Reece twirled his glass on the tabletop. “No.”
“Then why do it?”
Reece didn’t want to leave. He really didn’t. His entire support network—namely, his parents and his brothers, who were also his best friends—was there. The town fit him like his favorite pair of faded blue jeans, and he didn’t relish breaking in a new pair.
The ability to walk down the street and see the same buildings and the same businesses in the same places tethered him in a way that was solid, affirming. Like being on an anchored boat in the midst of a boiling sea. As a member of search and rescue, he dealt with chaos on a daily basis. He loved that he could bring stability to others in dire straits, but he needed it on occasion too, and for him, Fall River was the one constant. The steadying bastion in the storm. But as long as Chelsea remained at San Juan, he couldn’t go back there.
He sighed. “Because it’s … Things aren’t … I need a change of scene.” It wasn’t a lie, but itwaspainful.
Charlie whipped his head toward Shane. “Do you have any clue what’s going on with him?”
“Hey, sitting right here,” Reece protested.
“Maybe, but you’re not about to tell me a goddamn fucking thing. So I’m pumping your fellow search and rescue teammate for information.”
Shane shrugged. “I have no idea what’s been eating him. Only that he’s suddenly got a hard-on for leaving San Juan County.”
“Stillsitting here.” When no one acknowledged him, he changed direction. “Hey, guys, how about we shine the spotlight on our groom overhere, huh?” He punched Noah’s arm. “You’re about to be a married man. Off the market. How does that feel?”
Noah sprouted a grin a mile wide. “Awesome. Maybe you’ll find out someday.”
Nah, especially not while he was drifting. Who’d want him right now anyway? He told himself to set his turmoil aside and focus on the wedding in three days. Yeah, he was gonna have one hella good time with his bros starting now, while he still could.
The looming date with his future could wait.
Chapter 7
Love the One You're With
Neve gaped at Haileyas they sat beside Mountain Coffee’s large picture window overlooking Bowen Street. “Wait,what?”
Hailey put down her hot brew and beamed. “The wedding party’s going to Las Vegas in Leo’s private jet, and we’ve got a swanky suite for one night atno charge! So we’re taking our dresses and getting dolled up, just like we’d planned—except we’re in Sin City instead of Fall River. The venue is all that’s changing … and the guests and the officiant.” Hailey squeezed Neve’s arm. “Leo issoconsiderate. You’re lucky, Neve.”
Yes, she was, if for no other reason than she was ninety-nine percent positive that Leo was behind the deposits appearing in her clinic’s account. Although she wasn’t sure how she felt about that, besides conflicted. Adding to her discomfort was the “extra” contribution that had appeared two days ago, on her birthday. When she’d poked around the subject withLeo, he had vehemently denied it came from him. “I’m not even sure that’s legal,” he had told her. Then he had claimed not to even know it was her big day and had fumbled through an awkward birthday wish and invitation to dinner. Either he was a good actor or he really didn’t have a thing to do with the magic money.
She hadn’t expected Leo to know her birthday—they weren’t that close. Yet. It didn’t mean the day passed unnoticed, though. Almosteveryonein town sent her birthday wishes. It was expected when you lived in the same small town because everyone knew everything about your personal life, including how many moles you had. Not really.
Reece hadn’t completely forgotten her either. He’d been among those acknowledging the day, sending her a GIF of dogs breakdancing with way too many candles glowing in the background. The wish was nothing special, though, because he always sent her a greeting, just as she did him. Just another day in the life of Dr. Neve Embry.
Having the money appear was both comforting and disturbing. The deposits could stop just as abruptly and mysteriously as they had started, and she had to remind herself not to count them as a safety net because safety nets could rip, dumping her on her tailbone and cracking it. She constantly cautioned herself to not get carried away with the clinic’s spending. If only she knew who it was so she could thank them properly—before trying to return the funds. She hadn’t dipped into them too much—hadn’t needed to, thank goodness. No, she was pretty much breaking even at this point. But still, she was already fretting over the December deposit. Was the birthday money intended to take its place? See? Disturbing. Discomfiting. Worrisome.
Joy, who completed their little trio, wiggled with excitement, bringing Neve back to the present. “Why don’t I get us lined up with a makeup artist and hairdresser?”
“Could you? That would be incredible,” Hailey trilled. Her eyes took on a shine. “I am so lucky.”
“We’re all lucky,” Joy agreed. “Not only because we’ve got each other, but because we have the best men on the planet. I still pinch myself.”
Yes, Neve reminded herself again that she wasverylucky to have a man like Leo pursuing her. Wasn’t she?
She shoved aside that bothersome question and launched into a different one. “So instead of a stunning mountain backdrop, you’ll lookout at blinding neon lights? And in place of a preacher, you’ll get … Elvis?” Why was she being a dick? This was Hailey’s big day, not hers. She wanted to slap herself for throwing a wet blanket on her friend’s enthusiasm.
Hailey, however, stiff-armed that wet blanket and clapped her hands in excitement instead. “I know! So fun! I can’t wait to tell our kids the story of our wedding.” That optimism was one of the many things Neve loved about this girl.
Joy side-eyed the bride and smirked.
“And you’re okay with this … this change?” Neve tried to temper her disbelief; she really did. IfNevehad been counting on a wedding at a breathtaking resort and had to settle for Vegas’s vulgarity, she’d be absolutely crushed. She reminded herself that this was not a worry she would have to confront anytime soon. Yes, things were going smoothly with Leo, though Neve was still waiting for the sparks that hadn’t arrived yet. They were taking their time, waiting to kindle from tiny embers.
Hailey leaned on her forearms and narrowed her eyes. “What other choice do I have, Neve? And anyway, the honeymoon plans haven’t changed, so even if the ceremony is a disaster, we’ll have the best part to look forward to. That can make up for a lot.” A devilish grin tugged the corners of her mouth.
