Page 138 of Waiting For Fate

“We have to wait a month to find out what the hell this is all about?” Ruby asks.

“Yes, there will be no tea pouring while I’m gone. I will not be deprived of the opportunity to see this story unfold. Or unravel, depending on whether or not they actually hate each other,” she mutters the last bit and I can’t help but snicker.

She returns to the dance floor with her dad for their father daughter dance and my heart absolutely bursts when I see Marilyn ask Tucker if he would like to dance for the mother son portion. He spins her across the floor, bringing the biggest grin to Marilyn’s face as he swipes a tear from his eye over her head so she can’t see. She really is one of a kind, that Marilyn.

“Hey sweetheart, I think I am going to head out.” My mom grabs my hand and I pull her in to hug her.

“Be safe and let me know when you’re home. Do you need a ride? I know you don’t like driving at night.”

“Oh, I’ll be fine. I just got my new glasses and the headlights on my car are working just fine.” She gives me a wink and I laugh, rolling my eyes at her sassiness.

“I love you. Talk to you tomorrow.”

“I love you too.” She takes one step then stops and turns to face me again. “You’re going to make the most beautiful bride one day, LeighAnn. I am so grateful you chose the love side of that line.”

“There’s a fine line between love and hate, LeighAnn, make sure you know what side you’re on before you lose him again.”

“Me too mom.” I smile at her, and she nods before leaving the reception.

CHAPTER 58

SAWYER

“Can I have this dance?”

“I don’t know, can you?” Leah teases, taking my hand as I lead her to the dance floor.

“I knew dating a teacher would eventually come back to bite me in the ass.” Her head falls back in laughter as we sway to the music.

“Are you having a good time?” She sighs and looks up at me, my soul immediately relaxing when those green eyes land on mine.

“I am. Today was so perfect. Taylor really outdid herself.”

“Tot has that I can do anything gene. There’s not much she hasn’t accomplished after setting her mind to it.” I watch as she and Tucker dance together, laughing, smiling, so in love that it’s sickening. Or at least, it would be if I didn’t relate to that very same feeling so damn much.

“You’re not wrong. She’s a force to be reckoned with.”

“So, any thoughts on when you want to do all of this and become my wife?” Her cheeks turn red and the smile on my face is instantaneous.

“I mean, it’ll probably have to be next year. I don’t really think planning a wedding during the school year would be the smartest decision.” I press my forehead to hers and groan.

“Fine.” I kiss the tip of her nose and she smiles.

“Maybe we can plan it for July next year? Just in case you guys may make it through the playoffs again. That way you have at least a little time to breathe before we get hitched.”

“Whatever you want, Dove. Just as long as by the end of it you’re officially my wife.” I lean down and capture her lips in mine to keep from telling her what I’ve been planning to do after the finals this year. “You wanna get out of here?” I whisper in her ear, not missing the way goosebumps break out over her arms.

“We can’t yet. We still have to do the sparkler send-off.” Her voice is heavy with regret and desire. I look around the room to see people still going strong mingling, dancing, and eating cake. No way is that send-off happening in an acceptable time frame.

“Come with me.” I take her hand and lead her off the dance floor.

“What? Where are we going?” she squeals, looking behind her before I throw her over my shoulder and stalk towards the house. “Put me down, Moose!” She slaps my ass and I slap hers back.

I walk into the restroom next to the laundry room—that is thankfully set apart from the rest of the house—and put her down on the counter.

“Why are we in here?” She fixes her hair, staring straight at me.

“You remember my first day back, during my welcome home party and you came in here to hide from me? When you brushed past me and put that ticket back in my pocket, I wanted to pull you into this bathroom and show you exactly why you should be mine.” Her cheeks grow rosy, and her chest rises and falls more visibly with every breath.

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