Page 97 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Of course,” I agree, feeling a surge of pride at her resilience. We head upstairs to grab our things, and on our way out the door Oakley pauses to address her father.

“Sorry for the scene, Dad,” she says, her tone genuine but laced with an underlying edge. “But I’m not going to let Georgia walk all over me anymore.”

Her father simply nods in acknowledgment, his eyes weary from years of witnessing similar family conflicts. He understands that sometimes standing up for yourself is more important than keeping the peace.

“Take care of yourself, Oakley,” he murmurs, and I can see the love and concern in his expression.

“Thank you, Mr. Price,” I say, offering him an apologetic glance before we leave. It feels necessary to offer some sort of condolence for the upheaval we’ve caused, even though I know deep down that it was long overdue.

“Goodbye, Theo,” he replies, his voice tinged with resignation.

The door clicks shut behind us, the sudden silence amplifying Oakley’s ragged breaths. She turns to me, her green eyes glistening with unshed tears and unspoken emotions.

“God, I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life,” she mutters, her voice thick with frustration.

“Oakley, don’t be. You stood up for yourself, and you did it with grace,” I say, trying to reassure her. I can see how much this has shaken her, but I want her to know that she has nothing to be ashamed of.

“Grace? Really?” She snorts, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “I don’t normally let her get to me that much, or say exactly what I’m really thinking.”

“Sometimes, people need a wake-up call.” I step closer, my hands finding her shoulders. The tension is palpable beneath my fingers, but I can also feel the warmth of her body, reminding me of how strong she truly is.

“Thank you, Theo,” she whispers, her eyes meeting mine. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Of course.” I lean in, pressing my lips against hers in a deep, passionate kiss. The taste of her is intoxicating, an elixir that erases any lingering doubts about our connection. I want to convey my support and admiration through this intimate gesture, hoping she understands how proud I am of her.

As our kiss deepens, I feel her begin to relax, the weight of the confrontation slowly lifting from her shoulders.

53

OAKLEY

The music swells, and Theo’s hand tightens around my waist as we glide across the dance floor. It’s our last class, and our feet move in perfect harmony, a testament to hours of practice and determination. I can’t help but feel a thrill at our progress, the confidence that now courses through me with every step. It’s a far cry from the clumsy girl who first stepped into this studio, and I grin up at Theo.

“Look at us,” I say, breathless. “We’re practically professionals!”

He smirks, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “I wouldn’t go that far, Oakley.”

“Fine, amateur champions then.” My laughter is cut short as the music fades, signaling the end of our final dance class. Applause erupts around us, and I’m suddenly struck by how many people have been watching. Heat creeps up my cheeks, but a part of me revels in the attention.

“Take a bow,” Theo murmurs, guiding me into a graceful dip. We hold the pose for a beat, allowing the room to admire our newfound prowess before straightening, laughing together.

“Excuse me, folks,” a familiar voice calls out, causing heads to turn. Reid saunters into the room, his green eyes alight with mischief as he scans the crowd. The air shifts, electrified by his presence. He has an uncanny ability to command any space he occupies, and it’s never been more apparent than in this moment.

“Reid!” I exclaim, rushing over to hug him. “What are you doing here?”

“Couldn’t miss the grand finale of my best friend’s dance lessons, now could I?” he replies, grinning down at me. His hair is tousled, as if he’s just stepped off the ice, and I can’t help but appreciate how effortlessly charming he is.

“His presence has certainly brightened up the room,” a woman nearby murmurs, and I catch more than one pair of eyes lingering on Reid. It’s not surprising—his easy smile and confidence have always drawn people in, and it’s hard not to be taken by him.

“Nice moves out there.” Reid nudges me, nodding toward the dance floor. “You’ve come a long way.”

“Thanks,” I say, my cheeks warming under his gaze. “Theo’s been a great teacher.”

“Speaking of which—” Reid glances over at Theo, who’s been watching our exchange with a guarded expression. “How does it feel to be the dancing queen’s partner?”

“More like dancing king,” I interject before Theo can answer, grinning at them both. “Couldn’t have done it without him.”

“Hey, Oakley,” Reid drawls, resting an elbow on my shoulder. “Mind if I take you for a spin on the dance floor?”

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