Page 98 of Wedlocked

Ridiculous.

Jess waved me over, and I must be ridiculous too because I climbed behind the chair.

“Thank you again for everything, Bodhi.”

“You’re welcome.”

“The wedding is even more special now because of you.”

“You know what you can’t have a wedding without?” Kruger butted in. “The groom.”

Jess rolled her eyes and then leaned in to whisper, “I’ll wait and tell him about the lingerie until after he enjoys it. Then he won’t care where it came from.”

“It’s for the best,” I whispered back.

“What’s that whispering? Y’all got secrets?” he demanded. “Secrets are the same as lies. I’ve been looking at wedding vows. It’s a crime to lie to your husband.”

“Good luck,” I told her and then left the hiding spot, grabbing Kruger by the arm on the way out to tow him into the hall.

When we were there, he dropped his hands and scowled at me. “You fix my wife’s dress?”

“It was just a few buttons.”

He stuck his hand out between us.

I glanced at him and his outstretched hand. Then I slid my palm against his.

“Thanks, bro. I appreciate you being there for her. For us.”

“It’s no big deal.”

“To me, it is. So thank you,” he said.

“You’re welcome,” I replied.

“She looks real beautiful, doesn’t she?” he asked, glancing toward the bedroom door.

I nodded. “Yeah. You’re a lucky man.”

“I know.”

“Well, I, ah, have to go meet Em. We’re getting in the hot tub.” I was glad I did this, but now I was ready for some daddy time.

Kruger nodded. “Sure, bro. I’ll be here.” Lifting his voice, he hollered, “Waiting to be let in my own room.”

Inside, Jess let out a groan.

I laughed under my breath, and Kruger smiled.

17

Rush

If you had toldme a year ago that I’d be there, about to do what I was about to do, I’d have paid for an all-expense paid trip right to the looney bin for you.

Joke’s on me, though, isn’t it, bro?

‘Cause there I was.

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