Page 91 of Irresistible

“Good idea, thanks,” I say, giving him a bro-shake. “Great to see you, man.”

“You too.”

“Scarlett’s been dying to ask you about it,” Jamison says. “You’ve gotten a breather because of the wedding, but my guess is once we get through the ceremony, the focus will be on the two of you.”

“Oryoucould distract her with something else,” Pappy says, “like another wedding to plan.”

Everyone laughs at Pappy, and Jamison puts his arms on his granddad’s shoulders and shakes him gently. “And take away from Theo and Sofie? I think not.”

“Mm-hmm,” Pappy says. “You know my thoughts on marriage when you find the one you love. Don’t waste another second. Marry them and begin your life together. Don’t look back.”

“We’re not looking back and not wasting any seconds, I promise, Pappy,” Jamison says. “I could say the same to you, you know. You’d make one of these women around here really happy if you’d give them a chance.”

Pappy scoffs. “They’re all so forward.” He shakes his head. “Three nights this week, my phone rang after nine o’clock.”

“Uh-oh.” Jamison laughs. “The ultimate no-no for Pappy.”

“Because when I was little, I had to go without breakfast and lunch for calling my buddy Joe after nine. I guess that made it stick with me.” He chuckles. “It’s not even taken into consideration these days. And I don’t know…I don’t know how I feel about a woman calling me when I’ve shown no signs of interest. I prefer a little more of a challenge.”

“Maybe we should let it be known that that’s your preference,” Theo says, laughing.

“Nah, then it wouldn’t be authentic. I’m good,” Pappy says. “So, back to you and Marlow.”

I laugh. “I see what you’re doing. Are we getting ready for a wedding or what? This day is about Theo and Sofie, not me.”

“Or me, thank goodness,” Pappy says.

* * *

A few hours later,I’m standing down by the lake behind Theo and Sofie’s house, my heart in my throat when Marlow walks down the aisle looking like a vision.

And then Dakota tossing flower petals on the ground, her smile radiant—she steals everyone’s heart all over again.

It takes consistent effort to focus on anyone but Marlow during the ceremony, even as Theo and Sofie exchange heartfelt vows. Marlow’s hazel eyes look greener as she wipes the tears from her cheeks, her cheeks lifting with her smile. There’s not a dry eye anywhere when Theo tells Sofie he’ll love her until the end of time.

Before long, we’re eating and toasting to Theo and Sofie’s happiness, the sounds of laughter combined with the bird songs and frogs croaking traveling through the water and trees and twinkle lights. And then we’re out on the wooden dance floor that we built for this occasion, arms raised and hips shaking as we all let loose.

By the third song, Dakota has danced hard enough to be out of breath. Her hair is falling out of her “princess updo” and her tiara is hanging precariously.

“Here, let me see if I can fix this crown, Princess Sweets.” I put my hand on her shoulder while she keeps swaying.

I find the pin and hold it up triumphantly. Marlow grins and pushes back Dakota’s hair and I pin the tiara in place, feeling more victorious over this small feat than when I help someone in the ER.

Dakota runs off to dance with Owen and his friends, and I put my hands on Marlow’s waist.

“I got called out for having my car parked outside your condo every night,” I admit, as we slow dance to a fast song.

“I got called out for the healthy glow I’ve been wearing for the past couple of weeks,” she says, smiling up at me.

“Damn nosy birds,” I mutter, smiling back at her.

“Who needs ‘em?”

“What would you do if I kissed you right here in front of everyone?” I shift so we’re even closer.

She laughs, looking so happy, and then she looks around at everyone dancing around us. Her mouth parts and she gasps and puts her hand over her mouth. “Oh my goodness, Wyatt,look.”

I look in the direction she’s facing and we stop moving. Grinny and Pappy are out on the dance floor, dancing.

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