Page 64 of Finding Her Leading Man

He wasn’t, though. Jasper had hurt her, and now he was, too.

* * *

“I’m nervous.Why am I nervous? I shouldn’t be. I want to marry Cameron. This should be the most natural thing in the world.” Addie paced the guest bedroom at Cameron’s parents’ house.

Becky, in her pale pink, long gown, poured a glass of champagne. She shoved it Addie’s direction when she passed by. “You need to chill. I can’t handle all the pacing.”

Samantha had some nervous energy of her own, but she’d learned to harness it a long time ago. She’d spent all night in Trevor’s arms. They hadn’t talked about the future.

He would leave.

And her heart would break.

Not for the same way as it did with Jasper. And not for herself. But for Trevor. He was missing out on what they might have. Did a long-distance relationship bother her? Of course. Not for any type of guilt or resentment. She’d miss him, but the times they were together would be worth it.

But he had to make that decision.

They’d talk. But not today.

“Are you ready?” Addie turned to face Samantha, making Juliana curse under her breath as she followed her in a circle, trying to do something to Addie’s train.

The dress was gorgeous. Romantic. A delicate lace-covered matte satin. Empire waist that flowed down to a long train.

And she was barefoot.

Perfect.

Samantha smiled broadly. “Absolutely. I’m looking forward to singing with your brother.”

“Wait.” Addie held up her hand. “You’re singingwithmy brother? Wow. I’m shocked.”

“Hope he sings better than Cameron,” Juliana said.

Addie laughed. “I hope so, too.” She finished her champagne and waved Becky away when she tried to refill it. “No. I don’t need anymore. I don’t want to use the restroom before the ceremony and have to ask for you to help.”

The women laughed. Eliza rushed into the room, her daughter, complete in a pale pink flower girl outfit, trailed behind her. “Everyone is seated. Samantha, you’re up. Trevor’s already out there, playing a few random songs.”

“I better get in place.” She turned to Addie and gave her a quick hug. “Break a leg!”

“That’s fitting,” Addie laughed.

Samantha left the room and walked to the front of the Dempseys’ home. Amelia and Nick stood in the dining room. She waved and kept walking.

Nearly sixty people were sitting in chairs in the front yard. She recognized most of them from working at the diner. It was such a tightknit community she would miss.

But Trevor had been right to push her to sing in New York. She was ready to get back to performing. And this would be a fitting way to exit the small town of Statem.

She walked around the outside of the crowd, trying to be discreet, but everyone watched her regardless, including Trevor.

His expression held that pensive look he’d worn since his parents arrived in town.

She walked up behind him, setting a hand on his shoulder. He sat on a tall stool, one foot propped, his guitar across his thigh. She squeezed his shoulder. “Ready?”

He smirked and looked back at her. “Nope.”

“Remember to play the longer intro before the song begins, give Becky and Eliza time to get down the aisle.”

“I got it.” He leaned forward, flipping on the microphone. It wasn’t sophisticated and only led to one speaker, but it should help project the sound and their voices in the backyard space.

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