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Would he have had a better shot at a life with her?
He glanced at her once more just before they were expected to split up and stand on opposite sides of the podium. Something told him all of that was just wishful thinking. If they were meant to be together, they would have already discussed the possibility. It had been weeks since this whole mess had started. And it had only gotten more complicated.
If he were honest with himself, he was probably clinging to the thought of being with he because he’d finally been brave enough to tell her about the dyslexia. Not even Tina knew about it.
Becca’s hand slipped from his arm and she moved toward the bride’s side to stand behind one of his cousin’s wives.
Tina hurried down the aisle behind them, her steps much faster than they’d rehearsed. She didn’t look all that pleased about walking the dog.
Then the bridal march began, and all of the guests stood and turned toward Katrina.
Ethan took one look at her and her shining expression before he shifted his focus to Simon. The two were blissfully happy. It was as if the world no longer existed for them the same way it did for the rest of those in attendance. Katrina could have been walking down the aisle in a burlap bag and holding a stalk of celery and Simon would have still stared at her like she was an angel.
Against his will, Ethan looked over at Becca. Not even a full week ago, he’d thought there was a chance for him to be that happy with her. The thing that drew him to her had only grown stronger. Unfortunately, logic had to prevail. At this point, the only way their relationship would continue was if they’d agree on a long-distance situation.
He’d done that already with Tina and it had been hard. He couldn’t imagine doing the same with Becca. Long distance simply wasn’t feasible for him right now—not with the changes that were about to be made in his life.
Becca shifted her eyes to him, and his gaze dropped his to his feet. It was time to call it. They needed to cut ties while they were both in a good place.
Music blared,echoing across the hills. The decorators had set up several posts and strung lights between them. The warm glow that enveloped the guests created a romantic ambiance.
The speech had gone off without a hitch. He’d had most of it memorized, and one look in Becca’s direction had given him all the assurance he needed that he would come out on top.
If Tina had planned on doing anything else, it was too late to mess with the event now. The threat was officially over, and all Ethan wanted to do was spend the last few hours with the girl who had made him realize that he could have more in his life.
Becca stood off to the side with one of his cousin’s wives, Julia. They chatted, smiling, as several people danced to the upbeat song that currently played over the speakers.
When the song came to an end and a slow one started, Ethan moved in her direction only to be stopped by a hand on his arm. His eyes followed the hand to the arm and the body that was attached to it.
Tina smiled and pulled him toward the dance floor. “Come on, you owe me at least one dance.”
He shot a look in Becca’s direction, but she wasn’t paying attention.
Tina’s hands came up to rest on his shoulders and it took every ounce of strength he possessed to meet her eyes. She tilted her head flirtatiously, only glancing in Becca’s direction once. “I wassurprised when Becca asked you to leave the other day—the day she showed us what was on her computer.”
“Can we not talk about Becca?”
“Why? Because she’s keeping secrets?” The distasteful sound of joy came from her lips. “It’s not as bad as you probably think.”
“I don’t think it’s bad—” he started but she cut him off.
“She’s a romance novelist. She’s been writing those stories with the ultra-handsome male hero and the damsel in distress. She probably thought I wouldn’t figure it out, but I’m smarter than she gives me credit for.”
So shedidwrite fiction. His gaze cut to Becca once more. Why would she want to hide that from him?
As if Tina could read his mind, she continued. “You realize that’s why she’s not married, right? She broke off her last engagement because her standards are impossible to meet. Honestly, I’m surprised you two lasted as long as you have. I thought for sure this little thing would be long over by now.”
Ethan bristled. “That’s enough.”
“What? Trouble in paradise?” she sang. “I can’t believe you didn’t know about hercareer. For a couple who was supposed to be so close…”
Ethan tore away from her. “I said,enough.”
He brushed off his torso with both hands as if it would clean him from the feeling she’d given him. Eyeing her with disgust, he shook his head.
“You think you can just manipulate everyone around you and get away with it. But guess what? You can’t. In the end, people willsee your true colors. I don’t care what you have against Becca, but you need to get over it. She’s the kindest, most genuine person I know, and she doesn’t deserve the way you’ve been treating her.” He spun on his heels and headed toward his date.
If this was their last night together, he was going to make it count. He went right up to her, placed his hand on the small of her back, and led her to the dance floor despite her amused protests.
