“What do you want to do today?” Jack asked between bites of food.
Erin smirked and eyed her man over her steaming cup of coffee. “I’m looking at it.”
Jack laughed and the two lovers finished their breakfasts. Erin began to consider how much her life had changed over the previous month or so and couldn’t believe her luck. She’d left a job she hated, a city that drove her crazy, and friends that lacked any ambition at all. Now she was in love with a caring man and owned her own property. Of course there was a lot of work to be done before she could even think about opening a business, but now that she had Jack Riggans in her life, she wasn’t afraid of the future. Even if the business failed, she would have him, and he would have her. While the cabin may have been the impetus that drove her out here, Jack was the true prize of her trip. He was the perfect blend of a soft, caring man, and a hard, brutal man who knew how to take care of business when it needed to be taken care of. The sort of man Erin found next to impossible to find in the city. Most men back home were either overly aggressive, or overly passive. Finding the perfect mixture was damn near impossible and Erin felt like a lottery winner now that she had Jack in her life and hopefully for good this time.
“I love you Jack Riggans.”
“I love you too, Erin Campbell.”
☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼
“Dina, get your ass over here and help me with this dress.”
Dina came from the window of the chapel and shot Erin a feisty look. “I’m just seeing if there are any sexy bikers coming to this here wedding of yours. What, you the only one who can up and leave the city and find yourself a stud?"
“Dina, behave yourself,” Erin’s mother said. “All you ever talk about is men and reality TV shows.” All three women laughed at this. Erin’s mother had a certain way of saying things that made them a lot funnier than they were. Her and Dina had driven to North Dakota together and Erin could tell Dina was beginning to wear on poor old momma. She had that effect on people that was for sure.
Dina came back over and put the finishing touches on Erin’s dress. She looked in the mirror and proclaimed herself done. “I don’t know about you Mrs. Campbell, but your daughter sure looks about as pretty as she can get. What do you think?”
Erin’s mother stepped back and admired her daughter. Erin could see tears forming in her eyes and she asked her mother not to cry again. The poor woman was going to dehydrate herself. She wiped at the tears in her eyes and looked at Erin. “I know you don't like the crying, but can’t help it baby. You just look so gorgeous Erin and I’m so happy for you. Look at my angel, all grown up and about to get married.”
“And to a biker, no less.” Dina added. Erin shot her a look that suggested she cool it with her sass, especially in front of her mother. Erin knew Dina was a good friend and had a heart of gold, but truth be told she was sort of annoying. Maybe if she finds herself a good man like Jack she will grow up a little, Erin thought. Or maybe she’s just a silly ass woman and will be like the rest of her life.
“Ready to go?” It was Cindy poking her head into the back room of the chapel. Erin looked at her and smiled. “Yes, we are ready to go Cindy. How does Jack look?” Cindy smiled and said, “You’re about to see for yourself. You, on the other hand, look amazing. Jack is a lucky man.”
“Thanks Cindy, for everything. I will talk to you at the reception.” Cindy excused herself and Erin told her mother and Dina she had something to tell them. Her mother had a nervous look on her face so Erin told her to relax. “It’s good news mom, don’t worry.”
“Well, what is it?” Dina asked.
“I’m pregnant,” Erin whispered. Her mother rushed forward and gave her a hug. “Oh thank you Erin for giving me a grandchild before my days end. Thank you so much baby.”
“Have you told Jack yet?” Dina asked.
“No, I am going to tell him after we're officially married. Now, c’mon you two let’s get going. I don’t want to leave my husband all alone up there. He’s waiting for his beautiful wife, and I don’t want to keep him waiting. The three women got together and headed out of the back room and towards the pulpit. Erin could feel all the eyes in the room on her, but she couldn’t break Jack’s gaze. That’s the father of my child, she thought to herself. And I love him so much.
The trio made their way towards the altar and Dina and Mrs. Campbell took a seat in the front row. The pastor said hello and Jack spoke to his bride to be. “You look amazing Erin, and I love you so much.”