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“It was long.” Tabitha laughed.
“Fuck, yeah.” He sighed before chuckling.
“Ryan, this is Archie. He’s my oldest and bestest friend in the entire world. Archie, meet Ryan… my husband.” She scrunched up her nose. “That sounds weird, but nice.” She smiled up at Ryan.
Ryan smiled back, but it barely met his eyes.
Weird.
“I’ve heard a lot about you.” Ryan turned to him and put his hand out. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Archie shook his hand and could feel it tighten.
Ryan gestured to his uniform as their hands dropped. “Thank you for your service.”
Archie nodded.
Tabitha squealed. “That’s my jam! I’ll be back.” She danced her way over to the dance floor to line dance with the crowd forming.
“Best friend, not husband.” Ryan’s face hardened.
Archie didn’t like him. “You better treat her right.”
Ryan’s smile was cold as it crossed his face. “Enjoy the reception. I know I’m going to enjoy the honeymoon.” He stepped closer and whispered. “She’s been saving herself.”
Archie had never wanted to punch a guy so hard. He wouldn’t cause a scene, not when this was supposed to be about Tabitha. He clenched his fists at his sides as Ryan excused himself.
He walked over to James and Brian.
“What do we know about Ryan?” He was seething.
“I don’t like him.” Marcus walked over and crossed his arms but kept a smile on his face for anyone that might look over.
That didn’t seem right. Had her father not voiced his concerns? Tabitha always listened to him.
“She seems happier than ever.” James glanced at the dance floor. “Ryan comes from old money. A lot of politicians and connections in the family. We couldn’t dig up anything, and trust me, we tried. If there’s something there, it’s buried deep or has been wiped.”
“That bad?” Archie huffed. There was something off about this guy; why couldn’t she see it?
“Her old man looked into the whole family. As did yours. We used up every resource we had. Tabitha insisted she loved him and we all know how that goes. She loves hard with her whole fucking heart.” Brian ticked.
Her happiness was what mattered most. It wasn’t like Archie could offer anything to her. She had always been too good for him. If she was truly happy, this would have to be good enough.
Even if he didn’t like it.
CHAPTER3
TABITHA
Fifteen Years Earlier - Age 17
This was a crazy idea.He was going to think she was nuts! She knew it was ridiculous. Why she even thought of it was insane! Would he even go for it? Archie had been her best friend for as long as she could remember. He was literally born days before her.
Their moms practically planned it. They grew up together, got married around the same time, and were pregnant at the same time. Their moms did everything together, and then their families became inseparable.
Vacations, holidays, happy times and sad… they were always together. She wouldn’t have been surprised if the moms had thought they’d get together one day, tie the families together even more. Not that he would see her like that. They were just friends.
She held out the acceptance letter with a forced smile. It was only serving as a reminder of what she was about to ask him. He was just her friend, best friend, but she knew he respected her. That mattered.
