“A romantic?” He smiled. “Maybe a little bit.”
But she’d seen the way he’d watched them. He was more than a little bit. And who didn’t love weddings? Especially when it was your best buddy, and he was finally marrying the girl of his dreams. And their sweet little son officially had a daddy now, just as it should be. She smiled and continued watching the couple dance.
Soon, it was time for the bride’s “dollar dance”, which was a tradition in Pippa’s family. The money raised went to the bride, sort of like a dowry to start her new life. Each man that danced with her had to put a five-dollar bill, or more, into a glass bowl that stood on the wedding party’s dining table.
Diesel slid into the seat next to Christie to keep her company, while her date, Reed, took a turn dancing with the bride.
“How are you enjoying the reception?” Diesel asked.
“It’s lovely,” she said.
“Reed’s enjoying himself. It’s good to see him having such a good time. He speaks highly of you.”
Her eyebrows rose. “He does?”
Diesel nodded.
Christie smiled, blushing. “I enjoy his company. He’s been teaching me how to shoot.”
“That’s Reed,” Diesel said. “If you’re his girl, you got to learn how to shoot. He’s a Texas boy, you know.”
“He said he moved from there when he was nine.”
“Born a Texan, always a Texan. He had a pony by the time he was five. By nine, he was roping and riding.”
“Wow.”
“You know that costume party we were talking about, where Pippa and I met?”
“Yes.”
“Guess what R.T. went as.”
“Um, a cowboy?”
“Right as rain,” Diesel said with a nod. “Didn’t even need to go to the costume shop with me. He had everything he needed, down to the boots and his Stetson.”
“I’ve never seen him wear a Stetson.”
“Lives in his closet, just like his early years still live in the back of his mind. There, when he needs it.”
“I see.” Christie thought for a moment, and then spoke what was on her mind. “What did he do at the costume party while you were off with Pippa?”
“R.T. is a chick magnet,” Diesel laughed. “He never has problems attracting women. He did all right. And that night he needed to.”
“Why?”
“That damn Dear John letter he got the week before…” He grimaced. “He was having trouble getting over it.”
“What happened?” Christie asked.
“Man, if he hasn’t told you…” He glanced at the Reed, still dancing on the floor, then leaned closer. “Becky called it off, with no warning and no explanation. Just ‘I’m done’ then poof, she was gone. Wouldn’t even answer his phone calls or emails. He was real shook up.”
“That’s awful. What do you think happened?”
“No idea. Later he heard she’d taken up with an executive from South America and left the country. Eventually, she married the guy.”
“Well, she should’ve told him and ended it nicely.”
