Love that everyone’s entire romantic future apparently depends on catching this Godforsaken bouquet.
I let out an awkward laugh, stepping back and lifting my hands in surrender.
You know what? They can have it.
I don’t need this as badly as they do.
The bride counts down, “Three! Two! One!”
Anticipation builds as she tosses the bouquet high into the air. Time slows for half a second as it arcs above the crowd before a tall, stunning redhead leaps up and catches it effortlessly.
The crowd erupts.
She squeals, jumping up and down, clutching the bouquet to her chest like she just won an Oscar.
“OH MY GOD!” she screams, laughing as her friends swarm around her.
I can’t help but smile a little at her excitement as I step back out of the crowd, smoothing my dress.
Even though this isn't my thing, it’s sweet to see how much this means to her.
“Let’s hear it for the ladies!” the DJ booms again. “Now it’s time for the gentlemen!”
A group of guys is already being shoved forward, chuckling protesting, some clearly more into it than others.
I scan the crowd automatically until my eyes land on Owen.
He’s standing near the edge of the dance floor, drink in hand, watching everything unfold with mild amusement. My heart lunges for him when he finds me across the way, his lips curving up in an amused grin.
He’s in the crowd of men waiting for the toss, lingering near the back—just like I was.
There are plenty of undeniably handsome men in the group with their sharp suits, perfect smiles, and effortless charm.
But none of them even come close to Owen. Not one of them holds a candle to how ravishing he looks tonight, especially now, stripped down to just his dress shirt and slacks.
It still blows my mind that Owen wantsme…
He could have very easily left me on the beach with my book and margarita to go catch up with his friends and do his own thing. But instead, he’s wanted to spend every waking second of his time here with me.
My chest tightens with the realization that this thing between us might actually go further than just sex or a vacation fling.
I’ve wanted this for so long, and it finally feels like it might happen. Like it’s right in front of me, and all I have to do is reach a little further.
Everyone turns their attention to the groom as he spins and holds the garter up in his hand.
“Who’s gonna be next?” he shouts.
The guys gather in closer, some ducking, some jumping, all of them shouting over each other like wild animals. The garter flies through the air as the groom tosses it.
I blink hard, making sure I’m not seeing double as the garter slaps directly into Owen’s chest.
Oh.
My.
God.
Owen caught it.
