Serena is the receptionist at City Hall?
Sean takes my hand like he doesn’t notice his ex there at all.
But he has to know she works here, right? Was that show outside for her or for the town?
What does it say about me that I hope it’s the latter?
Sean squeezes my hand as we approach the desk. He gives me an easy smile before he lets go of my hand.
“Hey there,” Sean says amiably, taking a pen and sticky note from the desk. “We have a note to leave for Mayor Kent.”
Serena’s eyes drop to my left hand and then sharpen like broken glass. “So, the rumors are true. You two had a shotgun wedding.”
I can’t help but laugh. “‘You two had a shotgun wedding,’” I repeat. “Did you mean to say that out loud?”
Her eyes glint like steel. “Did you?”
I put my left hand on Sean’s back—not his shoulder, which would flash the ring in her face but would feel too pointed. “I guess you’ll see in about nine months, won’t you?”
“Honeymoon baby?” Sean asks, pausing his note to let his eyes rove over me. “I’m game if you are.”
I laugh and pull an envelope from my slate-blue crossbody, Sean puts the sticky note on it, and we give it to a fuming Serena.
I take a peek at the note.
Heard you’re having a big meeting today. Wanted to share our good news, in case you missed it. My wife’s real sorry to miss, but we have better things to do today. I’m sure you understand.
-Sean
“Thanks, Serena,” Sean says, putting his arm around my waist and turning us both around.
“You won’t even give this town the respect of staying?” she asks. “Figures.”
I stop and turn around, even though I can feel Sean tugging on me, not wanting to engage. “Or maybe I respect my wedding vows more than social standing.”
Sean pulls the door open for me, and Serena leaves us with her parting shot, her voice all syrup and scorn:
“What do you want me to tell Dakota, Sean? This is going to break her heart.”
I gasp.
Sean drops his head, out of frustration or hurt, I don’t know.
“Serena, what you tell Dakota is between her and you. I told her I’d always be there for her, and I will. I just won’t be showing up at your door to do it.”
His tone is calm—almost gentle. There’s no give in it.
But there is pain.
Sean takes my hand and leads me out of the building.
I sniff. “It’s a good thing you were here, or I’d have torn that woman apart.”
He gives me a confused look. “Why?”
“No one talks to my man like that.”
“I’m your man, huh?”
