrive.”
“Then let’s go,” I said, and I linked my arm in my daddy’s.
Mama kissed my cheek. “You’re the most stunning bride I have ever seen,” she said, then straightened her shoulders. “I’ll get to the chapel and see you both in there.” Mama kissed Daddy, then left us alone.
“Shall we?” I said to my daddy.
I went to move, but Daddy stepped in front of me. He met my eyes, and a lump lodged in my throat at the mixed emotions I saw there. “June. I’ve never been prouder of anyone in my life,” he said, his voice breaking on the last word.
“Don’t make me cry, Daddy,” I said weakly.
He flicked away a tear on my cheek with his thumb. “Let me say this, baby, please.”
I nodded. I had to give him this moment.