“You’re good. It’s waterproof anyway, asshole.”
Hands wrapped around my waist, drawing me back to a solid, warm chest. I squeaked in surprise before peeking over my shoulder, but I already knew it was Reed.
“Hey, sweetheart, you’re a smokeshow in this dress,” he whispered in my ear. He leaned down to press his lips to my bare shoulder, goose bumps scattering beneath the tight, strapless, black lace maxi dress. I loved this dress, mostly because of the slit that went straight up my thigh so I could show off my black cowboy boots, and it gave plenty of room to move.
I lifted my gaze then. Jude and Dad’s eyes were burning right into me. Heat washed over me, replacing the goose bumps.
I held my breath. My cheeks flamed. Thank God for the two pounds of blush and bronzer I was wearing. “Well, I guess this is as good a time as any to let y’all know Reed and I are together.” I reached back to grip Reed’s neck, arching into him, claiming him in front of my family.
I didn’t know what I expected from either of them, but it wasn’t the smug look on either of their faces. Christian and Kale already knew, and I could hear them snickering behind me. Without even turning around, I flipped them off.
“I don’t think you could have chosen a better man,” Dad said, reaching out to shake Reed’s hand. I released a breath in relief. “I’m just glad you eventually saw what I saw.”
“Dad.” He was going to make me choke up. What was it about love that turned me into a fucking pile of mush?
Jude leaned back on his heels, his arms crossed, a lopsided smirk on his face and humor in his voice. “Good luck to you, man. I think you might need it with this one.”
“Hey!” I scolded.
But he winked, teasing, before his face went stony, staring Reed down. “But if you break her heart, Iwillbreak your fucking legs.”
“Okay, Bull,” I huffed, giving his chest a solid thump. “Go back to your corner.”
Jude relaxed a bit, dropping his arms, his eyes then growing wide and his face softening as he looked past us. Dad’s attention shifted, too, his smile growing.
We turned to see Hazel dressed in a yellow sundress holding Charli and a bouquet, with Romy at her side. Romy looked absolutely gorgeous. Her blonde hair in big, shining waves, pinned up on one side, a cream-colored, mermaid-style, lace wedding dress with a plunging neckline, and a bouquet of wildflowers in her hand made her look like the picture-perfect bride. Sage helped fluff out the short train, letting us get a peek of her white cowboy boots beneath. Penn hopped up and down in her blue princess dress and boots, a basket in her hands. She was so thrilled when Romy asked her to be her flower girl.
Tears shone in both sisters’ eyes as they looked at each other, exchanging a few words. I couldn’t help the lump growing in my throat as we all took our positions. Reed and I took our seats on the bride’s side, while Sage posted up by the aisle to take photos. Christian hit play on the boombox, a slowed-down piano version of “Bless the Broken Road” streaming through.
Shit! I made the mistake of glancing at Jude and Dad. Their eyes glistened, and Jude was biting his lip as if holding back tears. I should have brought tissues. I sniffed, but Reed seemed to read me, his arm draped over the back of my chair, his thumb dragging comfortingly across my shoulder. I wish I could say it was helping, but it was making me even more emotional, thinking this could be us one day.
I cleared my throat, turning back to watch Penn walk down the aisle, tossing flower petals until she could hop on the seat beside her dad. Then Romy and Hazel started to walk, their eyes set on the two men in front of them at the altar. Jude’s leg bounced, impatiently waiting to get his hands on his bride,while Dad stood handsome in his suit and cowboy hat, his eyes shadowed but flickering with a light I’d never seen before.
My head tipped curiously, looking back and forth between him and Hazel. Their mouths trembled at the corners with soft smiles. Silent communication passed between them, making me wonder. But then Hazel and Romy reached the end of the aisle, their gazes shifting to the bride and groom.
Romy leaned in to hug her sister, whispering “thank yous” and “I love yous” before dropping a soft kiss on Charli’s head. Then turning to Jude, she accepted his outstretched hand, and they both took deep breaths. It was as if the moment they touched each other, the whole world was set right again. I knew what that felt like now.
Hazel joined us, handing me the bouquets so she could sit down with Charli. I glanced at Penn, who was leaning into her dad’s side now, although she fidgeted in her chair.
Just then, Reed’s phone rang. “Sorry.” He grimaced, quickly pulling it out of his pocket to silence it before returning it.
His cell kept vibrating, and as he removed it from his pocket, I saw Elise’s name displayed on the screen. I sucked in a breath, and Reed’s body went as tight as a bowstring. The arm that was draped over my shoulder retreated as he rested his cell phone face down on his thigh.
I’m sure my own body language might have given my anxiety away as I readjusted in my seat, crossing my leg away from Reed. I tried not to be distracted, to enjoy the ceremony. My cousin and one of my best friends were getting married.
Each time his cell buzzed, Reed peeked at his phone screen. His face hardened, and his jaw muscles ticked. By the time Dad pronounced Jude and Romy husband and wife, Reed was like a statue beside me, his knuckles white where they gripped his phone.
Reed leaned in to whisper in my ear, “I’ll be right back.” He turned, stroking a hand over Penn’s head. “Be right back, princess,” he said, before standing and walking out of the barn.
I watched him as he picked up his phone and headed toward the house.
I stood, too, announcing I’d go get the champagne that was chilling in Romy and Jude’s fridge, while everyone congratulated the couple and Sage took pictures.
As I stepped out of the barn, I saw Reed standing by the side of the house on the other side of the full driveway.
His voice was deep as he tried to remain quiet, but I could tell it was strained with unease. “Calm down. Can you start from the beginning again? What’s going on?”
My heart pounded, my gut wrenched. I had to fight the urge to march over to him, making a beeline instead into the house to get the bottles of champagne.
