Page 9 of The Trouble with Runaway Brides

“Look at you, saving the day.” Brinley smacked me in the chest. “A modern-day Romeo.”

I shook my head as heat filled my cheeks. Kenzie didn’t say anything, and the three of us walked inside the banquet room, the massive chandeliers glistening above us. The usually white room was decorated with gold, silver, and white, with little treasure boxes in front of each place setting. A large 9-0 display was decorated in black-and-white pictures of Great-Grandma Dori throughout the years, while a slide show played for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour. It was as big as a wedding. Great-Grandma Dori was loved in Lake Starlight, so I wasn’t surprised by how many guests were there that night.

“It’s beautiful,” Mom said, covering her heart.

“Everything she wanted.” Aunt Savannah leaned her weight against Uncle Liam.

Kenzie and Brinley ran to the bathroom, and I ventured farther into the room.

Hours later, guests had left, and I took the chance to walk across the room and ask Kenzie to dance. I held out my hand.

She smiled, sliding her small hand in mine. “I’d love to.”

Brinley mouthed, “About time.”

Easton nodded to me as though he was giving me his approval.

I led her to the makeshift dance floor, and at first, I put our hands together and rested one hand on the small of her back. Just as my grandmother had taught me a long time ago when I had to go to parties with them. My New York grandparents liked to show me off as some treasure and I still didn’t know if I liked that or not.

But midway through the song, Kenzie slid her hand out of mine and wrapped her arms around my neck. I was still growing and wouldn’t reach my full height of six-one until senior year.

“Better,” she said, smiling up at me.

I tried not to stare down at her cleavage, but I had a perfect view as I circled us around the dance floor. As we danced, I said something I couldn’t even remember, but I do remember her laughing. The way her head fell back and a few strands of hair came loose from her updo. I remember her body stepping closer to me. I remember her head on my chest and my cheek resting on her head. I remember feeling something so intense I felt as if I was hovering above the clouds.

The night drew to a close and my mom and dad were busy helping the staff since we’d stayed past the time we’d said we’d be there. Uncle Kingston took Great-Grandma Dori home.

“Bye,” Kenzie said as Brinley walked toward her parents’ SUV.

“Could I… um… have your number?” I asked, wishing I hadn’t stuttered.

“I thought you’d never ask. Give me your phone and I’ll add my number.” I did as she asked, and afterward, she rose on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek. “I had a great time, Lance.”

“Me too,” I was quick to say, trying to pretend the kiss didn’t affect me even though my heart was beating so fast I was sure it was what a heart attack felt like.

She walked away and slid into Uncle Liam’s SUV, Brinley shooting me a grin and shaking her head.

That night as I lay in bed, I took out my phone and hovered over her number.

Me: Would you like to go out this Friday?

I waited for the three dots to appear, and they did but disappeared. Just as I thought she wasn’t going to answer, a message popped up.

Kenzie: Pick me up at six?

Me: I’ll be there.

Kenzie: Are you tired?

Me: No. You?

Kenzie: Not at all…

Those late-night text strings turned into video calls over the years. Kenzie and I dated all the way through our senior year. We were king and queen for homecoming and the couple most envied in the school. It was surreal until the reality of life hit us like a sledgehammer.

Four

Kenzie

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