Page 112 of Resisting the Fall

Maven

It had only been two days since Ben and I had decided to remain married, but with our paperwork submitted to the court and our final hearing canceled, it was official. We had chosen to wait until after Jaxon and Landrie’s wedding to share the news with everyone outside of our families, but word seemed to be spreading quickly, regardless. I’m guessing it had something to do with how Ben and I couldn’t keep our hands off each other.

Ben led me out onto the dance floor, pulling me to him. “That was some wedding, huh?”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled at the memory of Landrie’s father leading her through the woods on a white horse. Ben, standing next to his brothers at the front, his eyes constantly finding mine. And me, sitting by Ann, holding her hand as Jaxon and Landrie read their vows. “It couldn’t have been more perfect.”

“Did you want a wedding like this?”

I glanced around the elegant white tent that had been set up near the stables at Horseshoe Holler for the reception. With the lights and the flowers and the white linen, it looked straight out of a fairytale. “There are a few too many flies for me,” I teased.

He smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I want you to have all the things you missed out on last time—the ring, the dress, the big wedding if you want. All of it.”

I brushed my hand along his jaw. “You seem to keep forgetting that we’re already married.”

“Then let’s renew our vows. Have a big celebration and make it exactly what you want. What do you say?”

My gaze swept through the faces of so many people we knew and loved. I truly didn’t regret that we had originally eloped, but I could definitely see the appeal in celebrating our love with those who had supported us in the good times and the hard times. Not that I needed anything grand. A simple gathering would be perfect. Besides, Ben seemed set on it. “Is next month too soon?”

Ben quirked a brow. “I wouldn’t think so. Did you have a date in mind?”

“Since there won’t be time to plan it before our eight-year anniversary next week, I was thinking we could do November twenty-first.”

“The anniversary of when we started dating,” Ben said with a nod. “I like that.”

I ran my fingers through the thick hair at the nape of his neck, pulling him toward me for a quick kiss. Just because I could.

“Well, aren’t you two a sight for sore eyes?” Wade Stevenson said as he approached. He stopped next to us with his date, Ari, who was Landrie’s sister and maid of honor. Wade’s mustache was a serious statement, but in a good way. “Word around town—and by around town, I mean straight from the Ednas’ lips—is that you’re staying hitched. And by the looks of it, I’m inclined to believe those aren’t just rumors.”

I sent Ari a knowing look. We’d both had our turn in the spotlight when it came to Autumn Ridge gossip.

“We are fully reconciled,” Ben said, smiling at me.

I smiled back at him.

“I love that for you both.” Wade’s gaze shifted to me. “And if you’re looking for something to do now that you’re back in Autumn Ridge, we could use an orchestra teacher at the high school starting next semester. The pay is underwhelming, but otherwise, it’s a great place to work.” He grinned at his partner. “Isn’t it, Ari?”

A soft blush touched her cheeks. “It is. Particularly if you’re already married.”

Wade gave an amused smirk. “And more particularly if you’re married to that guy.” Wade threw a thumb toward Ben. “I’m intimidated by him, and I’m not even in high school. No one will mess with you.”

I glanced back at Ben, who watched me with curious eyes. “Ben and I will chat about it, but thank you for the offer. It means a lot.”

“I’ll look forward to hearing from you, then,” Wade said, lifting his arm high and spinning Ari away from us.

“Is that what you’d want to do?” Ben asked.

“Possibly. I’ve really enjoyed teaching Penny the violin too. Maybe I could take on a few private students.”

“Or you could see where the nearest community orchestra is and join it,” Ben said with the same hesitant smile from earlier. “Or form a string quartet and hold concerts. I know it wouldn’t be the same caliber of performers you’re used to playing with, but it’d be something.”

“Or I could just hold private concerts.” I leaned toward him and lifted my chin so our lips were just inches apart. “For just you.”

For the first time since leading me out on the floor, Ben’s full-blown smile emerged. “I will never say no to that.”

Bennett

This last week following Maven’s and my reconciliation had been like a dream that I was waiting to wake up from. Maven had slid back into my life so effortlessly it was almost like she’d been here the whole time. But it’d be wrong to brush aside all that had happened. I knew she was still grappling with our having missed so much of each other’s lives. And I was still grappling with life in Autumn Ridge being enough for her.