Page 32 of Revived

Chapter 11

Rachel

“Pfeiffer… you look so gorgeous, girl.” Wetness pools in my eyes as I observe her while waiting in the car with her father and Jess in the parking lot of the town hall.

Today is Cash and Pfeiffer’s wedding. The spring afternoon is perfect for the ceremony taking place in front of the fence decorated with locks located deep within the park—a symbol and important place from the beginning of their story. Afterwards, we’ll all head back to their house, where their backyard has been transformed into a party space to celebrate the bride and groom.

“Thank you, Rach. I’m so glad you’re here. I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without you.” Her lips tremble through her smile as she dabs her eyes with a tissue. “And you too, Jess. I just can’t believe I get to marry him.”

“He’s a good man, darling,” her father chimes in, basking in the vision of his daughter dressed in white. Pfeiffer’s dress is stunning—form-fitting with a sweetheart neckline, beading that sparkles in the sunlight, and a simple band of diamonds around the waist. A matching headband keeps her hair off of her face, but her long locks are curled and flowing under her veil.

“I love him so much. I didn’t know it was possible to love someone as much as I love him.”

“He’s a lucky guy, Piper,” Jess adds. “You two are meant to be. I think everyone can see that.”

“Is it almost time? I can’t wait to see him,” she beams just as there’s a knock on the car window. I push the lever to lower the glass, granting me the sight of Luke and Cooper, dressed head to toe in navy suits.

“Are you guys ready to get the show on the road?” Cooper asks behind Luke. But I can’t focus on what he’s saying because the man standing in front of me is taking my breath away.

I’ve seen Luke in suits before, obviously since he dresses for work professionally each week. But this is different. This is him decked out in clothing that was made for his body, hugging his broad shoulders and chest, highlighting his muscles. His scruff is trimmed neatly and his hair styled to perfection. The messy coffee-colored strands are asking me to run my fingers through them, just as I’ve noticed he does in frustration. But I don’t just want to mess them up. No. I want to tug and pull and rub my hands along his neck as he kisses me passionately and steals the oxygen from my lungs.

“Earth to Rachel…” Cooper speaks, pulling me out of my daydream of making out with Luke as Jess chuckles behind me.

“Uh, sorry. Yes, we’re ready.”

“Rachel!” A miniature voice pulls my eyes down to the miniature person it belongs to. “Look at my suit! Daddy says I look handsome.”

“You do, Grayson! You look so handsome! Are you ready to walk the rings down the aisle? It’s a super important job.” Thank goodness for this kid, granting me the necessary distraction so I can stop ogling his father.

“Yes. I am going to be the bestest ring bearer ever!”

“That’s why we hired you, Grayson,” Pfeiffer says behind me as I open the door and step down from the car.

“Here, let me help you.” Luke offers me his hand, holding me steady as I find my footing on my heels. My eyes lift from the ground to his face and I swear, I see heat there. Ever since Luke almost kissed me last weekend, there’s been a lust-filled shadow following us around. We don’t speak about it, but I know he senses it too. The day after the almost kiss, we spent the morning at the aquarium with his parents. It was the first time I met his mom and dad, and I was instantly enamored with them. It was clear where Luke got his manners and good looks from, his father just a greyer version of the man standing in front of me.

But it wasn’t just spending time with them and being immersed in his family that made me crave Luke more. It was the conversation I had with his mother that ignited something in me to press him further.

“You’re good for him,” Catherine speaks, rolling up next to me at the sea turtle exhibit on her motorized scooter. The woman is recovering from hip surgery and walked for a while, but ultimately had to rest.

“Excuse me? Oh, you mean Grayson?” I smile as my heart picks up in my chest.

“Yes, Grayson, obviously. But not just my grandson. No… you’re good for my son too.” Her eyes tell me more than what she said with those words, but I decide not to read too much into it.

“Well, he’s been an amazing boss. He trusted me with his son, which I know wasn’t easy for him. And he gave me a place to live. I’ll forever be grateful to him for that.”

She shakes her head. “No. I mean you’re good for him,” she accentuates the last word and lifts her eyebrows. Now I know she is conveying something else.

“I’m sorry. But I think you’re getting the wrong idea…” I try to deny her, but I can’t tame the glimmer of hope that she sees what I’m starting to feel.

“No. I’m not. I know my son. He hasn’t been the same since he lost his wife. But since you came along, it’s like I’m seeing the version of my boy that I thought we’d lost forever. You’re good for him. And if the way he looks at you is any indication, I’d say he knows it.”

“But…”

She cuts me off. “No buts. You are the person he’s been waiting for, even if he doesn’t realize it. You love Grayson like he’s your own child and you compliment him, make him smile and laugh. I never thought I’d see those things from him again, let alone with another woman.”

I stare directly into her eyes, feeling mine water as she watches me. “I really care about him,” I finally say, keeping my voice as steady as possible.

“I know you do. Just be patient with him, Rachel. He will come around. If there’s anything I know about my son, it’s that he’s stubborn, convinced he’s meant to walk this earth alone for the rest of his life. But you are bringing him back to life. You’re reviving him. Be patient, and he’ll find his way to you.”

---