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“I’m so sorry, Mom. I feel like I should be with her. I know you guys came out and are all dressed up.”
Her mom shook her head. “Don’t worry about us. We’ll just take us and our fancy duds out to dinner with Rylee.”
“We will?” Rylee frowned. “I figured I’d get to take me and my cute dress out tonight instead.”
“You will. With us.”
I pressed my lips together at Rylee’s deep sigh.
“I mean, I knew I wouldn’t have a hot guy to hook up with here, but I figured The Cove would have something. Thanks a lot, sis.”
Kelsey’s eyes filled.
“Good grief, I’m joking.” Rylee came forward and hugged her sister. “Pregnancy hormones are doing you wrong, girl.”
“I feel bad enough as it is.”
I rubbed Kelsey’s back. “Don’t feel bad, darlin’. We’re going to follow the caravan to the hospital and grab a few snacks for everyone. How’s that sound?”
“Oh, that’s a great idea. The hospital food is awful.”
“We’ll pick up some sandwiches.” I pulled out my phone and opened up the food app. Even as small as our town was, it was set up for takeout like a damn boss.
“Okay.” Kelsey nodded. A plan was always better than no plan when it came to my wife. I hadn’t known her long, but I knew that much. Her checklist in her planner centered her.
She hugged her parents and looked around the room. “The flowers. I don’t want to just throw them away.”
“Don’t you worry. Me and Dare’s mom are going to collect everything and bring it to your house.”
“My house,” Kelsey repeated. “Right. Our house. Yes, thank you so much. I’m so sorry—”
“Stop with the sorries, kiddo. Just go take care of your friend.” Kelsey’s father was no nonsense, which I appreciated. Right now, that kind of personality was very much needed.
I helped Kelsey gather her wrap and her bag. We both said goodbye to everyone who was left. Asher was waiting for us at the door.
“I hope your friend is all right.”
“Baby is a little early, but not that much.” Kelsey smiled as she clutched my hand. “Thank you so much for such a lovely ceremony.”
“Of course.” Asher shook my hand and patted Kelsey’s arm gently. “I’ll take care of the rest of the pape
rwork and give it to your parents.”
“Thanks again.” I hustled Kelsey out before someone else could stop us. I had my car, but wished I’d taken the truck. It had seemed wrong to drive my new bride in my truck after our damn wedding ceremony.
“Which hospital?”
“Laurel.”
I nodded and helped her in. She swung the skirt of her dress in and looked up at me with a tremulous smile. I leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. “You’re beautiful, Kel. And so much more than I deserve.” Before she could reply, I closed the door on her and rounded the car to my side.
It was a warm day, but she was still shivering in reaction to today, my words, or the situation—I didn’t know. I just flicked on the heat and peeled out onto Main.
I took a detour into Jersey Angel’s deli for a bunch of sandwiches that would hold us through the long night. My buddy worked in the shop and brought out a case of water for me to put in the car. I wasn’t much use to anyone in these situations, but I could at least feed them.
I pulled a water free and handed it to Kelsey when I got back in the car. “How are you feeling?”
She frowned. “I’m fine.”
