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Covered in crepe wedding bells and plastic grooms and brides, the bar hid underneath the wedding paraphernalia. White swatches of various folded origami animals littered the counters and the table. Mints, cupcakes from Two Cups, and small bubble bottles hid amongst other party favors and cups of champagne.
A large wedding cake at the end of the bar seemed to wink at Tessa. She stood by the front door, gripping her bouquet in her hands as she looked over the gathered single women from town. Her bell skirted dress still fit from her wedding almost eight years before. The material swished back and forth as she perused the crowd and winked playfully at them.
For whatever reason, Jillian had saved the wedding dress and Tessa was so grateful for her planning.
Turning away from the group, Tessa tossed the flowers over her shoulder. Spinning back, she smiled and laughed, clapping her hands as JJ approached in his black suit with Nathan in tow.
“Hello, Mrs. Jackson.” He leaned down and kissed the soft skin of her cheek.
Heat flooded her face. “Hello, Mr. Jackson.” Glancing down, Tessa nodded at Nathan. “And, hello, Mr. Jackson.”
He laughed, clutching JJ’s hand with a desperate happiness.
They faced the group together and JJ whispered into her ear, “I wish Jillian was here. She would have loved this more than anyone.” His voice sent a shiver through her.
Did she tell him? She leaned over so he could hear her better. “Yeah, she would love this. But I think she’d love the new baby even more.” Pulling back to her spot, she grinned as he tensed beside her.
“Wait, what?” He spun Tessa to face him, delight and suspicion warring on his face.
“A baby. Is that okay? Nathan wanted a baby sister or brother.” Tessa arched an eyebrow.
“Brother. I said brother.” Nathan poked his fork in the air at them. “I’m serious, Mom. No girls allowed.” He stuck another bite of the cake into his mouth and looked off toward his new friends playing pool.
JJ tilted his head, drawing Tessa’s gaze back to him. “I... Thank you. I can’t wait.”
Tessa welcomed his hug, reveling in the strength of his arms and the rightness of belonging with him.
Celebrating their wedding was mutually sweet and sad all at once. She had the man of her dreams and a growing family for her son. But, Jillian was missing out and that was Tessa’s fault.
A new baby, Tessa, JJ, a thriving company, her grandson, and a happy life was exactly what Jillian would’ve wanted right there in Bride.
***
HOPEFULLY YOU LIKED Tessa and JJ's story! Keep reading for an exclusive sneak peek at the next book in the Bride, Texas Series by Sylvia McDaniel. Or skip the sneak peek and run to pick it up here!
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Bride, Texas books!
Bride and Prejudice by Bonnie R. Paulson
The Unlucky Bride by Sylvia McDaniel
Ticket to Bride by Liz Isaacson
Bride ‘em Cowboy by Twist Roberts
Over My Wed Body by Veronica Blade
Sleigh Bride – by Neve Cottrell
Bride for Hire – Debra Clopton
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