Page 121 of Resisting the Fall

“With you, I’d go anywhere.”

“Aunt Maven,” Penny said, stepping in front of us, completely unaware of the moment we were having and unfazed by our proximity to each other. “How long until the ceremony starts?”

With a knowing smirk, Ben glanced at his watch. “We should probably get everyone seated. I’m getting pretty hungry.” His gaze returned to Penny. “How about you?”

She gave an enthusiastic nod. “I was watching them set up the dessert table, and I already know which one I want, but Dad says I need to eat my dinner first. And we can’t eat until the ceremony is over.”

Ben chuckled, glancing at me. “I’ll let my dad know that we’re ready to start.”

I smiled. “Sounds good.”

Penny reached for his hand. “Can I come with you, Uncle Ben?”

The look of pure joy on Ben’s face at being called Uncle Ben by Penny melted my heart. He was going to be the best dad. “Absolutely.” He allowed her to lead the way through the crowded barn to where Tom Walker stood, chatting with Juliet and Archer.

Carson stepped to my side, filling the space left open by Ben. “You ready?”

I smiled at my brother. “I am. I think already being married helps with the nerves.”

Carson chuckled, his gaze shifting to the table with our friends. “I bet.”

My gaze followed his to the beautiful redhead his eyes were fixed on. “Penny seems to really like Emma.”

Carson nodded in agreement. “No surprise there. She’s quite the woman.”

“She is.” I placed my hand on Carson’s. “And don’t worry. I’m not too bitter that you told Ben you had feelings for her before you told me.”

Carson’s mouth opened, then closed. “I would have said something. I just…” I pinned him with a look, causing him to grimace. “I’ll keep you updated from here on out.”

I grinned. “That would be much appreciated.”

Penny scampered back toward us, an excited smile on her face. “They’re going to get started.”

Carson’s gaze shifted to me. “At Penny’s request?”

I tucked my lips inward. “Ben was getting hungry too. And we can’t eat until the ceremony’s over,” I said, winking at Penny.

Carson shook his head, but before he could correct Penny for her endearing persistence, Tom’s voice sounded over the microphone. “If everyone could take a seat, we’ll go ahead and get started here in a minute.”

Sending my brother a parting smile, I made my way to the rear of the barn where Ben waited for me beneath the flower arch, his dad standing nearby.

He slid his hand around my waist when I reached him, our gazes moving across the room of familiar faces. Mine caught on Judge Rost. “Oh, I had something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“What’s that?”

“Do you remember when I agreed to help you with your senior prank and you made a deal that if we got caught, you’d let me have your firstborn child?”

His brow narrowed slightly, like he wasn’t quite sure where this was going. “I remember.”

“Well, considering Judge Rost clearly knew it was us, I’m cashing in on that. Besides, the dream always did include a house full of babies.”

Ben’s fingers unconsciously curved into the fabric of my dress at the small of my back, sending a wave of pleasure through me. He searched my expression, as if to verify that I was being serious. Then his smile widened. “I’m happy to start working toward that objective at any point.”

“What’s the etiquette around leaving your own vow renewal party early?” I teased.

Ben chuckled. “We’ve given this town plenty to talk about. Why stop now?”

I ran a hand along his jawline, unable to resist lifting onto my toes for a quick kiss.