“The guests of honor have finally arrived,” my sister says, beaming from the inside. “We didn’t get to attend the wedding, but there was no way we weren’t celebrating the newlyweds with a reception.” She starts clapping, and everyone is quick to join in. “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Greene.”
My girl’s cheeks are as red as tomatoes, but that smile . . . I hold my hand to my heart. It knocks me out. I take hold of her hand like I’ve been itching to in public since I got back to the Pass. Since they know, there’s no use hiding it. “You were right. We weren’t hiding it as well as we thought we were.”
“I don’t know if I was hiding it at all anymore.”
We’re surrounded by everyone hugging and congratulating us while laughter fills the air. Beckett comes to my side and wraps his arm around me. I do the same. “Hey, buddy.”
“I didn’t tell anyone.”
Making me grin, I say, “I knew you wouldn’t. That’s why I shared with you. Do you know how they figured it out?”
“Christine said she knows Lauralee too well. My dad told her that he saw you guys looking at each other all funny last week.” He ducks out of the crowd before I can ask more questions. Smart kid.
My sister squeezes through to embrace me. “Aw, big brother. I’m so happy for you. Congratulations. You couldn’t have picked a better match.”
“You’re telling me. I’m just glad she asked me.”
She steps back, shock strikes her features, widening her eyes. “Sheaskedyou?”
Shortcake’s going to kill me for sharing that nugget of information. “It’s a little more complicated than that. A story for another time, and probably her telling it is best.”
That makes her laugh like it does me. Anyway, I don’t want my wife kicking my ass for sharing without her here to add her own spin on the situation. “That’s what sneaking around will do to ya. I know firsthand.”
“Ha! You sure do.”
Whacking me in the chest, she says, “Good job on the rings, by the way. Wow. They’re stunning.”
“Glad you approve.” When she turns to Tagger, my dad sneaks in. “Hi, Dad. You mad?”
“Mad at you for getting married and not telling me?” He shoos an imaginary fly away. “Nah. It’s none of our business, but I sensed something was different the night at the hospital. I almost asked if things had changed between you two. From friends to . . . you know, more. Seemed there was enough to keep our minds busy, though.” Bringing me in for one of his famous back pats, he says, “I just know your mom is celebrating this union. She used to say you two would make a good couple. Something about opposites balancing each other out like she and I did.” I didn’t expect to get choked up, but sometimes we’re not in control of these things. “She wasn’t wrong. She made a match alright.”
“She sure did.”
I steal a peek of my wife kneeling in front of Daisy, who’s placing a halo of flowers on her head. Daisy smiles and then shows off the one on her head. “Like Lee Lee’s.”
Lauralee helps her put hers back on, then gives her a hug.
A punch to my shoulder staggers me, and I shove Tagger back before he pulls me in. “Haven’t you hugged me enough lately, fucker?” I joke. We step back and do the ole handshake before chuckling. It never gets old—unlike us. Though my wingman and I are still looking good as married old men.
“It was a bet, not a threat. No one said you had to get married to get the car.”
I look down at the new boots he just scuffed with the tip of his. It happens. The first just hurts the most. “That’s weird. I swore you said I had to marry her to win the car back.”
Panic filters into his eyes. “No way.”
Chuckling, I shake my head. “Dude, I didn’t marry her to win a bet or the car. I married her because I love her. But I’m also taking full ownership of the vehicle.”
“As you should. You went above and beyond. It’s going to be hard to top this bet.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’m out of the betting arena. No more for me. I’ve learned my lesson. I’m happy, and I’m not fucking this up.”
Raising his hands, he’s finally giving up. “Understood. Want a beer?”
“Thought you’d have one ready for me.”
“Coming right up.”
I give Peaches a hug before we all sit down for dinner. It was nice to have her support from the start.
