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“Stop.”
My insides jolt and I swear something is being rearranged near my gut, because that single word holds so much authority that it strikes me to my bones.
“Don’t do that again,” he says.
“Do what?”
“Blurt out words without thinking. Excuses are for the weak, especially if they’re not backed up by evidence or valid reasons.”
“I did have a valid reason.”
“I’m listening.”
“I told you earlier. I didn’t want to be a burden.”
“And I told you that’s not the case. So that’s all cleared up.”
“I guess.”
“I guess is neither a yes nor a no.”
“The world isn’t only yes or no. There are “I guess” moments—maybes, the unsure. Nuances and all of that.”
“And all of that, huh?” he repeats with a slight twitch in his lips. It’s the unicorn half-smile. The one he never offered me after I stupidly thought I could kiss him and get away with it.
“Uh-huh, and I have a lot of them.”
“A lot of what?”
“Nuances and all of that.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He tips his chin toward the door. “Now, let’s go. We’re late.”
The wedding ceremony.
Ours.Mine and Nate’s.
My cheeks burn so hot, I’m surprised I don’t go up in flames or explode or something equally embarrassing. Because, holy shit, this is actually happening.
How does someone react to being married to their one-time crush, who they kind of got over—but not really—and who also happens to be their dad’s best friend?
Because I think I need a manual or something. One that doesn’t make me act like the age he so obviously disregards.
“Yeah, okay. Sure.”
“Those are three words for the same thing.”
“So?” My voice sounds a little bit squeaky and kind of breathy.
He pauses, that line returning to his forehead. “Are you nervous?”
“No! I can handle this.”
“Are you sure? Because if you’re not feeling well, we can—”
“I’m not a child, Nate. I stopped being that a long time ago, and do you know what that means? It means I can make my own decisions and function under stress. It means I know this marriage is important, not only to protect Dad’s assets, but also those of everyone at W&S and their clients. So I can do this, okay?”
“Okay.”
