Page 14 of Keep

Something flashed in Derek’s eyes but he shrugged and handed the bottle over like it was no big deal. “If you want.”

I held the bottle and scrutinized him. Derek must be twenty now and the last I heard he was living up by the university, going to school and working at one of Stone and Conway’s garages part time. He had the broad-shouldered, sun-kissed Gentry looks and I was sure he had no trouble collecting as much female attention as he wanted. He’d never been in any real trouble and there was no reason to think he’d ever find any. He was a decent kid who came from a good home. There was no need to worry about him, at least not tonight.

“You need a ride home later?” I asked him in what I hoped was a friendly tone.

He stretched. “Nah. I have my car.”

My tone hardened. “Which you absolutely shouldn’t be driving if you drank half this damn bottle.”

“Relax, dude,” Derek laughed before shoving me good naturedly. “Kellan knows how to drive. I’ll give him the keys.”

He stuffed his hands in his pockets and whistled as he walked away. I watched him go, noting that he didn’t stumble or appear impaired. Still, that didn’t always mean shit and I was glad he understood that he wasn’t fit to get behind the wheel.

I chucked the bottle in the nearest trash can and returned to the wedding reception.

Cassie lit up when she saw me coming. I was quick to slide my arm around her waist and lead her back to the dance floor to take advantage of moving back and forth to When A Man Loves A Woman.

I tried to concentrate on the moment of having my girl in my arms and dancing to the perfect song but my mind wandered and I thought of young Izzy. I offered up a silent prayer even though I wasn’t sure how to pray.

My eyes landed briefly on a table not far from the dance floor where Derek was hassling his brother Kellan in a way that reminded me of Chase and Creed. The younger Gentry teens and Brecken appeared to be entertained by the spectacle and I was satisfied that all was well in that corner.

“I love you,” whispered Cassie and I was reminded that there was plenty to be grateful for and hopeful about right now. Despite the worrisome situation with Deck’s daughter, the day had to have a happy ending.

“I love you too,” I said, noticing Cami and Dalton engaged in a deep kiss six feet away.

Yeah, this day was destined to have a happy ending.

I kept telling myself that.

I didn’t understand why I couldn’t quite believe it.

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