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“You stole my chance is more like it.” He mumbles jokingly, and I don’t miss the sour look on Jo’s face.
WE ARRIVE IN THE Bahamas around six in the evening. The whole place is gorgeous, full of palm trees and teal, crystal clear water. Emily and I look around, completely in awe of everything. Holden and Brandon, however, are used to it. Apparently, they’ve been here three other times before this. Brandon mentions that it’s his mom’s favorite place.
Our hotel room is a giant suite. It has two bedrooms that each have their own bathroom. We let Brandon and Emily take the master, being as this trip is her birthday present. Besides, Holden and I are so sickeningly attached, we don’t need the extra space.
We put our stuff down and change into something more comfortable before heading out to the bar. Even though we’re all exhausted from traveling, the night is still young and we don’t want to spend it in the suite. I lean against Holden in the elevator, feeling clingy s
ince the beach yesterday. Knowing he had such strong feelings about me while I treated him like he was Satan in the flesh, it’s shocking to me. It’s like every time I think I know it all, I find out something new that makes me love him even more.
The four of us are sitting at a table having a few drinks and talking when Emily mentions having to go to the bathroom. She kisses Brandon quickly and walks off to her destination. He watches as she leaves and then sighs happily.
“Mark my words. One day, I’m going to marry that girl.”
My breath hitches as Holden lights up. “Seriously?” We both ask in unison.
He nods. “She’s incredible. She’s smart, and funny, and caring. I’m falling in love with her more every day.”
“I’m happy for you, man.” Holden tells him, patting him on the shoulder.
I try to remain calm, but internally, I’m freaking out. I never thought, when they hooked up at my house on New Year’s, that it would become something serious. Since I’ve met Brandon, I’ve really gotten to know him – by talking to him myself and hearing the things Holden says about him. I honestly couldn’t have picked anyone better to end up with my best friend. I am so excited for their future together.
THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON, WE’RE hanging out by the pool. Holden and I share a lounge chair. He’s lying behind me as I sit between his legs. Brandon and Emily are in the water, splashing each other and playing around like two kids in love. It’s endearing to watch.
“Are we that obnoxious?” Holden jokes, sitting up and wrapping his arms around my waist.
I chuckle. “Honestly? I think we’re worse.”
He leans forward and kisses my cheek. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”
A few minutes later, they come back to the chairs and wrap towels around their dripping wet bodies. Emily runs her fingers through her hair, trying to work out the tangles without a brush, while Brandon shakes his head vigorously. Water flies, landing on Holden and me. We both gasp from the cold hitting our sun-heated skin and Bran laughs.
“So, we wanted to talk to you two about something.” Holden tells them.
“Uh oh.” Brandon answers, acting as if it’s a bad thing.
Emily studies me carefully. “Nah. I can read Kayleigh like an open book. We’re not in trouble.”
“Should you be?” I question, narrowing my eyes.
Brandon grins deviously and winks. “Maybe.”
“You’re right.” I say to Holden. “He’s a horrendous liar. No wonder you knew about the party.”
Holden nods in agreement, giving me his signature ‘I told you so’ look. “No, but really.” He says to them. “Sit.”
The two of them sit down, and Holden nudges me to start the conversation. I smile brightly at Emily, remembering all the times we talked about this moment. It starts to make me emotional.
“I wanted to know, if you will be my maid of honor.”
She lights up and covers her mouth as she gasps. “Of course!” She answers happily. “Come here.”
Em reaches over and hugs me tightly, the two of us both tearing up a little. Brandon watches on, happy to see his girlfriend so excited. Then, he makes a face at Holden.
“Wait, what does that have to do with me?”
Holden laughs and rolls his eyes. “Shut up, dick. You know you’re my best man.”
A wide grin appears on Brandon’s face. “Damn right, I am.”
