Page 53 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Try these on,” Iris commands, handing me an armful of clothes. I reluctantly head to the fitting room.

After several minutes of trying on various outfits picked out by Iris and Avery, I start to feel overwhelmed and need a break. Slipping out of the fitting room, I make my way toward the store exit for some fresh air.

“Be right back,” I call over my shoulder, and Avery waves me off with a cheerful smile.

Once outside, I take a deep breath and lean against the wall. I hadn’t realized how stuffy it was inside the store until now. As I close my eyes for a moment, I hear the familiar sound of a lighter flicking open, followed by a deep inhale. My eyes snap open, and I find Charlie, the Archer brothers’ driver, standing a few feet away from me, puffing on a cigarette.

“You know, those things will kill you,” I say, trying to keep my tone light despite the heavy subject matter.

Charlie chuckles, smoke drifting from his lips as he does so. “You sound like one of those anti-smoking commercials, Miss Price.”

“You don’t have to call me Miss Price. Oakley is fine.”

“I just wouldn’t be comfortable with that.”

I change the subject. “Maybe they’re onto something,” I retort, crossing my arms over my chest as we drift back to the cigaretteconversation. “I mean, come on, there are countless studies that show how bad smoking is for your health.”

“Relax, sweetheart,” he says, giving me a dismissive wave as he takes another drag. “I’ve been smoking for years, and I haven’t had any major problems yet.”

“Yet” is the operative word here, but I bite back my retort, knowing it won’t do any good. Instead, I let out a resigned sigh, watching as the smoke dances through the air, carried away by the soft breeze.

“Besides,” he continues, “there’s something about a little vice that makes life interesting. Keeps the heart pumping, so to speak.” He winks, and I roll my eyes.

“Very poetic, Charlie,” I say sarcastically, shifting my gaze to the busy street in front of us. “But seriously, you should consider quitting.”

“Who knows?” He shrugs. “Maybe one day.”

“Maybe” isn’t a very reassuring word either, but I hold my tongue, choosing instead to focus on the warmth of the sun on my face, the way the wind gently tugs at my hair, and the hum of conversation around us. The world keeps moving, even when we’re standing still.

“Anyway,” I say, trying to change the subject, “what do you do for fun when you’re not chauffeuring around the Archer brothers?”

Charlie chuckles. “Believe it or not, driving them around is kind of fun. They always have something interesting going on.”

“Really?” I raise an eyebrow, genuinely curious. “I can’t imagine what it’s like working for those three.”

“Ah, it has its ups and downs, but overall, they’re good guys,” he says, a hint of fondness in his voice. “They’ve been through a lot together, and it shows in how they treat each other. And the people who work for them.”

“Still, it must be exhausting sometimes,” I admit, thinking about the whirlwind that seems to follow Reid, Gray, and Theo wherever they go.

“True, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else,” Charlie replies with a grin. “It keeps me young, you know?”

“Speaking of keeping young,” I tease, “what about finding a healthier hobby? You know, one that doesn’t involve inhaling toxic chemicals?”

“Ha! You never give up, do you?” He shakes his head, amused by my persistence. “Maybe I’ll take up knitting or something.”

“Hey, don’t knock it ’til you try it,” I retort playfully. “Knitting can be very therapeutic.”

After a moment of silence, curiosity gets the better of me. “Charlie, do you ever take any time off? You know, go on vacation or something?”

He looks at me thoughtfully, taking a final drag from his cigarette before stubbing it out. “Every now and then, but not too often. Why do you ask?”

“Everyone needs a break sometimes, even you,” I reply with a gentle smile.

“True enough,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck. “I guess I’d like to spend more time with my family. My granddaughter is growing up so fast, and I feel like I’m missing out.”

“Wait, you have a granddaughter?” I blink in surprise. Somehow, it had never occurred to me that Charlie might have a family. “That’s amazing.”

“Thanks, Oakley. She’s my pride and joy,” he says, a tender expression crossing his face. “I’d love to take her to the beach someday, maybe teach her how to build sandcastles.”

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