Page 65 of The First Best Man

“Why not?” Sam asks.

“Because he lives in San Francisco,” Logan offers. “And he’ll never ask Kate to leave her life here to be with him.”

“So, you move here. Problem, solved,” Sam says like it’s a fait-accompli.

“It’s not that easy,” I say. “My father gave me the company. He and all of our employees depend on me to steer the ship. I have tobethere to do that.”

But do I really? I push the thought away. Of course, I do. My job is not one that can be telecommuted.

“Love always finds a way,” Sam says with a touch of melodrama, then chuckles.

I know he’s joking, but his words ignite a spark in my chest. Could we find a way to make it work?

No. Even if my feelings for Kate are muddled with confusion,she’snot in love withme. That much, I know. And even if she thinks she is, how would I know it’s real and not just some emotional attachment because I was her first?

I can’t use that as an argument right now, though, because Sam doesn’t know about that. But Logan does, and he seems to read my thoughts, because he shakes his head.

“You should talk to her. Ask her how she feels, and trust that she knows her own heart,” my best friend says, giving me a clap on the back before standing to go take his turn on the lane.

“He’s right,” Sam says. “Kate is a smart woman, andan honest one, too. She’ll tell you the truth, and when she wants something, she makes it happen.”

I nod, indicating that I’ll think about it, and Sam returns the gesture before pushing himself up to go watch Logan bowl. Left alone with my thoughts for the moment, I swallow thickly as I think about what they said.

Should I tell Kate what I’m feeling? And if she feels the same, could we really make it work?

I’m leaving, regardless, so what do I have to lose?

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Kate

God,this massaging pedicure chair is exactly what the doctor ordered. After the stressful ordeal at the bridal shop, I think we all needed this. Well, Penny and I did, anyway. Blaine is…Blaine.

Penny is in the chair between us, happily chatting about the wedding and how amazing it is that J.T. saved the day like that. He refused to tell her and Logan how much money he spent to make it happen and insisted they consider it a wedding gift. For someone who warned me to keep my distance from Tucker just five days ago, she sure is singing his praises now.

Blaine is quiet, obviously still stewing in her anger. I inhale deeply and blow it out in a long, steady stream. I need to fix this, for Penny’s sake.

Leaning forward, I say, “Blaine, I’m sorry.”

She looks at me, her face devoid of emotion as shearches a single brow. Okay, I guess I could’ve tried a little harder to make that apology sound sincere.

“Sorry?” Penny asks. “Sorry for what?”

Before I can answer, Blaine cocks her head and shoots me a death stare, saying, “Kate accused me of destroying your dress.”

“What?” Penny barks, her head whipping around to stare at me with wide, disbelieving eyes. “Why would you do that?”

“She was acting bored, like none of it mattered, and then a second later, she wassmiling,” I say defensively. “Your heart was breaking, and she looked happy about it. It was an honest mistake. I apologized.”

Blaine lifts a hand, catching my attention, then swirls a finger toward her head, saying, “This is my face. I can’t help how it looks or howyouinterpret my expression. And I started smiling because Logan was going on and on about how much he loves Penny, and how it doesn’t matter what she wears. That she would be the most beautiful woman in the room, even in dirty rags. I wassmilingbecause I’m happy for my brother. And for Penny. That kind of love isn’t easy to find.”

Shit.Now Ireallyfeel like an asshole.

Penny reaches over and takes Blaine’s hand, thanking her quietly. Blaine smiles back at her––a real one––and repeats how happy she is for them.

“I’m really sorry, Blaine,” I say, and she must decide I mean it this time, because she turns her smile on me and nods.

“So who did it?” Penny asks as we settle back in our chairs.

---