Page 71 of Seein’ Red

And all he’s thinking about is slow dancing with me.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it,” he continues, winking.

“Maybe I have, maybe I haven’t,” I deflect, trying to play coy. Except, coy is the last thing I’m feeling right now. I’m too overwhelmed by something else I can’t name.

“I’ve already bribed the DJ to play our song.”

“We have a song?”

Now he’s stumped me. I didn’t realize anything about our relationship over the years—childhood friends, our very brief maybe-could-be-more-than-friends, frenemies with benefits—ever had any musical accompaniment.

“You’ll see.”

He winks again, and I’m done in. Seriously, he needs to stop that. Or I’m not going to make it down this aisle in one piece.

The “Feather Theme” from Forrest Gump starts up, and that’s our cue. Noel and Sylvie ready themselves in front of us, so I do the same. Sucking in a breath, I remind myself that I can do this. All we are is a groomsman and a bridesmaid. Walking down the aisle with Nash means nothing.

Except, it means everything.

Try as I might, the only thing I can think of is Nash standing at the other end of those pews, waiting on me. His insanely sexy smirk turning into the goofy grin that takes up his whole face as I make my way toward him, closing the gap one slow step at a time. Closing in on our forever.

One where we’re happy. A family.

I have to stop. I can’t let myself get lost in that fantasy. Because that’s not what this is. My being pregnant doesn’t mean that suddenly there’s a happy ending to all this. And when wedding week is over and the reality of what being pregnant means crashes down on us, so will the dream of there being something more.

Taking a gentle step forward in time with the music, we start our descent down the aisle. It feels like the whole town is here, all eyes on us as we make our way toward Dustin and Reverend Terry.

“Willa,” Nash whispers, tilting his head toward me.

“Hmmm?”

“Just so you know, this won’t be the last time we do this.”

O…M…F…G…

I need to keep my cool. I can’t let him get to me. Staying strong is the most important thing right now.

“Only if Bronwyn makes me maid of honor,” I quip, trying to keep it light.

“Not what I mean, baby, and you know it.”

My heart skips a beat. There’s so much I want to say. So many feelings to express. But this isn’t the time or the place. Not to mention the end of the aisle is quickly approaching and we’re about to stand on our respective sides.

“I didn’t actually agree, you know.”

There. That should help cool the ardor. I hope.

“Yet.”

Coming to a halt right in line with the first row of pews, Nash leans over and places a chaste kiss on my cheek. Winking once more, he lets me go, shifting to go stand next to his brother.

It’s all I can do to walk, much less not trip over my feet, my head spinning from that one little word. Three little letters giving my heart the hope that it doesn’t need. All while setting my insides on fire.

Kenzie can keep her clitterflies. Because Nash Keller gives me pussy quivers.

And I’m here for it.

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