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When we reached the hall, I smiled up at him. “Drew, I like youtoo.”
“I feel a ‘but’ coming. Lay it on me.” Hesighed.
“No, just a word of caution. I mean, I probably seem awesome because I’m new to you. Once you get used to being around other women sober, I’ll begin to pale in comparison, I’m afraid.” I squeezed hisbicep.
Drew hit the button on the elevator, then studied me before speaking. “I can tell you’re used to disappointment. I promise you, dating me will offer plenty. Give me achance.”
I laughed and slapped his arm. “Well, when you sell it that way,” Igroaned.
We made our way downstairs and followed the signs to the pool area where the wedding had been set up. The sunset had turned the sky shades of orange and pink, with hints of purple. Honestly, I wanted to live in this moment forever. We made our way to some open seats toward the back. Ty and Harry came out of another door and took their place at the altar with the justice of thepeace.
“I think we should do something like this,” Drew commented as the musicstarted.
“What? Hang out at a pool while the sun sets? I’m in.” I smirked in response to hisfrown.
“You’re impossible,” hegrumbled.
Kate came down the aisle sporting the tiniest of baby bumps. “That’s Ty’s wife, Kate,” I explained to Drew. The wedding processional began and we stood while Laney waltzed by. “I believe you’ve metLaney?”
“Not sober.” He rubbed hisforehead.
We sat once more and he looked around, probably trying to figure out how many of the guests would know of his past. The number must have been significant based on the way he began to cling to me. “I’m here. You’re fine,” I whispered. Drew nodded, but I could feel his fear. He trembled slightly while he gripped me. I slid as close as the folding chair would allow. “You’ve got this,” I reminded him in a low voice, but he only held ontighter.
The ceremony was beautiful, and short. This meant Drew didn’t have enough time to relax, but plenty of time to get worked up and more agitated about the reception. Soon we were in the receiving line. We watched as others went through before us. Some passed Harry envelopes. Drew raked a hand down hisface.
“Now what?” I asked. Not being able to help him relax was wearing onme.
“A gift. We forgot a gift.” He shook hishead.
“Hey, chill. They have shops on the main floor. We’ll grab a card and you can write a big fat check or something.” I looped my hand through his arm and tried to offer a reassuringsqueeze.
* * *
Drew
“You’re right.I just need some air.” I clutched at mychest.
“Drew, we’re outside. How much more air do you need?” Taliafrowned.
“It’s an expression. Let’s get through this line. I need space. I need to get away from everyone for a bit before the…big event.” As inconspicuously as possible, I rubbed my hands on my thighs before we reachedTy.
“Drew!” The way he greeted me, I knew we were doing the bro hug. So, I clasped his hand and let him haul me in while we patted each other on theback.
“It was a great wedding,” I murmured. “Sorry I missedyours.”
Kate leaned in. “Please. Everyone missed ours. We practically eloped. I’m thinking our next big event will be the baby shower. You want in?” She smiled so warmly, I knew why Ty had fallen for her. Oh, and the way they looked at each other…well, it’s the kind of thing that would’ve made me just about puke in the past, but I was starting to getit.
I held out a hand. “Hi, I’m Drew. The black sheep of ourgroup.”
Kate completely ignored the hand and walked into my arms for a hug. My eyes widened in shock. Talia covered a laugh. Ty’s brow arched protectively. When she stepped back, he hauled her against his side again. She looked up at him. “You’re ridiculous.” Then she rolled her eyes. “Oh, and I’m Kate. We’ve met, but I wasn’t sure you rememberedme.”
I frowned. “Not much. I’m sorry. I’m trying to be better.” In an instant, Talia had snuggled in beside me. I wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled down ather.
“You’re awesome.” She sighed happily and it completely warmed me. Turning to Ty and Kate, she murmured, “It’s so nice seeing you again. Thank you for making this possible, Ty. Drew and I are getting ongreat.”
I leaned down and whispered in her ear. “You play your cards right, and I’ll make sure you get off great too.” I pulled back and waggled my brows ather.
She laughed and slapped me in the chest. “Behave.”
