Page 29 of Maggie

He threaded his fingers through hers and rested them together against his leg. “Yes, we’ve got this. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Let’s have fun.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

Wylder pulled the Jeep into a parking space outside the church and let go of Maggie’s hand to turn off the engine. People milled around on the sidewalk outside the church doors and in the parking lot.

Wylder eyed the partygoers, dressed in expensive clothes, and said, “The groom is from a rich family, and the bride has always acted like she’s high-society. This is going to be a formal shitshow. I’m not looking forward to it.”

He reached for Maggie’s hand again. She took it and squeezed. “Relax. I’ve met both the President of the United States and the Queen of England. I’ve also been to $5,000 per plate dinners. I’m not intimidated. I promise you, I will impress the panties right off the bride.” She winked at him.

Wylder chuckled.

She said, “The important thing is to have fun. We’re going to eat cake, drink champagne, and maybe dance a little if you’re up for it. It’s going to be fun. You ready for this, fake boyfriend?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be, fake girlfriend.” He drew a deep breath and released it. She could feel the unease radiating off him. “Thank you. I owe you.”

She smiled and squeezed his hand. “You don’t owe me anything. Pretend this is some fancy-schmancy fundraiser for my job. We’re here to have fun and network. That’s it.”

Wylder nodded. “Okay, I can do that.”

They climbed from the Jeep and walked hand-in-hand together toward the church.

Wylder opened the church door and Maggie stepped through first into the entryway. Potted plants, a stone fountain, and stained glass windows set a lovely tone.

“Uncle Wylder!” someone shouted.

“Kelsey!” Wylder dropped Maggie’s hand and caught the child who hurled herself through the air at him in his arms.

Wylder propped Kelsey onto his hip and wrapped his arms around her like most people did toddlers, careful to make sure her dress stayed in place. Maggie noticed he favored his left side; his injuries from the car crash had been on his right. The girl was obviously bigger than a toddler, probably about ten, but Wylder had no trouble lifting her. Wylder and Kelsey both looked at Maggie. With their facial features side-by-side, their hazel eyes, and their matching brown hair, Maggie could see the similarities. If she hadn’t known better, she would have assumed Kelsey was Wylder’s daughter. Kelsey wore a purple dress and a crown of purple flowers in her hair.

“You must be Kelsey. It’s very nice to meet you.” Maggie extended her hand to Kelsey for a handshake.

“I am. You’re Maggie from Lovely Oblivion, aren’t you?” Kelsey shook Maggie’s hand.

Maggie nodded. “I am. Your uncle has told me so much about you.”

“Really? He hasn’t told me anything about you.” Kelsey glared and smacked him.

“Ouch.” Wylder laughed. “I’m sorry. Kelsey, this is Maggie. Maggie, this is Kelsey.”

Maggie said, “Nice to meet you. Are you a fan?”

“I am! I’m so excited to meet you. I know all of Lovely Oblivion’s songs. How do you know Uncle Wylder?”

“Your uncle tattooed me a few years ago.” Maggie gestured to the tattoo on her forearm.

Kelsey smacked Wylder again. “You’ve known someone from my favorite band for years and you never told me?”

“Your favorite band, huh?” Wylder teased. “What if I say that I’ve tattooed all of them? Does that get me bonus points?”

Kelsey gasped. “You’re lying!”

“Nope. You know those matching band tattoos? All me.”

Kelsey looked to Maggie for verification, and Maggie nodded. “He has.”

“That is so awesome. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”

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