“Can we not?” I said, but I was smiling.
“Too late. We’re all thinking it. Blake said she’s already picked out her outfit for the engagement party.”
“There’s no engagement.”
“Yet,” Booker said. “No engagement yet.”
Trace clapped me on the shoulder. “For what it’s worth, I think you two are good together. Really good. Don’t let fear keep you from something that could be incredible. Don’t be an idiot. Fight for her.”
#
I drove home through quiet streets, my head full of everything my brothers had said.
They were right. All of them. I’d been so focused on what I’d be giving up that I hadn’t stopped to think about what I’d be gaining.
A life with Leigh.
Waking up next to her.
Building something that was ours, not inherited.
Actually being happy instead of just maintaining.
My phone buzzed as I pulled into my driveway.
Leigh:How was the bachelor party?
Dex:Good. Lots of pool and terrible advice.
Leigh:The bachelorette party was similar. Lots of wine and pointed questions about us.
Dex:What did you tell them?
Leigh:That we’re taking it day by day. Living in the moment.
Leigh:Which is true. But also feels like we’re avoiding the real conversation.
Dex:Yeah.
Leigh:Dex?
Dex:Yeah?
Leigh:I don’t want to avoid it anymore. After the wedding, we need to really talk. About everything.
Dex:I know. I’ve been thinking the same thing.
Leigh:Okay. After the wedding. We figure this out.
Dex:Together
Leigh:Together
I sat in my truck for a long time after that, staring at my phone.
After the wedding, we’d talk. Really talk.
And I’d tell her the truth.
