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“Bray Watch,” he says. He eyes the book he got the joke from and frowns. “I don’t get it.”
The room is quiet for a second and then everyone but Owen and Dakota cracks up.
“Or a Peeping Tom and a Jackass,” I add.
Marlow’s eyes widen and then she laughs along with everyone.
Dakota has her hand clamped over her mouth and when she drops it, she stares at me and then Grinny. “Does he have to put a quarter in the jar?”
Grinny laughs. “Yes, he does. Pay up, Wyatt.”
Dakota takes my quarter and leans across the table to hand it to Grinny. “Thank you, Dr. Wyatt.”
“You can just call me Wyatt if you want.” I smile at Dakota. Her cheeks lift and a dimple appears. She has the Hermione LEGO walk down my arm.
“And you call me Sweets,” she says, beaming.
I grin and shrug. “Seems to fit you pretty well, I think.”
“That’s nice,” she says shyly.
“Dakota, let Dr. Wyatt eat,” Marlow says.
“I’m eating just fine with Hermione.” I grin at Dakota. “Does she like blueberry muffins?”
Dakota giggles. “I don’t think she eats. She’s made out of plastic.”
That cracks me up and Dakota’s eyes light up when I laugh.
“Hey, any more trouble with your ears at all?” I ask her.
Dakota nods happily. “You made me all better.”
“Excellent.” I make Hermione do a little dance, which Dakota loves.
Her laugh is infectious. When I look up, Marlow is watching us with a strange, almost pained expression.
“Hey, Wyatt, you missed our discussion earlier about going to The Gnarly Vine tomorrow night,” Sofie says.
“We already know your schedule is clear, so don’t even try to get out of it,” Scarlett says when I start to shake my head. “Theo was smart to ask for everyone’s schedule, so the two of you can’t weasel out of things.” She points to me and Callum.
I scoff and look at Callum for support. He shrugs.
“You’re putting up with The Gnarly Vine?” I stare at him in disbelief.
“At least it’s not The Dancing Emu,” he grumbles. “We committed to the wedding.” He points at Sofie. “And to do whatever that one right there wants for the rest of her life.”
Sofie puts her hand on her heart and then goes over to hug Callum. He pats her awkwardly on the back and she turns to me next, giving me that sweet smile. Of course, I melt. The girl is like family, always has been, and dammit, she deserves the world.
“I’ll be there,” I say.
Sofie beams and hugs me. Over her shoulder, I see Marlow watching us, her eyes brimming with emotion.
I’m so screwed.
CHAPTERELEVEN
HANG ON
