Page 1 of The Forever Game

CHAPTER1

BAXTER

I’m getting married tomorrow.

Finally. This wedding has been three years in the making, and I’m so ready for it. I’m more than ready. It should have happened years ago, but one thing after another has thwarted our plans.

But not this time.

Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be waiting at the end of the aisle to watch my stunning bride walk toward me. It’s going to be epic.

We just need to get through the rehearsal dinner first.

So not my thing, but it’s tradition, right?

I shake the hand of Tammy’s uncle. I should remember the guy’s name, but I don’t see the Tan family much. Once a year at Christmas is hardly enough, and I’m already flustered tonight.

For one, I’m in a suit and tie, which feels more like a straitjacket and noose around my neck. Tammy is on the other side of the room, greeting guests with her perfect smile and bubbly nature. In these situations, I feel kind of lost when she’s not by my side. Kai’s got his arm around her waist and is clinging pretty close. I get it. I wish I could do the same… and start working my way across the room as soon as I’m able.

“How’s it going, man?”

I grin at Casey, giving him a look that says it all.

He laughs and slaps me on the shoulder. “It’ll all be over soon, bro. Don’t worry about it.”

I notice his loosened tie and disheveled hair and feel a surge of envy. Wish I could do the same. Wish I could lose the tie altogether and be in jeans and my comfy work boots.

“I just have to survive tonight and the ceremony. Then I can relax.”

“Yeah, well, at least the rehearsal’s done so we all know where to stand and shit.” Casey laughs.

I nod, then glance down at Caroline, who’s sitting at the table with a small frown.

She’s pregnant and looks ready to pop. The baby isn’t due for a month yet, but she’s been complaining about the heat and muttering, “How am I going to last another four weeks!”

I heard her say that to Lani before as she wiped her brow with a napkin and shifted in her chair, rubbing her lower back and mumbling about feeling like a whale.

Casey follows my line of sight, brushing his hand over his wife’s shoulder, then playing with the ends of her hair while she continues talking to Lani, who has a loved-up smile on her face. Maybe being at this wedding is finally getting her in the mood to marry Asher. They’ve been dating for so long with not even a hint of a proposal in sight. Tomorrow, she’s a bridesmaid and he’s a groomsman. Maybe standing up front during our practice run got them thinking about their own future.

According to the rumor mill that seems to run continually no matter how far apart we all live, Asher really wants to propose, but Lani has told it to him straight that she’s not ready until after she’s finished her doctorate. Who knows how long that will take? She’s been studying for forever!

It’s driving Asher a little insane… and last I heard, he was planning on just ignoring her request and popping the question. I don’t know if he’s done it yet, though.

Lani laughs at something Caroline just said, giving her wrist a sympathetic squeeze while Asher grins between them, kissing Lani’s bare shoulder before skimming his fingers down her arm.

“Sorry I’m late.” I spin and smile at a flustered-looking Liam. It’s unusual to see him out of sorts like this. He’s usually cool and calm, but there’s a marked frown on his face that he’s struggling to hide.

I shake his hand. “No worries, man. Rachel warned us that you were tied up at work. Glad you could make it.”

“Thanks.” He nods and starts scanning the room for his wife. As soon as he spots her, he seems to relax and looks back at me, his lips curling up at the edges. “The rehearsal go okay?”

“Yep.” I grin. “Rachel is the perfect maid of honor. Tammy’s in good hands.”

Liam’s smile grows a little wider. “She was so touched when Tammy asked all those years ago. I’m stoked it’s finally happening for real.”

“Tell me about it.” I bulge my eyes, then let out a throaty chuckle. It’s edged with a nervousness I can’t hide. There’s less than twenty-four hours to go until Tammy’s officially my wife, and if history has taught me anything… that’s still plenty of time for things to completely bomb.

Casey moves around me, slapping Liam on the shoulder. “You good, dude?”

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