Page 51 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Georgia has always been like that,” she mutters, crossing her arms over her chest. “But I still can’t believe you’d volunteer yourself as my dance partner. Especially after…” Her words trail off, and we both know what she’s referring to…

“Oakley, I meant what I said,” I reaffirm, crossing my arms over my chest. “Being your dance partner doesn’t change anything between us. It’s just…Georgia is clearly a nutcase. She has noright to treat you like that. I feel as though I’d enjoy putting her in her place.”

She studies me for a moment longer, then finally nods, accepting my words. For now, at least.

“Alright,” she says, her voice soft but firm. “Thank you, Theo. I appreciate it.”

I don’t respond, picking up my tea from the counter. The warmth of the cup seeps through my fingers, grounding me in this strange moment. As I turn to leave the kitchen, I glance back at Oakley one last time. She’s standing there, looking both relieved and uncertain, her phone clutched tightly in her hands.

26

OAKLEY

Iknow all of this is last-minute, but I know it would mean the most to Georgia if you were to join us in Honolulu next week for a pre-wedding celebration—just for the family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. I know you’ve never been, and you’d have plenty of fun. And it’s a bit mandatory, considering you are a bridesmaid. I hope you don’t back out. It would hurt Georgia’s feelings.

Georgia would probably leap for joy if I backed out of being a bridesmaid.

I reread the message from my dad a couple times. A pre-wedding trip to Honolulu, Hawaii? My lips form a thin line, and I roll my eyes with disinterest. I let out a quiet huff and put the phone on the counter.

“No thanks,” I mutter under my breath, shaking my head while reaching for a frying pan. As I start making breakfast, my thoughts drift to what happened just a few moments ago. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that Theo has volunteeredto be my dance partner. It’s so unexpected, especially with how cold he’s been acting toward me lately.

“Okay, eggs and bacon,” I say to myself, cracking an egg into the sizzling pan. The smell of bacon fills the kitchen, but it does little to distract me from my worries about dancing with Theo. Why did he offer in the first place?

Maybe I should ask Reid or Gray instead.

They’d be more than happy to do it. But there’s no denying that Theo is the best dancer…or he was back when we were younger, anyway. Things could be different this time. My heart flutters with nervousness at the thought of being so close to him again after all this time.

“Focus, Oakley,” I chastise myself, flipping the bacon before it burns. “It’s just one dance, and it’s not like you haven’t danced with him before.” But that was years ago, and things have changed since then—especially between Theo and me.

Iris bursts into the kitchen, her curly red hair bouncing with every step. She immediately notices my furrowed brow and the tension in my shoulders.

“Hey, what’s got you so worked up this early?” she asks, genuine concern in her voice.

I sigh, picking up my phone to show her the message from my dad about the pre-wedding trip to Honolulu. Iris’s eyes widen as she reads it, and a smile spreads across her face.

“Oakley, this is amazing! You’re going to have so much fun. No, wait,weare going to have so much fun. There’s no way I’m missing out!” she exclaims, pulling out her own phone. “Here,let me show you some pictures of Honolulu. It’s absolutely breathtaking.”

As she swipes through vibrant images of sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green landscapes, I can’t help but be somewhat captivated by the beauty of the place. Iris’s enthusiasm is infectious, making it difficult not to feel at least a little excited.

“Wow, it does look beautiful,” I admit, letting out a small sigh. “But I don’t know if I’m really in the mood for a trip right now.”Or ever if it includes my hectic “family.”

Just then, Reid saunters into the kitchen, his tousled blond hair looking like he just rolled out of bed. He raises an eyebrow, his bright green eyes filled with curiosity. “What are you two talking about?”

“Oakley’s dad wants her to go on a pre-wedding trip to Honolulu,” Iris explains, beaming. “I’m trying to convince her that it’ll be a blast, and we should all go to support her!”

Reid’s expression shifts from confusion to understanding as he processes the information. He scratches the back of his neck, his brow furrowing with concern. “That sounds great, Iris, but what about our upcoming hockey games, and the championships? We’ll be missing quite a few practices if we go.”

Iris continues her persuasive efforts, her eyes lighting up as she gestures toward the pictures on her phone. “You know what they say—‘work hard, play hard!’ You’ve been working so hard lately, you deserve a break. A few missed practices won’t set you guys back. Besides, think of all the fun we’ll have!”

I chew my lip, glancing between Reid and Iris. My stomach knots with uncertainty, but Iris’s excitement is contagious. I can feel the lure of sandy beaches and warm ocean waves tugging at me.

“Reid, you’re always telling me to relax more,” I counter hesitantly, trying to convince myself as much as him. “Maybe this is the perfect opportunity for all of us to unwind.”

And if I can spend more time with them…well, that would be nice.

“Exactly!” Iris exclaims, clapping her hands together. “We could explore the island, go snorkeling, attend a luau—the possibilities are endless!”

“Oakley,” Reid says gently, noticing my hesitation, “I think Iris is right. A trip like this could be good for us, and it might help take your mind off…you know, everything that’s been going on.”

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