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Even if these days are all we have before reality crashes down on us.
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be than here with you right now, Owen. Weddings are normally tough for me, too. They used to remind me of what my life was missing. And that would lead to memories of my mom and the lack of love there. I think everyone just wants to be loved, you know?” She looked out toward the head table. “But I don’t need to compare my life to anyone else’s today. Becauseyoumake me happy. And that’s a good feeling.”
“I’m glad, beautiful.” I smiled. “Do you have to be home by a certain time tonight?”
“Heath and Hannah are spending the night at Heath’s friend Lucas’s house. He’s the one friend whose parents I know. I spoke to them and everything.”
“That’s great. I’m so glad we don’t have to rush back.”
“Hey, I’m headed to the bar,” Brayden interrupted. “What do you guys want?”
I looked over at Devyn, feeling badly that he’d put her on the spot.
“Just a seltzer with lime would be great,” she said.
“A seltzer with limeand tequilacoming up.” He winked.
“No, really.” Devyn held out her palm. “Alcohol hasn’t been agreeing with me lately. So I’m taking a break.”
He laughed. “Seriously?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, that blows. Weddings are much more fun when you’re drunk.” He turned to me. “Seltzer for her. Beer for you?”
“Yeah. Any kind is fine. Thanks, man.”
Brayden patted me on the shoulder and headed for the bar.
Devyn sighed and spoke in a low voice, “How long can I get away with that excuse?”
“Don’t worry about it.” I rubbed her leg. “It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks.”
“I guess it will come out soon enough.” She rubbed her tummy. “I can only hide it for so long.”
“We can say you had too much Key lime pie…”
She chuckled.
The thought of Devyn’s belly swelling over the months to come gave me chills. I wondered how soon we’d be able to do a paternity test. She’d said she planned to discuss it with her doctor at her next appointment. I shook that thought from my head, because there was nothing to be done about it now.
After Brayden returned with our drinks, they served dinner. Devyn and I had both chosen steak, which was cooked to perfection.
Later, after watching Holden smash cake into Lala’s face during the cake cutting, I turned to my gorgeous date and held out my arm. “Shall we dance, Miss Marks?”
“I would love to, Mr. Dawson.” She flashed a huge smile. “Thank you for asking.”
Devyn followed me to the dance floor as “Love Shack” by the B-52s began. Her laugh was infectious as she bounced to the music. I’d never seen her so carefree. I didn’t know what was going on tonight, but I wanted to bottle it up. I clapped my hands as she shook her hips, and I couldn’t resist bringing her in for a kiss. I was crazy about this woman and didn’t care who witnessed that.
We danced to three more songs before she suddenly stopped and stumbled over to the edge of the dance floor.
My heart sank as I followed. “What’s wrong, Devyn?”
“I don’t know. My stomach started to hurt just now. A lot of cramping all of a sudden.” She held on to her abdomen. “I think I need to go to the restroom.”
“Yeah.” I looked around frantically. “Let’s find it.”
Weaving through people, I took her hand and rushed her over to the corner of the venue where the bathrooms were.
