Forever After All - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,42
yes, while I’m aware that’s the plan in regard to marriage, I feel many take it too lightly, and that’s not me.”
“You two have always known what you want.”
He nods. “Yeah, I have. So has she. But the thought of us getting married so young and it not working out, I couldn’t survive losing her as my wife.”
“You—” I point at him, fighting back the tears. “—you and Laramie are couple goals. The epitome of what a relationship should look like. I’d give anything to have a man love me half as much as you love her.” Surprising us both, I lean over and give him a hug. “Thank you for loving my best friend and treating her like the queen that she is.”
“She’s my heart, Mac.” Four words, a simple declaration of love, and I know those words come from deep within his soul.
“Morning,” Laramie says as she drags her feet into the room. She goes to Colby immediately, who has his arms open for her.
“Hey, babe,” he whispers.
“What are we talking about?” she asks, taking his cup of coffee and slurping down a huge drink.
“McKenna being home and her test. We’re going to have to celebrate once she takes this exam.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“Of course it is,” Laramie replies, more alert with some caffeine running through her veins.
“Let’s see if I pass it.”
“You’re going to pass,” all three of them say at once. My eyes find Rip’s, and he nods as if his words are the gospel.
“Fine,” I concede. “Just a bonfire and friends is enough for me. You know I don’t like all of the attention.”
“Tell that to my future wife.”
“You’re marrying her. Can’t you control her?” I tease.
“We all know there is no controlling Laramie Callahan.” He chuckles.
“Hey, I’m right here,” Laramie chimes in.
“Are you really going to dispute this, little sister?” Rip laughs.
“Nope.” She grins, taking another sip of coffee.
“I don’t know, maybe when you change her last name and have a couple of kids, that might do it.” I smirk. Laramie has already told me that Colby is eager to start a family. He says he wants to be young enough to keep up with his kids, not old and gray. At his twenty-five and her twenty-four, they are both a far cry away from being old and gray.
“A man can dream,” Colby remarks.
“Eat up,” Rip says, placing a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of each of us.
“Thank you.” I smile at him, and he nods. I can’t read the expression on his face, so I don’t even try. Instead, I turn my attention to my breakfast and chat with Colby and Laramie about plans they’ve already made for the wedding.
Chapter 13
Rip
Today is the big day. McKenna had to go to Dallas to sit for the bar exam. She left on Tuesday afternoon for the four-hour drive. My sister went with her. They’re going to do some wedding dress shopping while they’re there. I’ve been up since early this morning. Earlier than normal. I wanted to get a head start on things here so I can stop and call her, wishing her luck on her final day of testing. I also want to hear her voice.
“Morning,” she answers.
“Hey, beautiful. You ready? This is your last day, just a few hours, right?”
“I feel sick,” she confesses. “And yes, today is the final day.”
“Hey, now, none of that. You know this information. Your gramps has quizzed you. You’ve aced all of the practice tests. You’re going to ace it. I know it.” I wish I was there to hold her, to look into her eyes, and will her to believe me. I want to be the one to help calm her fears.
“I just want to pass.” She laughs. “I don’t care about acing it. Well, I mean, that would be nice, but I just want to pass. I want to start the next chapter in my life. The next six to twelve weeks is going to be torture just waiting in limbo.”
“You’re going to start helping out at the firm, though, right?”
“Yeah, but I can’t do anything. I can do research and type briefs, etc., but I can’t practice law. I busted my ass in high school to get a college degree at the same time as a high school diploma, then the rest of the undergrad and law school I did, the same to be where I am. I’m just ready to put this dream of mine to work.” She chuckles.
“McKenna, you’ve got