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“I’ve seen the way Ryan looks at you. He was probably being defensive at the questions from his cousin.”
“Maybe.” I swallow around the lump in my throat. “If you’ll excuse me.” I dash out of the room.
42
Ryan
There is something wrong with Gretchen. She says she is fine when I know she isn’t. A woman answering ‘fine’ means there is something wrong and she’s either upset or pissed. I’m not sure which. With it being my brother getting married, I have things to do, which has meant me leaving her alone or with Levi. I’ve wanted her by my side, but that hasn’t worked out too well.
She has said all the right things, but her eyes look dull. I’m used to seeing them alight with happiness and pleasure.
I watch her now across the room. She’s sitting next to Levi and my cousin’s. Dylan and his girlfriend, Jenna. Alexander and Rachel. Paige and Seth. They take up the eight seats around the table. The conversation includes Gretchen and she appears to be actively involved, but something about her has my belly in knots. Once or twice, I catch Levi giving her an odd look, as though he too realizes something is wrong.
Being the best man means I have to sit with the wedding party, and as much as I want to go over and check on Gretchen, I do nothing. Today is about my brother and Poppy. It’s annoying that I’m now distracted with her instead of concentrating on the family.
Lost in thought, my sister, Sofia, leans her head on my shoulder. “I never thought I’d see the day when you lost it over a girl.”
I snort. “Who says I’ve lost it?”
“You haven’t taken your eyes from her since we sat down.” She takes a sip of her lemon water. “She looks just as miserable as you do.”
I perk up in my seat. I wonder if that’s why she looks upset. “You really think so?”
Turning to look at Sofia, she frowns on meeting my gaze. “Okay, tell me you haven’t blown it? That girl is in love with you. What did you do?”
“I. What? I haven’t done anything. You know I’ve been busy with Jaxon before the wedding, and I only had five minutes with Gretchen before the photographs. There hasn’t been time for me to screw up.”
“Hmm, well, she was fine before the wedding because I kept her company for a short time and then Levi took over.” She looks across the room and my eyes follow.
Levi notices us looking before he turns and looks at Gretchen, who keeps her head down. He whispers to her and she shakes her head before getting up from the table. She continues to the side of the marquee before disappearing from view.
“Sofia, I need to find out what is going on.”
“Of course, you do. Don’t worry. I’ll be delighted to give the speech in your absence.”
“Jeez.” I lean around Sofia and say to Shane with amusement,
“Do not let your wife make the speech. I beg you.”
“Man-to-man,” he grins, “you have my word, my beautiful wife will keep her sexy butt in the chair.”
I cringe. “Please don’t talk about my sister like that. It makes me want to puke.”
Sofia pokes me in the side as I get to my feet.
My mom frowns as she sees me leaving the marquee, but I can’t talk to her until I know what is going on with Gretchen.
Outside the sun is nearly set and I make Gretchen out on the family gazebo that overlooks the small man-made pond. Fairy lights twinkle, capturing the girl I’ve fallen in love with, in soft light. She is beautiful. I knew this already. Seeing her now, my heart clenches in my chest.
Moving toward her, I whisper, “Gretchen,” so as not to frighten her. Her shoulders tense before they droop, and she drops her head.
What the heck is going on?
I’m desperate to bring her into my arms, but something tells me she won’t welcome that right now.
“Are you okay?” I wince at the lame question. “Please talk to me. You seemed to be enjoying yourself and then you got sad all of a sudden.”
Very slowly, she turns her face toward me, and I see the tears on her cheeks. I cup her face and hold her still. “Tell me.”
