Page 85 of More Than a Pretty Face

I reach into my purse and pull out the quartz rock I found while working on a yard.“Mason, I picked this up for you.Isn’t it pretty?”

His jaw falls open.“That diamond is huge!”He clutches it in his fist and runs away before I can correct him.“Daddy!Look what Jasmine gave me.”

“You’re good.Totally changed topics.Smart.”

I kiss Tyler’s cheek.“I’m always on the lookout for special rocks.Luckily, I found one yesterday.It’s the least I can do since Mason finds bottle caps for me.”

Pinkies linked, Tyler and I walk around the house and into the mess hall.

When we step inside, cheers erupt.Everyone is on their feet, smiling and clapping.It’s the first time I’ve been here since Tyler proposed, and this reaction is almost overwhelming.But in a good way.

Joji is the first to hug me.“Clint mentioned that Tyler is off this Friday.I thought maybe you’d want this.”She presses a hair comb into my hand.It’s decorated with little white pearls.“Something borrowed.I bought that when I visited Japan, and I’ll need it back because I want to wear it when I get married.”Tipping her head sideways, she motions to Clint as if I have any question about who the woman wants to marry.

I slip the hair comb into my purse.“Thank you.It’s lovely.”

Did Mason somehow find out about our plan and spread the word?

It’sa five-minute drive from my house to the courthouse, and we pull over three times for quick kisses before we make it to the parking lot.

Tyler shuts off the engine, his brow furrowed.“I swear I didn’t tell anyone.”

“I didn’t either.But those trucks and that car all look familiar.”I lace my fingers with Tyler’s.“Our friends are here.”

His head turns as he watches a car pull into the lot.“And the Grindles.”

“You don’t take days off very often, do you?”

“How’d you guess?”

“And Daisy came into the lingerie store when I was buying my something blue.They figured it out.”

“The Grindles probably watched us leave your house all dressed up.”

My favorite neighbors wave before walking inside.

“We won’t have to ask the staff to sign as witnesses.That won’t be an issue.”Tyler hops out, then opens my door.“Are you ready?”

I slip my hand in his.“More than ready.”

The next little while is a blur of happiness.Bits and pieces penetrate my fog, like Mr.Grindle walking me to the front.But I’m not worried because Daisy is recording everything.And I love her for it.

Tyler wipes a tear off my cheek as I say, “I do.”And I squeeze his hands as he promises me forever.At the end as his lips meet mine, I hear the judge say, “I now present Mr.& Mrs.Tyler Rice.”

The room fills with cheers.

We walk down the aisle and out the back doors.Then our friends join us.

Ava rubs her hands together.“Care to join us for cake and punch?”

Tyler looks at me, and I nod.“We’d love that.”

It looks like this party is just getting started.

Kent walks up and hugs us both.“I hope the surprise guests were a good thing.”

“How’d y’all know?I took the day off, but it’s a bit coincidental that everyone showed up on time.”Tyler keeps one arm around me as he shakes hand with the other guys.

Kent glances back at Mason, who is regaling Mad Dog with a story.“You let Mason play a game on your phone the other day, and a reminder popped up about a wedding.You’d stepped out of the room, so he showed it to Ava, asking her how to get the box out of the way.”He rubs his chin.“You needed a reminder?”

“Ilikedhaving the reminder pop up every day.I didn’tneedit.”Tyler pulls me closer.“Ava knows about my family, so she knew why we didn’t want to invite anyone.”

I’m overwhelmed with happiness.“But y’all showed up anyway.”

Kent nods.“And if anyone gives you a hard time, just tell them you didn’t invite anyone.Because it’s the truth.We all came because we love you and because Mason is better than any newspaper at spreading information.Now let’s go get cake.Ava tried a recipe for a s’more cake, which was Mason’s idea.So don’t blame me.”

Having all these people change their schedules to celebrate with us is more than I ever expected.Finding one person to love me seemed like a prize, but around me are lots of people who feel like family.

My life is so much better than okay.