There was just something about Livvy Montgomery that made me lose my thoughts and just want to look into those deep blue eyes of hers. The only other two times I’d seen her, she’d either been scared out of her mind or apprehensive. And yet both times I’d wanted more.
And now there was a chance for more. All because she’d come with me to Wyoming for a wedding, leaving her daughter with her parents.
If that wasn’t a crazy thing to do, I wasn’t sure what was. Perhaps both of us hadn’t been thinking clearly. But she was with me and there was no going back at this point. The whole thing was a completely ridiculous scenario I was sure wasn’t going to work, and yet I still didn’t mind. The excuse had been worth it.
“I didn’t realize how many events are part of a wedding. Hell, this is the first wedding I’ve ever been in. Maybe it’s the norm.”
Livvy’s eyes danced. “I don’t think it’s the norm. Then again, I’ve never been a bridesmaid.”
My eyebrows lifted. “I find that hard to believe. How many friends and cousins do you have?”
“Not all of them are married yet, and most of my family have gone small when it came to their nuptials. Meaning only one or two people standing up for them.”
“There’s no hope you’ll be able to help us figure out what we’re supposed to be doing.”
“Completely hopeless.”
We were leaning against each other, and I wasn’t even sure either one of us had noticed until that moment. I took a step back, clearing my throat. It wouldn’t be good to make a move on her when she was just doing me a favor.
Finaly, her shoulders relaxed, and she spoke. “You said this is your first time in a wedding. So your siblings aren’t married yet?”
“No,” I said with a shake of my head. “All four of my older brothers and my younger sister aren’t anywhere close to that.” Much to my parents’ chagrin.
“You are just like some sets of my cousins. So many siblings. I don’t know how your parents did it.”
“Frankly, neither do I. Not to mention Jackson was an only child, and he was over at my place more often than not. So it was like another brother.”
Livvy’s smile softened. “That’s nice. He had you.”
I shrugged. “We’ve always had each other’s backs. Hence why I said yes to this wedding and everything that came with it. Jackson and Kandi love each other and get along to the point they just fit. So I don’t mind.” Even when I was bored or uncomfortable. Then again, the events allowed me to meet Livvy. So maybe it wasn’t all bad.
“The way they seem to be with each other makes me think that this whole marriage thing will be worth it to them.”
There was something in her tone, it made me once again want to ask about Amelia’s father. I didn’t, but it was damn hard to hold back the question.
“Ewan,” a soft voice said from behind me, and I stiffened. Livvy slid her hand into mine, mingling our fingers together. She gave my hand a squeeze and met my gaze. And just like that, my shoulders relaxed marginally, and I turned with Livvy on my arm.
“Trish. You ready for the wedding?”
“Tonight’s the rehearsal dinner. That’s what getting ready for the wedding means.” Her eyes narrowed on Livvy. “This is your date?Her?”
I stared, wondering where the hell her attitude came from. She wasn’t usually like this, albeit she had wanted more from me. Hell, none of the bridesmaids were usually like this. I liked Kandi. She was great for Jackson, and the two were thick as thieves. She truly loved him, and everyone could tell. I had thought her friends were of the same ilk. But with the way that Trish, Holland, Sarah, and Kendra were acting, maybe I was wrong.
“Her name is Livvy. And yes, she’s my date. I got a plus one after all. Perks of being the best man.” I gave Trish a pointed look, staring down at her. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“I thought you said you had a date before meeting her. So what, you dumped the other one because you found something better? That doesn’t seem very nice.”
I shook my head, wondering what was going on in that hateful mind of hers. I hadn’t needed a date. I could’ve gone to this whole damn thing alone without having to deal with anybody’s judgment. I did not care. But for some reason, the moment I had seen Livvy, something had clicked. I wanted her here. I used a damn stupid excuse, but now she was by my side. And even though I saw and felt the hesitation, I knew she liked being here too. I didn’t mind calling this a fake date, but I really didn’t want to be playing pretend.
“Trish, why are you so intent on figuring out my dating life? Don’t you have a thousand things to do as the maid of honor? And lose the attitude. I’m done.”
“I just don’t think Jackson’s friend should be lying.”
“And maybe Kandi’s friends should mind their own business,” Livvy put in.
I held back a grunt, my hands fisting at my sides.
“This doesn’t concern you,” Trish snapped.
