“No, because of you,” I snapped.
“I know I made a mistake.” At my disbelieving look, he added, “Mistakes plural, I mean. I didn’t know what I had until I lost you. I was an idiot.”
“We can agree on one thing, then,” I muttered.
“I’ve changed, Bryson. I want another chance. Please. You were the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“It’s too late for that.”
“Well, I’m not giving up. I didn’t fight enough for you the first time. I’m not making that mistake again.”
He walked out of the kitchen. He always did love a good exit line. But if he thought I’d pick up and leave my whole life here to be with him again, it just showed he was as self-centered as he’d always been.
A guy like Christian didn’t change, but even if he did….
My heart was already reserved for someone else. As soon as Silas was ready to claim me, I was his. He had shown through dozens of tiny moments of generosity and kindness that he was ten times the man Christian had ever been.
CHAPTER 21
Silas
Darren and Linctook their positions on either side of an arbor decorated with colorful carnations, tulips, and daisies at Beaver Hole Park.
They had laughed themselves silly over the thought of the name printed on their wedding invitations and insisted no other venue would do. Outdoor weddings were always a gamble, but they’d lucked out and the forecasted rain had passed us by. The wind wasn’t missing this party, though.
Lanterns swung on their posts, throwing shadows across the lawn. Aunt Lula’s massive hat tried to lift off, and Iola caught it and shoved it back onto her head. Not too gently either.
I walked up the aisle and handed Lula a few bobby pins to secure it in place.
“Oh! Thank you, dear! I didn’t know it would be so windy.”
“Better than melting in the heat like those summer weddings,” Iola said. “I almost had heat stroke last year!”
Lula chuckled and patted her knee. “It wasn’t that bad.”
“Close enough.” She looked at me. “Keep us old gals in mind when you’re planning these shindigs.”
“Will do,” I said. “It’s bad luck if a wedding guest croaks during the vows.”
“Is that true?” Lula asked her as I moved away.
“Of course. Everyone knows that.”
Iola spoke with full authority. Interesting since I’d just made it up, though it stood to reason.
I took a position off to the side where I could keep an eye on the scene unfolding and nodded to Ed, my sound technician.
Music swelled, and Darren and Linc moved toward the altar, where Judge McKinley presided over the ceremony.
They joined hands, gazing into each other’s eyes, and began snickering like school kids. The audience members exchanged looks.
The front two rows contained their closest friends and family.
“I dare you to get married!” Kevin called out, making them laugh harder.
Darren flashed the crowd the bird.
Evan elbowed Kevin, shushing him. Kevin shoved him back. Garrett and Dawson leaned forward to wrangle their men.
