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“I have two.” He was smiling at her through them. His mouth was still serious, however.
“No. I mean, one has green in it.”
He shrugged. “It’s been there my whole life.”
“Ha-ha.”
The music started, and he gave her a last look before rising from his seat, as did all the guests.
Ally Duke came first with Ritchie, Autumn’s son. She wore mint green and carried a basket of rose petals that she sprinkled before her as she walked. Her hair was in a long braid, and on her head was a circlet of pink and white flowers. The little boy wore black trousers and a white shirt. He had a pink rose in his buttonhole.
Brody Duke coughed in front of them. Sawyer clasped his brother’s shoulder briefly before letting him go. The emotion among the Dukes was so thick, Birdie could feel it as they looked at their sweet little girl.
Two bridesmaids who Birdie knew were Rory Trainer and Piper Howard, walked next, beautiful also in mint, and then came the bride, who was absolutely breathtaking in a cream creation. The dress seemed to float around her as she moved, the skirts a waterfall of gossamer fabric.
When they reached their row of seats, Ally smiled and waved to her family. All waved back and returned the smile. This time it was Sawyer who cleared his throat.
“Look at Uncle Asher. He’s so proud,” Zoe whispered.
The Sheriff of Lyntacky wore a deep gray suit and white shirt like the groom.
Asher Duke beamed at his family. Wide, flashing all his teeth, and Birdie could see the emotion he was feeling. He kissed his daughter and shook the groom’s hand.
Birdie swallowed hard, tears stung her eyes as they were asked to be seated. Beside her, Sawyer sat still and unmoving, focused on the couple.
The celebrant’s name was Mr. Goldhirsh and, from the stories she’d heard, was something of a legend in Ryker Falls. Autumn and Ford had written their own vows, which was what Steve and Birdie would have done.
Was Sawyer thinking about what his and Jolena’s wedding would have been like too?
Birdie would have married Steve because she’d loved him. He’d been her first love, and when he left, she was sure he would be her last because she’d never wanted to suffer through that kind of pain again.
But now she wasn’t so sure. Looking at Sawyer Duke, she thought maybe she could give love a second chance. She just needed to find someone to love her back.
Chapter22
Sawyer had mixed with other guests after the wedding reception because his uncle and family expected it of him, but he was getting close to being done. The speeches, food, and formalities were over, and now the guests were dancing. He wasn’t really a dancer. He could do it. His mother had made sure all her children could dance, but what he needed was a whiskey and a quiet space.
Where was Birdie? He didn’t mind talking to her, which when he got down to it was disturbing. Sawyer didn’t like speaking unless it was necessary. Small talk, as far as he was concerned, should be outlawed.
“Who are you looking for?” Zoe asked him.
“No one.”
“If you’re searching for Birdie, I saw her walking out the doors with Ally a few minutes ago.”
“I wasn’t.”
“What’s the deal there? You and her, I mean.”
“No deal.” He looked at his sister. She’d grown up, and he’d not really noticed when he visited her last year in Chicago, where she’d landed the job of her dreams in interior design.
“I know you said she offered. My surprise is that you agreed.”
“What’s the deal with you, Zoe? Why are you back for good when just last year you told me that job was everything you’d always wanted?”
“No deal. I missed home.” Her eyes were on him, but he knew her. She was blinking. Zoe always blinked fast when she was lying.
“Bullshit.” He crossed his arms in the universal “I’m not moving until you come clean” big brother stance.
