“Not even in the slightest. But I’ve already been out of my comfort zone every moment since I’ve met you. I might as well continue.”
He smirked ever so slightly. I wanted to go on my tiptoes and press my lips against his. But I was already making enough of a scene just being here.
“You look good out of your comfort zone, Livvy Montgomery. I know this is not what you asked for, and hell, I had no idea this is what I would be doing either. But I don’t mind being able to walk next to you for a little bit, and then looking at you across the way.”
My face flushed, and I shook my head. “I’m going to have to go stand up there in front of one hundred or so people I don’t know, so don’t get me all hot and bothered.”
He leaned down and kissed my bare shoulder. I barely resisted the urge to melt into a puddle.
“Ewan McBride,” I warned.
“I like what you say my full name. And by the way, Montgomery, it’s more like three hundred.”
I nearly pivoted on my heels and ran away, but then the music started, and there was no turning back.
Walking arm in arm with Ewan down the aisle was a surreal experience. The music intensified, and I could feel the stares of others. But Jackson had already announced the change in company, and we were going with it as if it wasn’t a big deal.
Going from fake date to fake bridesmaid wasn’t on my schedule, but then again, nothing was.
Everything passed in moments, and I stood across the aisle from Ewan, my bouquet and Kandi’s in my hands as two people who I just met vowed to love each other until the end of days and beyond. And from the certainty in their voices, I believed it.
No matter the trauma and power surrounding them, trying to take this moment from them, they had persevered. They loved each other. And while I believed in love, sometimes it was hard to see it. Yet not in this moment. Not for these two.
As the wedding blended into the reception, I smiled in Ewan’s arms, wondering how I had ended up here once again.
“You look damn beautiful in that dress,” Ewan murmured in my ear as we danced pressed up obscenely next to each other.
“I can tell from what’s pressing against me,” I teased.
“Minx,” he growled, biting my earlobe.
I took a step back, grateful for the music change. Climbing him like a tree in public would probably not be a great idea since I was already a spectacle just being there.
“I still can’t believe how well people took my presence in the wedding. I expected weird questions and looks, but people are being kind. Curious, but kind.”
“You’re beautiful, and selfless for being here. Of course they are being kind.”
I shook my head, my breath coming quick just staring at him. He was definitely a problem.
“By the way, I noticed how you neatly shuffled to the side of the dance floor when she threw the bouquet.”
I rolled my eyes and shoved at his shoulder playfully as we made our way out of the large tent. People were partying and having a great time, and my part of the festivities was over. Thank God.
“I was already the center of attention far too much. And you didn’t catch the garter either.”
“I never really understood why that’s a thing.”
I shrugged. “My cousin looked it up one time, but I don’t remember.”
“Of course a cousin of yours did.”
“Do you think I should figure out what to do with this bouquet?” I asked as I picked up the one I had used for the wedding off our table.
“I forgot to tell you that Kandi said to keep it.”
My eyes widened. “Really?”
He gestured toward the numerous tables. “They have hundreds if not thousands of flowers. She wanted you to keep that one. Plus there might be a wedding gift of some sort in the room. I wasn’t quite sure exactly what was going on because she was talking quickly and happily. However, the flowers are yours.”
