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“That matters,” Harry said bluntly, “because she doesn’t like anyone.”
The three men shared a laugh.
“Truer words have never been spoken,” Nick said. “She told me a while ago that she thought something was up with you two.”
“Nothing gets by our favorite detective,” Derek said, grinning.
It had been, Nick thought, a very long time since he’d seen his friend smile like he was now, telling them his big news. The murder of his wife, Victoria, and the subsequent revelations about her deceptions had nearly brought Derek to his knees. He’d come back from that horrific loss and had stepped up to be an amazing father to their young daughter, Maeve. Nick was so happy to hear Derek was starting over with Roni. However, he still had concerns. “It hasn’t been that long since she lost her husband.”
“No, it hasn’t, and she’s expecting their child. We’re taking it slow.”
“What does Maeve think?” Nick asked.
“She loves Roni, and vice versa. Roni is great with her. It feels good, you know?”
“I’m glad for you,” Nick said. “And for Maeve.”
“I am, too, Derek,” Harry said. “Sincerely thrilled.”
“Thanks.”
“While I have you two,” Harry said, “I’ve been told by the boss that I need to arrange a wedding party, and I was hoping the two of you would be my best men.”
“I’d love to,” Nick said, rising from his chair to embrace Harry.
“Me, too,” Derek said. “I’d be honored.”
“We’d like Maeve to be our flower girl,” Harry added.
“She’d love it,” Derek said.
“Thanks, guys. I can’t believe this is really happening.”
“Neither can we,” Nick said with a teasing grin. “We’d given up on you until Lilia made an honest man out of you.”
“She’s the best.” Harry glowed with the kind of happiness Nick had wished for his friend for years. “I can’t believe how lucky I am to have found her.”
“We love you two together,” Nick said. “It’s a perfect match.”
“Yes, it is, and I can’t wait for our big day next summer.”
Nick would serve as a best man twice next summer, the second time for Terry when he married Lindsey McNamara. Those events would make for better press than his mother being arrested.
His friends stuck around for another few minutes before they left to go back to work. Nick appreciated how they’d taken his mind off the mama drama with their friendship, their news, their laughter. They’d been doing that for him for almost twenty years now, and he’d never been more grateful for their friendship.
He sent a quick text to Sam.Just saw Derek, and he confirmed your suspicions that he and Roni are seeing each other. By all accounts, very new and taking it slowly, but he looked happier than I’ve seen him in a long time.
Sam wrote back right away.Holy cow! I knew it! Did I call that, or did I call that? I LOVE to hear that he’s so happy, but is it ok to worry that it’s still a bit soon for her?
You called it! And he acknowledged the timing isn’t ideal, thus the taking things slowly, but he said she’s great with Maeve, who absolutely adores Roni, and it just feels good to all of them.
So happy for them. They all deserve nothing but the best.
Agreed. Harry asked Derek and me to be his best men. Gonna be a busy summer.
Of course he did! Busy and fun!
How many more hours until this day is over?
