Page 69 of The Bartender's Baby

I settled back in my seat as the music started, signaling the beginning of the ceremony. All heads turned to watch as Scarlett, Dylan’s seven-year-old daughter, trotted down the aisle first. A huge smile graced her face as she carried a small bouquet of light-pink roses, clearly relishing her role as maid of honor.

Then we all rose as the bride emerged on the arm of her father. I had yet to meet Mr. Kozlowski and studied him with interest. He had salt-and-pepper hair and a somber face,carrying himself stiffly in his suit. Though, he looked at his daughter with clear affection.

Genevieve was a vision in her gown, with lace and crystal embellishments that made it look like something out of the 1920s while still displaying her small bump. She wore her short hair pulled back with two tiny diamond clips, her mouth curved with the biggest smile I’d ever seen. Of course, she wore her red lipstick. It was a staple, after all.

Dylan fidgeted ever so slightly with every step, as if he couldn’t wait for her to get to him, and when they finally held hands, he bent to whisper something in her ear that made her blush and laugh.

The officiant began speaking, his voice carrying through the microphone, but I found myself only half listening, studying Nate’s profile instead. He looked so much like his father—same jaw, intense gaze, tall frame. Yet Nate’s eyes were warmer, his smile easier, his presence more open and approachable.

My heart fluttered as he turned to meet my eyes. The corner of his mouth quirked up before he reached over to give my hand a quick squeeze. I laced my fingers through his, leaning into him. His body was solid and reassuring against mine.

Nate had become my rock, my safe place, and with him, I’d found a family again. Being here, surrounded by his loved ones, I felt that sense of belonging even more strongly.

Maybe one day, it would be me walking down the aisle toward Nate. But for the moment, I treasured the journey we were on together. I rested my head on his shoulder, listening to his steady breathing, as we watched his sister pledge her love.

And when Dylan and Gen were pronounced husband and wife, Nate let out a loud whoop, tears in his eyes.

This man. Such a softy.

The rest of us stood, clapping and cheering for the couple as they walked down the aisle. Finn tried to make a run for it, butNate caught him and hung him over his shoulder, the little boy kicking and giggling.

All the guests were led out to a terrace, and Nate immediately found me a chair to sit in, even while everyone else stood around high-top tables. It was gorgeous outside, the sun just starting to set with a light breeze. Small appetizers were laid out buffet-style at one end, with a bar at the other.

Nate brought me a plate with one of everything, and he stayed by my side as friends and family stopped by to talk to him. He introduced me to each of them, but every single name immediately left my brain, though they were all kind and welcoming.

After about an hour, we were brought back inside to the same room as the ceremony, transformed for the reception. Nate plucked our seating cards from a small side table, next to the gifts, and we made our way to our seats, next to Liam, Jude, and company.

When the DJ announced the newlyweds for their first dance, Nate stood and pulled me up too, keeping me close as we watched Dylan and Gen sway together, foreheads touching. The pure love surrounding this little wedding was overwhelming. I felt tears prick my eyes and leaned into Nate’s side.

“You okay?” he murmured, noticing my tears.

I smiled and nodded, wiping at my eyes. “Just happy.”

Nate’s eyes softened. “Me too.”

As more couples joined the newlyweds on the dance floor, Nate tugged me out as well. He held me as close as my belly would allow, slowly rocking us back and forth, Frogger making themselves known with a few kicks.

Nate laughed against my ear, his hand moving to find the movement.

“Careful, Frog. Mom’s got to last a few more hours.”

I grinned, loving each and every time Nate acknowledged me as Mom or Mama.

Though I hadn’t called him Frogger’s dad, he was in every way that counted. I still needed to gather my courage and take that step. Tell him how much I loved him and let him know that he was Frogger’s father. That I wanted him to be a permanent person in not only my life but the baby’s life too.

But then we were asked to be seated for dinner, and I was given a reprieve. I would tell him. Eventually.

Not tonight.

TWENTY-ONE

NATE

With the reception in full swing, everyone hit the dance floor, and Tabby lasted about twenty minutes before she required a chair. We sat and chatted with a rotating roster of people, Dylan and Gen, Jude and Liam, all the kids wanting to show us what they were coloring at the kids table set up with lots of crayons and paper.

But eventually, everyone faded away, and we needed a refill on our drinks. At the bar, I watched Tabby from across the room, unable to keep the smile from my face. I knew she didn’t like the dress she wore, but I thought the ruffles were cute. Plus, it showed off her belly and hit her mid-thigh. Easier for me to sneak my hand up her skirt during dinner. Each time, she smacked my arm, shooting me her sternest eyebrow arch.

As ifthatwould dissuade me.

---