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I nod in agreement.
Kalen laughs, shaking his head. “Some of the guys from the college were able to rearrange the furniture at Mom’s house so they could have a team come in from the college to do a spa night. The girls get massages and a lot of pampering at low costs because the students need the experience.”
I still narrow my eyes, and I can tell that Jinx isn’t fully buying into it either.
“Are they all women?” my teammate asks.
“Does it matter? They’re students and professional,” Kalen says, defending the program as he’s a math professor at Lindell University. “And if you still have doubts, their instructor will be there tonight as well. She and McKenna are good friends.”
I take a deep breath, the first one I’ve been able to manage since I parted ways with Devyn.
“You’ve got it bad, man,” Kalen says, pointing the tip of his beer in my direction.
I lift my beer up in mock salute, knowing there’s no point in arguing the truth.
“Come on, assholes,” Kalen says. “There are a couple of guys I want you to meet.”
Chapter 33
Devyn
“I can’t believe this is the same park,” I whisper, my eyes scanning the once open area to see all the chairs and decorations.
“Jinx said last night that they have so many events here. The whole town gets together every weekend for some type of celebration or fundraiser. Everyone gets involved. They help each other out all the time. The town is filled with genuine, kind people. It’s sad that it’s so uncommon that it seems more like a novelty, when in reality, the entire world should be like this.”
I’ve never thought of world peace as a possibility. I’m young, well, younger than almost everyone at the clubhouse besides some of the little kids, but I grew up in a world full of active shooter drills and crisis scenario training. My childhood and Emmett’s weren’t the same. He went into the Marine Corps to experience the evil in the world. For me, and others my age, we witnessed it happening right on our doorsteps.
I squeeze into his side a little closer, grateful to have him and all those associated with him. I know Cerberus is here as a reminder of those who care for the people in this town. There were whispers last night of what had happened in Lindell. As much as they try to stay away from the troubles in the world, those problems still managed to infiltrate their small town.
“He looks so different,” I say, my gaze pointed in Jinx’s direction.
He’s in a very nice, tailored suit rather than jeans and his leather vest. He holds his head high, proud to stand by his little brother while he marries the love of his life.
The ceremony hasn’t even started yet, and I can feel the burn of tears behind my eyes. I know it’s going to be beautiful and amazing. I also know it’s going to leave me wishing I was the one up there vowing to love Emmett forever.
I look up at him and find him already watching me. When he cups my chin, I feel like I’m the only other person in existence. He makes me feel valued and loved, his actions speaking so much more loudly than words we haven’t whispered yet.
“I think I’m going to cry,” I confess.
Instead of making me feel silly for being so damn girly, he reaches into the inside of his jacket and pulls out a handkerchief. It’s so old-fashioned but also somehow fitting for this sleepy little perfect town.
I clutch the fabric in my hand, standing when the wedding march begins.
McKenna looks stunning in her dress. No one in attendance would have a clue about her near meltdown when she discovered that her pet ferret had somehow managed to chew a small hole in the train. I was able to fix it and add some beaded and sequined detail down the back that covered the patch. She offered me her first-born child, but I declined with a laugh.
She only has eyes for Kalen. Even though I’ve been to a handful of weddings in my life, I never knew until now why some brides focus on their grooms and some look around the room.
She’s lost for that man, utterly devoted. He’s the only thing she sees, and with Emmett by my side, his strong arm around my waist, I fully understand.
She swipes at tears as they run down her soon-to-be-husband’s cheeks when she steps up to him, and an echo of laughter rings out when the officiant clears her throat before Kalen can fully lean in to kiss McKenna.
“Let’s get started,” the officiant says. “The lovely couple seems eager.”
There’s another round of laughter before they exchange vows. I don’t fully understand their references because I didn’t meet either of them prior to yesterday, but many in the crowd seem to understand. It brings with it a sense of family and belonging.
