Page 149 of Fall Fake-Out

Choosing someone again and again, despite the risk.

My gaze drifts across the aisle. Wade is already looking at me like he’s thinking of us right now too.

Somewhere between moving home, fake dating, football games, hayrides, bonfires, and stolen kisses, he became my favorite part of Autumn Ridge.

A few minutes later, Landrie and Jaxon exchange rings.

Then vows.

Then, finally, “You may kiss the bride.”

The crowd erupts into cheers.

Landrie laughs through her tears as Jaxon kisses her.

The music swells.

Guests stand.

Applause echoes through the trees.

For one brief moment, everything feels exactly as it should.

I glance at Wade again, and the thought, maybe someday, echoes through my mind.

Wade

The reception looks like something out of a bridal magazine.

Not that I read bridal magazines.

But I can imagine.

The giant white tent glows against the darkness, every beam wrapped in lights. Crystal chandeliers hang overhead. Round tables stretch across the dance floor beneath elaborate floral arrangements. Earlier, the tent walls had been rolled open to show off the mountains and fall colors surrounding Horseshoe Holler, but now the sides have been dropped to keep the evening chill and relentless flies outside.

The DJ transitions into another song while guests crowd the dance floor. I’m hoping that, at some point, I’ll be able to steal Ari away for a dance or two.

She’s across the tent, talking with a group of relatives I don’t recognize. Every few seconds, she laughs at something somebody says. Every few seconds, I find myself smiling like an idiot because she’s so animated and fun to watch when she talks.

Sadie appears beside me. “Wow.”

I glance at my sister. She’s followed my gaze directly to Ari.

“It’s honestly embarrassing how obvious you are.”

“Do you really want to go there? Because I could comment plenty on you and James.”

“I want to go there.” She looks me square in the eyes. “You love Ari.”

I don’t fight my sister on that assessment. There’s no reason to. “Okay, yeah,” I admit quietly. “Maybe I do.”

Sadie smiles. “This is big for you, Wade. Like, really big. I didn’t even know you were capable of love.”

“Okay, we get it.”

“It’s just so huge for you.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter.