Page 100 of The Puck Bunny

The wedding party is assembled outside of City Hall when I arrive and my eyes go directly to Sara. She takes my breath away, standing there with a bouquet of carnations and looking like the jewel among all the ladies.

I take my place next to her, not caring about what the protocol might be.

Mindy introduces me to her mom who titters, saying of course she knows me.

“Let’s get this show on the road,” Jonas says and leads us inside.

The clerk tells us to wait in the lobby for a few minutes and I take Sara’s arm. “Can I talk with you a minute?” I move us away from the group.

She goes along and doesn’t say anything. The tension shows in the stiffness of her smile that should be soft.

“Come with me to my family’s for dinner after the ceremony.”

“I told you—”

“Please.” Pain releases the plea from me and stays to constrict my chest.

She gives me a long studying look and her face softens. Then she looks down.

“I can’t go like this.”

At least she didn’t say she wouldn’t go.

“You look nice.” I grin, because nice isn’t the right word. She’s dressed in a tight, low-cut pink version of the team jersey with my number on it, a short black shirt with tights, and tall boots.

She blushes, but she stays quiet.

I don’t rush her. I want to convince her so fucking bad, but I don’t want to force her.

“If I can go home and change, I’ll go.”

“You have a deal.”

After the ceremony we head to the lobby from the courtroom and I can feel the joy in the air. I hand Jonas an envelope. “Put that in your pocket. It should be helpful for your honeymoon when you get a chance to have one.”

“I don’t know when that’ll be with the baby coming,” Jonas says, his grin faltering.

“You’ll manage,” I say and point to the huddle of the bridal party, all smiles and giggles and hugs as they give Mindy their well-wishes and gifts. I watch Sara, with her kind, sad smile, make Mindy feel special as she hands her a small gift. “You have plenty of potential baby-sitters there. Heck, even I’d help you out if you go on the off-season.”

“You? Take care of a baby?” He laughs.

“Sure. I have a couple of nephews and I’m pretty good with them. I like kids.”

Mindy and her entourage join us and I automatically reach for Sara, pulling her to my side.

“This reprobate just volunteered for baby-sitting duty,” Jonas says to Sara. “I might let him if you help.”

“That would be wonderful,” Mindy says.

Sara gives me a smile. “I bet Quinn would be great at taking care of a baby. He’s a natural at giving comfort.”

Sheila and the others volunteer their services and Mindy laughs, shining with joy.

Sara makes her the center of attention as they talk about the baby, but then the courthouse door swings open and three people walk in.

This is not going to go over well.

CHAPTER 31