“I can’t thank you enough for your help. Daphne and Greta, too. You ladies are a force.”
Winnie punched the air with her finger. “And don’t you forget it. Now, you two enjoy this amazing night, because it’s beautiful. I’m going to go hunt down a little witch named Lola-Falola, who I’m sure is eyeball-deep in red velvet cake and will make us all pay with her sugar rush.” Pulling Calla to her, she gave her a tight hug. “I hope tonight is everything you ever hoped for and more. I also hope you know, you’re right where you belong.”
Calla clenched her eyes shut and hugged her friend hard. “Go, before I’m sobbing all over your gorgeous dress.”
Winnie scurried off, only to be replaced by Ezra and Twyla Faye. He set her lizard on a chair, reaching for her to kiss her cheek. “You’re the prettiest girl in the room. And don’t you forget, you’re my girl first.”
Calla leaned back and smiled at him. “Always-always-forever-forever.”
“So I suppose you’re part of the family now, too, sugar?” Twyla Faye asked. Although she knew the answer, because Nash hadn’t just asked her grandfather’s permission for her hand, he’d asked her lizard, too, according to Ezra.
Nash nodded, running his hand over Twyla Faye’s spine with a chuckle. “Only if that’s okay with you, ma’am.”
“As long as we’re clear about who gets what side of the bed, it’s fine by me.”
Calla scooped her up and set her on the floor, looking down at her favorite lizard. “I love you, Twyla Faye. You’re as much a part of this family as anyone. And who’da thunk I’d become so attached to you? But you can’t sleep with my cowboy,” she teased.
“The indignities I suffer as your beloved pet. But I wouldn’t want to share a hunk like that with a green goddess like me either. And seriously, y’all, I hope you’re always as happy in the future as you are right now. Now, I’m off to see a Cabbage Patch doll about a gnome.” She scurried away before Calla could catch her.
Ezra pivoted on his heel, preparing to chase after Twyla Faye. “I got this. You two enjoy!” He blew her a kiss and shot out into the crowd of people, leaving she and Nash at the edge of the party.
She turned in his arms and smiled up at him as soft music played and their guests laughed. He was so handsome in his dark sport coat and white shirt. Every muscle in his stomach was enhanced by the tight fit. “Tonight is amazing, Nash. Thank you. I love everything about it.”
Dropping a heart-stopping kiss on her lips, he winked. “Good to know, because I love everything about you. And I do mean everything.”
Laying her head on his broad chest, she nodded and sighed a happy sigh.
Because she knew what that word meant to the two of them now.
What it meant to her.
It meant completely. Unconditionally.
It meant he loved her heart, her mind.
And her.
Only her.
(For now…)
The End