Page 89 of The Trouble with Runaway Brides

We walk over to the booth and Kenzie kisses my cheek when I sit down beside her. I put my hand on her knee, but I’m having a hard time relaxing. Lately, Kenzie has been going out on her own more than usual. I thought maybe I was too much and she needed a break. We spend a lot of time together, but for me, it’s not a problem. I love it.

In fact, last weekend when we were in New York City, I bought her a ring. I just haven’t figured out how to propose yet. I want it to be special and I’m not telling a soul because I don’t trust any of them. But I always have it on me just in case the perfect moment presents itself.

The waitress comes over and we all order our usuals.

“So, guys… Van would like an invitation to our diner meetings.” Brinley gives us a pleading look. “As his fiancée, I vote yes.” She raises her hand.

“Me too.” Kenzie raises her hand.

“Then we’d have to get a table, not a booth. That’ll make me the fucking fifth wheel, not the third,” Easton argues.

I raise my hand. “Sorry, you’re outvoted. Try dating a girl for longer than a week.”

Easton rolls his eyes. “Well, it doesn’t matter since I leave soon for spring training.”

This is the time of year I hate. When Easton leaves us for the majority of the year. Sure, we make time to see him, but the professional baseball schedule is grueling with barely any breaks. I’m hoping that’s the reason he’s not settling down yet.

“We’re gonna come to a lot of games,” Kenzie says and looks at me. “Right?”

“Yeah, of course.”

Kenzie looks confused—probably due to my lack of excitement—but I don’t really care. I’m annoyed at myself really, but also at them.

Brinley messages Van, and a few minutes later, he strolls over from their apartment across the street. We move over to a table which confuses Mindy, the waitress, but she eventually figures it out.

“Thanks, guys,” he says and kisses Brinley’s cheek. “I felt left out.”

“I totally understand,” I say.

Kenzie rears her head back, looking at me. “I think I was the one who was left out for a long time.” She points at herself.

“Holy shit, are we about to see the first fight?” Easton pretends he’s eating popcorn and watching a movie.

“No, dipshit.” I roll my eyes.

After Van orders, we talk about the latest drama in our big family. I’m honestly just happy my life is no longer on the agenda for everyone to discuss. Apparently our aunt Sedona is upset, crying all the time because our cousin Palmer went off to travel after she finished college like her parents dictated. She was supposed to return this summer, but she just called and said something came up, but she’ll try to visit soon. I’m not sure she’s ever going to return to Lake Starlight.

After we’re done eating, I toss some bills on the table and Kenzie and I leave.

“So, you want to tell me what’s going on?” Kenzie pulls me over to the gazebo.

“It’s nothing. I gotta go home and get on a conference call. Are you headed somewhere?”

“I have some errands to run, but I won’t be long. I’ll see you at home?” She hugs me and kisses my jaw.

“Yeah, okay.”

“I thought we didn’t keep secrets,” she says, poking my stomach as though that’ll get me out of my bad mood, but it won’t.

“That’s what I thought too.” There’s an edge to my tone.

Her forehead creases. “What’s with you?”

I should tell her, but it’s my own issue, isn’t it? I don’t actually think there’s anything going on between her and Easton. They both love me and wouldn’t do that. I just wish I hadn’t seen that he texted her so late last night or their two faces so close together at the diner just now.

“One of my errands is lingerie. So hurry up with that conference call, so when I get home, you’re free.”

I smile and bring her chin up so our eyes meet. “See you soon.”

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