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“You’re not upset? Collin was being so aggressive.”
Charlie waved off her concern. “You know me. I can handle aggressive guys—well, most of them, anyway. It’s only Josh who gets me off balance. But I was trying to let Collin think he was getting to me before I put him in his place. And then Josh got upset, and I almost cracked up right in front of them. I barely made it out of there.”
“So you weren’t crying?”
“My eyes were watering from trying not to laugh. I was about to lose it.”
“I guess it’s pretty obvious how much Josh loves you. He was so jealous out there.”
“Actually, I’m pretty sure it was a competition thing—like when male dogs go out and mark their territory.”
“Thanks so much for putting such an awful image into my mind. If you apply that metaphor to David, he kind of marked the whole table. He went for all four of the Marshall sisters. And he even flirted with Connie.”
“Yes, I can’t decide whether or not I’m happy Josh is acting like that. I guess it would be a bad sign if he didn’t. But I certainly don’t need his protection, and I don’t want to be his possession, either.”
“But Charlie, when a guy loves you, he can’t help being possessive. Spencer would’ve gone ballistic if Collin had flirted with me.”
Charlie turned mournful eyes her direction. “Emily, can I tell you something?”
“Sure. What is it?”
“I’m sure he doesn’t love me—he hasn’t even kissed me.”
Emily knew her surprise showed on her face. No wonder Charlie thought Josh wasn’t in love with her. “He’s never... But I thought—”
“He kissed me two years ago, but not since I’ve been back.”
“Well, he hasn’t had much opportunity. You were half-dead when you decided to get married. Was he supposed to kiss you in the hospital?”
“My face wasn’t injured.”
“I’m sure he’s just waiting for the right time.”
“You can’t tell anyone, not even Spencer.”
“If you’d let me tell Josh, he’d probably fix the problem right now.”
“No! You’d better not tell him. I don’t want a sympathy kiss.”
“Charlie, don’t be ridiculous. If Josh kisses you it won’t be because he feels sorry for you. As I recall, you told me his last kiss about knocked your socks off.”
“It’s been two years—I think I’ve built it up in my mind. I’ll probably be disappointed next time. If there is a next time.”
“There’s gonna be a next time. You’re getting married.”
“Sister, am I doing the right thing? How did you know? How did you know Spencer was the one?”
“Honestly, I just couldn’t imagine my life without him. Even thinking about being really old, like in our fifties, I could only see us together.” She squeezed her sister’s arm, hoping her words were reassuring.
“Thanks, Sis. Now, I’ve got to put my game face on and go give him heck.”
Emily grinned. “That’s my sister. Poor Collin won’t know what hit him.”
CHARLIE PINCHED HER cheeks and nose to make her face red before reentering the dining room with Emily. She kept her eyes downcast as she made her way to the table. Both Josh and Collin sto
od up to pull out her chair. Charlie sat down and the two men subtly pushed against each other as they moved her chair in under her. Collin was easily overpowered, so he sat down quickly to cover his loss.
“Charlie,” he said, taking her hand between his. “I’m so sorry if I’ve been too forward with you. We’ve only just met, but you’ve captured my heart so. I don’t believe I’m thinking clearly.”
