My Cowboy Crush

Chapter 4

Chapter 4Katie

By the time I'd changed into a pair of slacks and an unwrinkled blouse, I was running late. My car swung into the parking lot of the chapel. Several other cars were already there. Silhouettes of people flitted by the windows as I made my way inside. I slowly opened the door, silently praying not to be noticed.

"Finally, Katie is here." Annie marched toward me and dragged me into the room.

All the eyes turned on me as heat flushed my face. I gave a small wave to the crowd. Luckily, everyone was busy getting ready for the ceremony run through.

"We are going to do a brief run-through. I want you to take some candid shots, but nothing too overboard and then we are going to Cowboy's for dinner. You don't have to come to that." She said without taking a breath.

"Cowboy's, the bar?" Really, a rehearsal dinner at the only bar in town? My eyebrow raised at her.

"It's the only place in Sunnydale that serves food and my mom didn't want to host people at our house."

I nodded in understanding. "They do have some good food."

"Alright, folks." My daddy called from the front of the chapel, clapping his hands together. "Let's get this show on the road. I'm sure you're all hungry."

Everyone cheered. Annie herded and directed people where she wanted them to go. Someone hit play on a stereo and an organ chord floated on the air. Annie stood in front like an orchestra director, waving at people. She cupped her hands over her mouth and shouted.

"Levi, bring Mom and Granny down the aisle."

All eyes turned to the back of the church where he stood with a woman on each arm. My throat tightened when his eyes searched for mine. He looked dashing in dark washed Wranglers, polished cowboy boots, and his hair was combed down. He led them down the aisle in a slow march. Granny was pushing ninety and shuffled very slowly. Her thick gray hair was tied into a bun at the base of her head and an ivory shawl covered her shoulders. Their mother was on his other arm. She stood a head shorter than Levi. She was wearing a silver dress that highlighted the silver highlights in her black waist-length hair she was beaming at Annie and Levi in turn. Annie and Levi had been raised by a single mom. Even though things were hard at times, they loved each other and it showed. My heart filled with love watching the exchange of the small family.

Once everyone was seated, the bridal party marched to the front of the chapel. After that, the rehearsal of the service went by quickly with Daddy saying a few words and Annie and Bobby responding in turn. Everyone clapped at the end just like at the real wedding. Bobby and Annie stared into each other's eyes for a long moment but did not kiss. I snapped a few photos here and there but overall, I lost myself in the enjoyment of the occasion.

"Thank you so much." Annie wrapped me into a hug. "It means so much to me to have everything documented. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate you." She stepped back from me and gave me a once over. "You look beat. Why don't you go home and spend some time with your family?"

I caught Levi watching me from over in the corner. His eyes burned with an intensity I hadn't seen before. Suddenly, I was tired and needed some space.

"You're right. I'm exhausted." I faked a yawn and slipped out of the room before he made his way over to me.

Levi

I helped Mom and Granny into my truck to go to Cowboy's Bar. The cab was cozy with three people in the front seat, but it was nice. The women chatted about everything that still needed to be done and all of the plans for tomorrow. I was able to zone out and think about the woman with curly blond hair and curves in all the right places. The one that didn't realize how special and talented she was.