Stealing Hearts (Wild at Heart #1)(23)

“Just do what you’re doing.”

And then he’s silent again.

Okay then.

If any part of me was hoping that kiss would magically make Rhett fall in love with me, his silence sets me straight.

By the time we reach the ranch, I’m itching to get some space, but there are cars parked everywhere and people spill out of the house.

“I thought you said this was going to be a small reception?”

After he parks, he turns to me. “Paige, you announced our wedding in the Gazette. I’ve been getting calls all day from people inviting themselves over this evening.”

“What was I supposed to do? You told me to play up my part, so I did.” When he doesn’t say anything, I frown. “Did Irma or Ty call? Are they coming?”

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping they would. After all the grief I got from Irma for having a crush on Rhett, I would relish this redemption, even if it won’t last long. And Ty? He’s still my brother, but I’m starting to think we’ll never be close. Not with Irma always yapping in his ear.

Rhett looks down in his lap, and I don’t even need him to open his mouth to hear that my family’s not coming.

I don’t know why I care. “Doesn’t matter.” I unlock my door and slide out.

“Wait,” he calls out after me, but I’m already on my way to the house. Except the gravel on the driveway and my shoes don’t like each other, so I have to slow down to keep my balance. My ankle is starting to hurt, but I love these sandals. They’re so elegant. Plus, I don’t have anything else to wear besides flip-flops or sneakers.

Rhett catches up to me with a grunt, then lifts me into his arms.

“What are you doing?”

He motions to the front door, which we’re approaching. “Carrying you over the threshold. You know, one of those time-honored wedding traditions.”

“Oh. Yeah. Okay.” A thrill shoots through me at how easily he carries me. The man doesn’t even break a sweat.

When we reach the house, he pauses. “Listen, in case I haven’t told you yet, I’m really grateful for what you’re doing. Thank you.”

His gruff voice makes chills break out along my arms. I turn to look at him, which is a mistake because we’re almost nose to nose. But I don’t want to be that girl who loses her mind over him. I can’t be that girl again. Going through that almost broke me the first time. So I give him a big, fake smile and ignore how easy it would be to maul him in this position. “No problem. Does this mean I get to eat now?”

He chuckles. “Come on, wife. Let’s get you fed.”

Wife?!

I let out a pathetic little sigh of delight. That sounded good. Too good.

When we open the door, everyone yells congratulations. I’m almost embarrassed by how many people came out. My third-grade teacher is here, my middle school librarian, the woman who owns my favorite coffee shop, and a few other locals who look familiar.

Rhett sets me down gently, but keeps his arm around my shoulders. I lean into him and smile at our guests.

He whispers, “By the way, you look gorgeous in that dress. If we were really getting married, I’d be a lucky man.”

I swallow, hating that those words hurt, but I mask it with another fake smile and snark, “Too bad you can only look and not touch.” I give him a saucy wink and make my way over to the beverage table, where I hope we have something stronger than beer because I’m going to need it.

After I pour a seven and seven, I make the rounds, saying hi to people I haven’t seen in years. While I visited home a few times since I went to college, I hated all the gossip, so I mostly stayed at my house or with Baylee and didn’t venture out much.

The patio doors open, and my eyes widen when I see picnic tables full of food and even a cake. Since Rhett is surrounded by well-wishers, I beeline it over to Jace and Beau, who are wolfing down hors d’oeuvres. “Where did y’all get the money for all of this?” I hiss. “I thought we were supposed to be frugal.”

“Like that ring you bought our brother?” Beau asks with a smirk.

“I felt bad giving him something cheap.” I shrug. “The jeweler gave me a line of credit.” Beau closes his eyes like he thinks I’m an idiot. “It’s not a big deal. I’ll pay it off once I start working. It wasn’t that much.”

Actually, it cost way more than I wanted to spend, but seeing how I’ll probably never get married again, I wanted to pretend for one day.

Aunt Syl waves me over, and she makes me and Rhett hug for a photo in front of some twinkle lights.

Who put up twinkle lights? It’s so romantic with the sun setting along the hills in the background. The sky is awash with red and purple and orange. I could sit out here all night and stare at the incredible horizon. I eye the fire pit that’s surrounded by old Adirondack chairs. I make a mental note to curl up there one night to read.

Someone grabs a glass and taps it with a fork, and suddenly everyone’s doing it.

“Kiss her, stupid,” old Mr. Valero yells at Rhett.

I laugh and turn to my new husband. Trying to delay the inevitable, I smooth my hands over his suit jacket. “I didn’t know you owned a suit. I’ve only seen you in jeans and t-shirts. You clean up nicely, husband.”

Rhett frowns, then leans down and pecks me on the mouth, and Mr. Valero groans. “Not like that, dumbass. Kiss her with some gumption.”