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Sebastian
Does the fact I got Charly down the aisle and increased the cuteness factor of Evie and Georgia’s televised wedding by at least fifty percent make me a hero?
Some people—Hope in particular—might say so, but I just like to think of myself as an ordinary guy who did something extraordinary when the opportunity presented itself.
True, not every guy would have been comfortable playing sidekick to a flower girl while being filmed for a national audience. In that sense, you might say I’m extraordinary. But honestly, I just did what the moment required. Any real man would have done the same.
At least, that’s what I say into the camera a couple hours later at the reception when Bear asks—while he knows we’re being filmed—if I’ll be a flower girl at his wedding, if that day ever comes.
“Dude,” he shakes his head. “This is why no one in the family likes to tell you when you do a decent job. It goes straight to your head.”
I take the drink he hands me without saying thank you. “Funny. I didn’t hear a compliment in your question about being a flower girl.”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t think you’d done a good job flower-girling.” He tips back his beer bottle, trying, and failing, to hide his grin.
Zach sidles up then and joins us, a drink in his hand and his bowtie loosened.
“Congrats, man.” I clap him on the back. “Still can’t believe you and Georgia finally figured out you belong together.”
“Yeah.” He blows out a long breath. “IfIcan figure things out, there’s hope for you, too.”
For half a second, I hear Hope instead ofhope, which makes my heart shoot into my throat. I take a drink to steady my sudden nerves.
Bear lowers his drink, and his eyes dart to the dance floor where the bridesmaids are all dancing with Charly in the middle of them. “Did Grandpa tell you Georgia’s friend Cassie has been looking at the old garage? He’s really going to sell it.”
“Nope.” I shake my head. “He didn’t even tell me he’d put it on the market. I can’t believe he’s willing to let it go. It’s been in the family for generations.” I sip from my beer and watch Hope swing Charly’s hands back and forth, dancing her in a circle.
“Yeah. I’ve told him for years I want to buy it.” Bear’s eyes narrow, and I follow his glare to Cassie.
“Do you have the money? And what would you do with it?” I’m more interested in Hope smiling at me than this conversation, but I’ll humor Bear.
“He wouldn’t do anything with it,” Zach answers for him. “Except keep his old cars there, taking advantage of Grandpa’s generosity.”
“I don’t want it for my cars. I’d tear it down, drain the old irrigation pond behind it, and build a community ice rink. Kids could finally play hockey all year round, not just when the pond freezes. Kids who are really into it wouldn't have to drive to Florence to be on a team.” Bear’s eyes zero in on Cassie, and I get why he's upset. He could have gone far with hockey if Paradise had more resources.
Zach says something about getting city council approval for a community center, but I don’t hear anything else. The DJ has switched to a slow song, and I want to be with Hope right now, not my cousins.
When I reach the dance floor, I take her hand and spin her and Charly under my arm. Then I hold Charly with one arm and wrap the other around Hope, so we’re all dancing together. Charly wraps one arm around my neck and the other around Hope’s, bringing our faces closer together. Close enough that I’m able to steal a kiss from her.
Charly demands one of her own, and plants a wet, sloppy kiss on my cheek. It feels a little like getting licked by Uncle Rad, but I like it so much more.
We dance in a slow circle, talking and laughing until the song ends. Then I set Charly down, keeping hold of her hand, and pull Hope close. While Charly twists under my arm, I press my lips to Hope’s.
Her mouth is warm and soft, but there’s nothing gentle in my kiss. There’s an urgency racing through my veins fueled by utter and complete happiness. I have no words for it, only the force of my affection.
“I love you,” I whisper when we break apart.
She presses her hands to my cheeks. “I love you, too.”
The DJ interrupts us with the announcement that the brides are going to throw their bouquets. Hope circles Georgia and Evie with the other bridesmaids and guests while I take Charly back to the table we’re sharing with Hope’s parents and siblings.
Faith, Hope’s mom, has her eyes laser-pointed on me. I hang my jacket over my chair and sit down. Faith doesn’t blink once.
After clearing my throat and trying to look anywhere but at her or her husband, I finally give up and meet her stare.
“What are your intentions for my daughter and granddaughter?” she asks, still not blinking.
I glance at Glen who pulls his lip back and shrugs his shoulder, communicating that I’m on my own.
