Page 64 of Seein’ Red

It would be, if I had manned up years ago. Or if I hadn’t lied to her in the first place. But I did. And I let it fester. I let it go on for years and years and did nothing. So now, here we are.

Reaching across the table, I grab the deck of cards and start dealing. I need something else to occupy my mind. Something that doesn’t leave me feeling like a complete jackass.

Because truth is, I’m a complete jackass.

“I don’t think you understand. This is Willa Hayes we’re talking about. Perfection personified,” I blurt out, everything that’s been simmering in me suddenly boiling over. “I don’t even know where to begin giving her what she deserves. I’m not good enough for her, and we all know it. More than anything, she knows it.”

Silence takes over again, leaving me to stew in everything I just word vomited.

I start to deal out the cards, once again trying to distract myself. The silence is borderline deafening though. Someone needs to say something. It’s just not going to be me. I’ve said enough for one night. More than enough.

And in doing so, I killed game night…

“I thought that about Sylvie,” Camden says, breaking the silence after a long pause. “Turns out, she also thought that about me. So, you might feel that about yourself, but you don’t know what she’s feeling. You need to show her how you feel. I just don’t suggest making up an alter ego to do it.”

I sputter out a laugh. Camden might have made a mess out of how he showed Sylvie his feelings, but he was still a step ahead of me. Because he did it.

“Camden’s right. You need to show her that you’re not that guy anymore. If Kenz can forgive me, then hope is not lost.”

“She wants a fresh start, so give it to her,” Noel says.

“And just how do I do that? She’s seen all my tricks.”

“Then it’s time to learn some new ones, old dog.”

“Girls love weddings,” Dustin chimes in. “No better time to turn up the charm. Show her you’re really in this.”

He’s right. They all are. Maybe I don’t need an apology. I need to take the focus off the past and put it on the future. I need to show her the man I am now and what our life together can look like.

That, I can do. But there’s something else I have to do first.

“Charm comes later, boys. Right now, it’s time I kick your ass at Uno.”

18

NASH

A tent. In a field.

To be fair, it’s not just any field. It’s the field in the center of town next to the library.

MacKenzie Rose Noble could hold her wedding reception anywhere in the world, and she chose the field next to the library.

A move that could not be more fitting.

Walking across the small, shared parking lot between the library and Hickory Hills Baptist, I smile, letting the cheesy grin take over. Standing, waiting for me at the door to the church is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.

And she’s glowing.

I slow down just enough to wrap an arm around her, yanking her into me and dipping her as our mouths meet for a sizzling kiss. Her arms wrap around my neck, her body easing as I hold on tight, making a show of it, even if no one is around to see.

Standing back up straight, I pull back from the kiss but keep my arm in place. The dreamy look Willa gives me lets me know she appreciates the gesture. Her lack of running away or insulting me tells me even more though.

I’m no longer her dirty little secret.

“You’re needed inside,” she says. “Urgently.”

“Urgently? I’m not even late.”