Where Love Grows

Cowboys & Angels

"Mom this dress is itchy," Sutton groaned, "do I have to wear this one?" She was standing in the door frame of my bathroom as Steph and I were getting ready for the wedding rehearsal.

I looked at Stephanie before answering and she just shrugged. "What would you wear?" I brushed past her into my closet to pull a dress for myself.

"I don't know. What can I borrow of yours?"

"My clothes won't fit you hunny." I looked at her frame, she was slender but strong, similar to my body before three kids. "Go take another look in your closet and I'll be there in a moment."

"Let me come look with you." Steph smiled placing a hand on my shoulder before going across the hall to Sutton's room. Hunter made his way in and met me in the closet.

"Boys are ready." He smiled as I shuffled through my dresses. I opted for a sleek navy blue dress and admired Hunter in his black and white ensemble. "Oh wow." He smiled, kissing my cheek, "you look heavenly."

"Thank you sweetheart," I felt my cheeks redden, "you look quite wonderful yourself." He swept my hair over my shoulder and turned to my dresser, helping put my necklace on.

"Knock, knock." Stephanie smiled, "Your daughter is ready, and you two look amazing. I'll just change quick and I'll meet you downstairs. She headed down to the basement suite and we got the kids set by the door.

"Sutton you look so pretty, and boys - so handsome." I smiled, admiring Sutton in a mauve lace dress and the boys in their dress shirts and pants. Stephanie caught our attention as she emerged wearing a lavender chiffon dress, highlighting her pretty blonde hair and green eyes.

"Aunt Steph, you look so pretty." Beckett hugged her.

"Thank you Beck." We piled into the limo that was awaiting us before heading to the church. The rehearsal moved from the church to the venue for dinner and dancing.

Hunter and I swayed to the music, his hands resting on my hips, "This was us, fifteen years ago." I smiled, admiring his eyes and smile.

"I can't believe what we have done and accomplished together." He looked over to see the kids dancing together not far over from us. "And all we have left to accomplish," his voice faded as the song changed, catching his attention. I recognized the notes of the piano and realized, it was Wanted.

"It's kind of an amazing song." I smiled, Hunter blushed. We danced the night away, Stephanie and Dustin made thank you speeches and in a whirlwind, it was all over.

Beckett dozed off on the drive home and Sutton asked, "When is the actual wedding?"

"It's on Sunday," Hunter answered quietly, Easton was leaning into him, also asleep, "Eas, buddy I need you to get up." I also tried to wake Beckett however I was unsuccessful.

"Sutton, take my shoes, Hunter open the door, I'll carry him." I chuckled as I handed Sutton my sandals. "Oh Beckett baby." I hauled him out of the car and carried him inside, laying him down on the couch. Easton and Sutton trudged to bed while I coaxed Beckett to wake up and get himself there too.

"Sutton come here," I handed her a glass of ginger ale, "Steph will be down in a minute." Our house was headquarters for Stephanie, her sister and I as we got ready for her wedding. Sutton joined in on the festivities while Hunter was in charge of getting the boys ready. Steph emerged wearing her dress, an off white, off the shoulder, long sleeve lace dress. "Oh my goodness." I was speechless. She was beaming, her hair was half up, the veil tucked in perfectly and her make up was natural.

We took pictures and headed into the limo. Hunter followed in the car with the boys in the tow. "Cheers Steph!" Her sister raised a mimosa.

"Cheers!"

We headed into the church and were ushered to the bridal suite before Dustin and the guests arrived. The ceremony was over in the blink of an eye and the vows were heartfelt. The whirlwind continued and after pictures we headed to the venue where we played lawn games and until Dustin and Stephanie made their official grand entrance.

"Please welcome for their first appearance as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Lynch!" The guests applauded and Hunter and I took our spot to sing for the first dance. "Please stand as we welcome close friends Hunter and Jenna Hayes to sing the song for the first dance." Stephanie and Dustin couldn't keep their eyes off each other as they swayed to the music.

"So hold on tight
It's gonna be a wild wild ride
And tonight, you won't need your wings to fly
Cause angels got a lot to lose

So hang on tight
I'm gonna make you come to life
And when you're there
You won't need to say your prayers
Cause heavens gonna wait for you"

The song commenced and we hugged the smiling couple before heading back to our seats to enjoy the breakfast buffet. The afternoon was rung in with dancing, and more lawn games. Before the party was over, Stephanie made the most heartwarming speech.

"If you didn't already know, I met Dustin on a patio in Calgary fifteen years ago. We stayed in touch here and there but really only reconnected just a few years ago. I believe in happily ever after now, and I believe that true love exists because of the love that this man has shown me despite my flaws, my imperfections." Dustin stood up, giving her a sweet kiss.

"We can't thank you all enough for being here today. We feel so loved and blessed to be surrounded by you all."