Page 45 of The Guardian Groom

“Bree Phelts, everyone.” Owen spoke to the crowd and motioned to her. “The amazing librarian who put together the summer reading program for your children, planned this carnival, and is responsible for convincing the mayor to roast hot dogs.”

Bree smiled, her face turning red as the library patrons chuckled and clapped. The applause wasn’t as big for her as it had been for Owen, but she spied Brax in the back clapping loudly. All the work was worth it to see the happiness on his face and know that he’d found his way into the library and the library had found its way into his life. He was a strong reader now, and that was better than all the applause she could get in a lifetime.

As soon as the clapping died down, Bree turned to go. Owen grabbed her hand and held her there. “There’s something I need to say to Bree while she’s up here.”

She tried not to look at Owen, but she could see him watching her out of the corner of her eye.

“Bree.” He tugged on her hand, prompting her to turn to look at him. “Bree,” he said, softer and with feeling. “You shouldn’t like me.”

Bree cut a glance at the crowd. Every eye was on the stage and no one spoke. Smoke wafted up from the barbecue and even the mayor had stopped to listen. It was like the park had been frozen in time.

“I’m rough around the edges and I pushed you away because I was afraid to let you break my heart. In the process, I broke yours. You shouldn’t like me, Bree, but I’m praying you do.”

Bree’s free hand covered her mouth. Tears blurred her vision, making it difficult to see Owen.

“Give us a second chance—give me another chance to prove to you that I love you more than my fear. I promise I won’t let my fears win out again.” He dropped the mic away from his mouth. “Please, Bree. I don’t want to be lonely anymore.”

She sniffed, moving her hand from her mouth to his stubble-covered cheek. He was afraid?Him? “I don’t like you, Owen. I love you.”

He threw his arms around her and lifted her off the ground. “I’m going to kiss you in front of the whole town.”

“I’m going to kiss you back.” She tipped her chin up, and when their lips met, all the love Owen had professed to have for her rushed through her body like warm tingles and musical notes.

Owen was back and he loved her.

“All right, you two—this is a family event.” The mayor pried the mic out of Owen’s hand and bumped the two of them with his hip.

Owen released her just enough that she could touch her feet to the ground, though she wondered if she’d ever feel the earth beneath her feet again. Owen loved her—said so in front of a hundred people.

“Who’s ready to play catch with Owen Mattox from the Texas Titans?” The mayor’s voice boomed through the park.

Owen grinned down at her. “I guess I have to go play.”

She giggled. “If you must, you must.”

“Will you be here when I get done?” A note of vulnerability came through. “We should talk.”

Bree ran her hands up his nicely formed arms. “I’ll be here.”

He pressed a kiss to her cheek and then jogged down the steps to land in a group of eager football fans, children and adults alike. The lines around his eyes were tight; this wasn’t easy for him. But when he caught Bree’s eye, she could see that he was willing to do it for her. He was herefor her. If ever there was an act of love that proved how much he cared, it was the Lone Ranger working a crowd.

Later on, after the children had eaten every last hot dog and the parents had taken all the selfies they wanted, Owen and Bree sat on the edge of the stage. Their legs dangled over the edge, his much longer than hers.

He took her hand, tangling their fingers together. “I’m sorry.”

She leaned against his arm, soaking in the sturdiness of his body and his newfound determination to be a part of her life. “I know.”

“I should have shared my past.”

She shook her head. “You don’t have to, Owen. I have things buried too. A girl doesn’t grow up without a dad and come out without some issues. I think, as long as we understand that those are in the past, and that we are building new memories independent of those, we will be okay.”

He put his arm around her and pulled her onto his lap. “You can tell me anything you want, or you can lock it away. It won’t change how I feel about you.”

She cocked her head to the side and trailed her nails up the short hair on the back of his neck. He shivered. “How’s that?”

He pressed his forehead to hers. “I’m in love with you.”

She breathed in as if the words were particles in the air and she could absorb them into her cells. “I love you too.”

He cupped her face and brought his warm lips to hers, kissing her slowly as if drawing out the moment to last forever and hold all their love inside of it.

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