Page 85 of Lock 'em Down

And tomorrow, I’m going to take the next step and propose, since Cami beat me to it the first time. I love that about our story. Hudson and Chris laughed until they cried when I told them that it’s my turn to propose. I grin at the memory and my smile widens as I approach her, standing beside the bar.

“You look beautiful,” I say, bending down to brush a kiss over her cheek.

She smiles but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Thanks. You clean up pretty well, too.”

I frown. “What’s wrong?” My hand settles in the center of her back.

She shakes her head, her eyes darting across the venue to Piper and Hudson. “Nothing. Just…felt off all day.”

My frown deepens and I tug her closer. She comes easily and places her head against my shoulder, as if the energy just zapped from her body. Damn, I hope she’s not coming down with something. “I’m sorry, baby. What can I do?”

Cami shakes her head and pulls away. “Nothing. I’m sure it will pass. Let’s enjoy tonight. Let’s dance and mingle and have a beautiful time celebrating Casey and Chris. Their love.” Her voice hitches at the end.

I study her, wondering if she feels worse than she’s letting on. When she threads her fingers with mine, I relent. “Okay, but if you start to feel worse, we can dip out.”

Cami blinks fast, as if holding back tears. “I’ll be all right.” She tips her head toward the bar. “Champagne?”

“Are you sure you should have a drink?”

She snorts. “Trust me, I need one right now.”

“Okay,” I say, wondering what that’s supposed to mean. Before I can ask, Cami places the order and my friends surround us, everyone wanting to toast to Chris and Casey’s wedded bliss.

I let out an exhale and decide to talk to Cami about what’s bothering her tomorrow. Maybe she really doesn’t feel great. Or maybe seeing Casey and Chris marry made her nervous about our wedding. Or maybe I’m just reading into things and all she really wants is to have a great night.

I take a sip of the bubbly.

I can do that. I can give her a beautiful night. A night to remember.

Hell, every night with her is one I’d never want to forget.

We dance every slow song and most fast ones too. I hold Cami close, love the feel of her hand in mine, and sway to the music. I spin and dip her to some other tunes and love how her eyes lighten, bright blue sparkles in her gaze.

She looks at me longingly, like she can’t believe this is our life. Most days, I can’t believe it either. It seems too good to be true; too easy. No one marries the right person by accident, but I did.

I married the best person on a whim, and I’ve never been happier.

Hudson cuts in to steal my girl and I laugh as Piper pops up.

“You did good, Leif,” Piper says, tucking her dark brown hair behind her ears before taking my hand. “Cami is wonderful.”

I begin to dance with her. I didn’t know Piper as well as I would if I still lived in Ottawa but since she’s almost always around when I FaceTime with Hudson, I know her well enough. Enough that her opinion resonates and I’m happy she clicked with Cami. “She is,” I agree.

Piper gives me a long, searching look. Her dark eyes are sharp, studying me with an intensity that doesn’t belong in the center of a dance floor at a wedding.

“What’s going on, Pipe?” I ask, starting to feel like I’m on the outside of some joke—or a prank—I should be in on. Growing up with as many siblings as I have, you realize when you’re missing part of the picture like a sixth sense. The back of my neck prickles and my fingers flex on Piper’s slender hand.

Piper sighs. “I’ve heard a few things today that I think—and worry—may have gotten back to Cami.”

“What?” I frown.

Piper chances a glance at Hudson and Cami. Cami’s grinning at whatever wild, entertaining story Hudson’s recounting. Piper looks back at me, lowers her voice, and whispers, “I heard some of the guys here and some random women as well talking about you. Some say you won’t accept failure and that’s why you’re making this marriage with Cami work. Others are saying you don’t do serious and it’s only a matter of time until your relationship fizzles. But basically, a lot of people have a lot to say about your marriage with Cami. And if I was her and I heard some of the shit being said, my feelings would be hurt. I’m not telling you this to try to stir the pot; I just want to give you a heads-up. Cami is awesome and I’d hate for her to take any of that bullshit to heart.”

I rear back slightly at Piper’s words. I’ve spent the day with Chris and the guys, celebrating my friend’s wedding. I think to how Cami said she was feeling off all day. To how she looked upset earlier. Am I missing the signs? Did someone say something to her? Is she…worried?

“Thanks for letting me know, Piper,” I say, squeezing her hand. “I appreciate that.”

She nods. “I know, Leif. And trust me, I’m not one for gossip. But I know firsthand how misunderstandings can ruin a good thing.” Her eyes find Hudson again and I’m sure she’s recalling her history with him. The years they lost—years of friendship and trust and support—due to a lapse in communication.

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