Page 86 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

Dad strolls up behind my brothers, and gives Mom a wink. “And the Best Man is here for the Maid of Honor. Always and forever.”

She laughs like a teenager. “Oh Jeremy.”

Dad’s sparkling brown eyes land on me. “My baby’s all grown up. Look at you. Absolutely perfect.”

I’m too choked up to say anything, so instead I hurry down the stairs and into his arms. He hugs me tightly and whispers into my ear, “I love you, Zoe. I’m so happy for you. He’s a good man, and he’s crazy about you.” I can only hug Dad tighter, unable to speak.

At the sound of the song changing outside in the backyard where they’ve set rows of chairs and a wedding arch all covered in flowers from Florist Shop, we all head to our stations in the kitchen. Nicholas with Elena. Wyatt with Lexi. Nathan with Samantha. And finally, Mom with Dad.

When Wyatt said to Tom, “Why didn’t you ask me?! I was the one who called you up and told you that Zoe was in love with you and not Caleb!”

Tom smirked, “If you’d freed me from that cop car, different story!”

Wyatt cracked up. “Fair enough!”

“Truth be told,” Tom said, and became serious. “My parents were taken from this world far too soon. I’m hoping Jeremy might want to take me under his wing. If he’s not too busy with you guys.”

He got a huge hug from me for that. And kisses all over his face.

But nothing more.

Not yet.

As if Lexi can read my mind, she whispers just before she walks outside, “Big night tonight, Zoe!”

And I turn bright red.

THIRTY-NINE

Tom

“Tom Bennet!” Zoe’s cousin Caden calls out, strolling through up the aisle with a beautiful blonde on his arm. “I remember you from the football games when you played against our school.”

“If it weren’t for high school football, most of the Cockers wouldn’t know my name before today.”

He laughs, “I can believe that! I’m Samantha and Lexi’s brother. I’m sure you know them, since they were Zoe’s roommates for forever.”

“Of course.” I shake his hand, “Good to meet you. Feel like we have met before?”

“This is my wife, Elizabeth.” He waits while we shake hands, then, “You and I broke up a fight after the game once. That’s why.”

My memory lights up. “That’s right! Those wasted guys with the Ford truck.”

“Yeah, you jumped in there without hesitation.”

“If memory serves, you followed me right in,” I grin.

“I lovebreaking upfights almost as much I like gettinginthem.” He winks at his wife, “Before I became a very serious surgeon, that is.”

Amused sarcasm colors her, “You? Serious? When?”

“I am very serious.”

“Rarely.”

“Bullshit.”

Countless Cockers shout, “Language!” and since I know the lore, I crack up, wishing Zoe was here to hear that.

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