Page 118 of Three Grumpy Groomsmen

We’d thought we could get Harrison and Ford out of our systems.

But that is clearly not going to happen.

I’m not ready to leave South Carolina.

I’m not ready to leave Harrison.

I don’t know if I ever will be.

“Sure. Yeah, I’ll let you know when I have more specific plans,” I tell Toby, trying to sound normal. “I’ve got to go right now, though. Thanks again for the call.”

“Of course! Talk soon!”

We disconnect and I head for the boardwalk, because I can’t even think about going back to Harrison’s right now. If I see him, I might decide I don’t care aboutMy Fellow Aliensor the new character, or…any of it. Mycareer, for fuck’s sake. I mightactually consider giving it all up for a rich and pretty playboy who hasn’t committed to anything in his life.

That’s not true, and you know it.

He has committed. To Ford, and their business, and this town and his family.

Harrison has roots. More so than I do, if I’m honest. He knows what it’s like to be a part of a real community. I’ve had more long-term romantic relationships, maybe, but Harrison has people whoreallyknow him. People he can’t let down. People who matter on other levels.

He gives money, sure, but he also gives time and energy. He’sherefor these people he loves. He might come off as laid back and fun-loving—and he is definitely both of those things—but watching him with everyone last night at the bonfire, it’s clear these people are important to him. And vice versa.

Being someone important to Harrison Reed is actually a big deal. He doesn’t take it lightly and being welcomed into his life means being a part of hisentirelife—his town and his family, blood and beyond.

No wonder he keeps things with romantic partners pretty superficial. It would take someone special to really be a part of everything in Harrison’s life.

That realization makes my chest feel tight and I have to work to paste on a smile as I approach the table where Sam is sitting, the chess game already set up in front of him. He’s chatting with the two men at the table next to his—Walt and Ed.

“‘Morning,” I greet as I slide into the chair opposite Sam. “Sorry, I’m late. Got a phone call.”

“No worries,” Sam says. “I’ve got nowhere to be. Which is glorious.”

I grin despite my tangle of thoughts and emotions. “Aren’t you the same guy who insists we play speed chess because you’re old—your words—and don’t have time for classic chess?”

Sam chuckles. “It’s just a fact that I’ll get more games in if we play speed chess.”

I can’t argue with that.

He hits the clock and makes his first move.

Ten minutes later, he sits back in his chair. “You’re not even trying.”

I look up from the board to meet his eyes. He beat me easily. I sigh and sit back as well. “You’re right.”

“I’m insulted,” he says. “I’ve been bragging about how often I beat you, but if you’re not even going to give it an effort, it’s not as much fun.”

“Sorry, Sam.” I study the pawn. “I have a lot on my mind today.”

“The phone call you got that made you late?” he guesses.

“That’s part of it. But not the entire thing.”

“Did Harrison do or say something stupid?”

I chuckle. I’d told the guys that I was here visiting Harrison. They’d known I was staying there. I chalked it up to a small town thing. They knew the next day that Harrison and I are ‘dating’. None of them seemed fazed by it at all. In fact, they seemed to approve.

“No, Harrison is…great,” I say.

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