Page 99 of Force At Third

“You think you can get someone to help?”

He shakes his head. “Already sliding into pro athlete’s wife position nicely, I see.”

“I mean, I could do that, or I could visit my father and let him know I’m getting engaged.”

He smiles, realizing what that means for the business. “Yeah, I think I know a guy.”

We both look at the ring, and he rolls his eyes.

I take up arms. “Means more to me because his grandmother wanted me to have it.”

“I’m not dissing the ring because it’s big and green. I’m busting on you because you have no clue how rare a green diamond is and how much that thing is probably worth.”

***

When I feel the bed dip beside me, I roll to my side and whimper, clearly forgetting I was shot yesterday, or the day before, or hell, I have no idea what time or day it is, for that matter. What I do know is today felt like I was transported back ’05, and we’re getting a second chance.

“Missed the game. Ya win?” I whisper.

“He won, all right. You. And a bitch doesn’t even have the decency to call or text her besties? What the fuck, York?”

“I suck,” I admit, rubbing my eyes with the back of my hand. “But honestly, I’m still pissed at you, Chloe Aiken, for tearing my ass up and taking his side.”

“Yeah, well, worked, didn’t it?” She grabs my hand. “Huh, it really is kinda green.”

I snatch my hand away. “Maybe that’s why I didn’t tell you. Maybe I knew you wouldn’t see the beauty in her.”

“That must have been one hell of an interpretive dance.” Chloe giggles.

“Her?”

Apparently, Whit’s here, too.

I open my eyes and sit up. “Shouldn’t you all be at the game?”

“Left at the top of the fourth. They’re ahead by four runs. They’ll win.” Whit sits on the other side of me. “Let me see that ring before I check you over.”

I hold out my hand. “She has a story.”

“I bet she does.” Whit smiles.

I narrow my eyes at her and pull my hand away. “Mama June gave this to Theresa on her deathbed and made her promise to give it to Leland when he proposed to me.”

When I look up from it, they’re looking at me like I have three heads.

“What?”

Chloe waves me off like I’m not even here and looks at Whitley. “She’s going to be the world’s bitchiest bride.”

“Ultimate Bridezilla,” Whit agrees.

“You bitches use GPS to get here?” I lie back down and pull a pillow over my face. “Feel free to use it on your way out.”

“Oh, we’re not leaving; we’re staying the night,” Chloe says. “Your matron of honors are here, and we have a wedding to plan.”

“Marks!” I yell.

“Oh my God, she is such a diva.” Whitley laughs.

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