Page 55 of Lex

They were the easiest two words he’d ever spoken.

Since Spitfire’s interior was pretty sparse and rugged, they’d chartered a private jet to fly everyone to the remote location. It had been Summer’s idea, and Lex had loved it.

“You may kiss—”

Before Corey could finish speaking, Lex had his mouth on Summer’s, and he kissed her with all the joy in his heart. God, he planned to cherish this woman until she couldn’t see straight. Because now he knew exactly what it meant to cherish her, and he’d spend the rest of his life appreciating her. Loving her. Holding her near and dear to his heart and treasuring her above all else.

When they finally came up for air, Corey introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Battle.

Summer had gotten a new name… His name. And that made him ridiculously happy.

Their family cheered and Flossie yipped. Despite most of them not even sharing the same blood, they were still brothers and sisters, and he loved those people fiercely. Related or not, he’d bleed for any one of them.

Rose petals fluttered around them as their friends tossed them into the air, showering the newlyweds with good wishes. Everyone hugged and congratulated them. Champagne corks popped and Chaz stepped forward, slanting Lex a look that made his stomach sink a little. Crap. What did they say about payback? Because Chaz was about to give back as good as he’d gotten.

“I owe you one for the toast you gave at my wedding,” Chaz reminded him, and Lex squinted, desperately trying to remember exactly what he’d said when he’d toasted Chaz and Lottie. Double crap.

“I apologize for whatever is about to come out of his mouth,” Lex murmured, gripping Summer’s hand tighter, and she chuckled.

“Everyone raise your glass,” Chaz rumbled, pulling a small piece of paper from his pocket and unfolding it. Then he reached for the glasses in his front shirt pocket and slid them on his nose. After clearing his throat, he began to read. “Although our buddy fought the good fight, he finally fell. And now here we are at Lex and Summer’s wedding. I know he’s going to be a wonderful husband and love his wife dearly. We’re all lucky to be able to call him a friend. I’ve never known a man who’s as charming, loyal, funny, honest, intelligent and incredibly good-looking—who also graduated at the top of his Top Gun class—as Battle.” All the guests chuckled. “He’s also really good at, uh—” Chaz squinted, stumbling over the words, then he turned the paper to Lex. “Sorry, I can’t read your handwriting. What does this say?”

Everyone roared with laughter. “Well-played, Madden,” Lex acknowledged with a smirk.

Chaz grinned, slapping him on the back. “We wish you both nothing but the best. Cheers!”

“Cheers!” everyone called out, glasses clinking.

Music from someone’s phone filled the air. Guests ate the food and desserts that had been laid out on a table. Others danced. It was a beautiful day, the sky almost as blue as Lex’s eyes, and Summer kicked off her heels, lifting up her blush pink skirt. She’d chosen a party dress that hugged her waist and flared out. Every time she turned, her skirt swished, and she felt like a princess.

Her bare toes sank into the cool grass, and she snuck another look at the yellow diamond on her ring finger—something she was still getting used to—as Lex guided her over to meet his family. It made her a little sad that his dad and her mom weren’t there, but she was excited to meet his aunt and cousin who lived in Texas.

“Aunt Maribel and Rake, I’d like you to meet Summer,” Lex introduced.

“It’s so wonderful to meet you.” His aunt had big, blonde hair, heavily-applied makeup that somehow suited her perfectly and a big, welcoming smile that reminded Summer a bit of Dolly Parton. “Paul and Ruby send their good wishes, and they’re sorry they couldn’t make it today.”

Summer knew Paul was Maribel’s husband and Ruby was Lex’s other cousin and Rake’s older sister.

Aunt Maribel hugged her hard. “I’m so happy to meet you, darlin’,” she exclaimed in a full-blown southern accent. A cloud of perfume enveloped Summer, bold and bright and flowery. She loved the woman in a New York minute. “And this is my son, Rake,” she said, finally releasing her. “He’s a former SEAL,” she added proudly.

Summer turned her attention to Rake Harding. Lex’s younger cousin gave her a flirty smile. She guessed he was in his late twenties, and he possessed puppy dog eyes and a mop of tawny hair streaked with golden highlights. He wore cowboy boots and held a Stetson against his thigh.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Rake shook Summer’s hand then placed a quick kiss on her knuckles before releasing it. “I can’t remember the last time I met a woman as lovely as you, Summer. What a perfect name. Except, I have to say, you’re more lovely than a summer day.”

She felt a giggle bubble up in her throat. What a freaking charmer.

“You’re a lucky man, Lex,” Rake said.

Clearly, an overabundance of charisma ran in the family.

“Damn straight,” Lex replied, pulling Summer back against his side and wrapping an arm around her waist. “And you can call her Mrs. Battle,” he told his younger cousin. She smothered a smile at his possessiveness. “How long have you been out now?”

“Six months, and I just got a job right here in your lovely state.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“A place called Big Sky Ranch. I start in two weeks.”

“We’ll have to meet up once you’re settled and have some time off,” Lex said.