Page 37 of It Should Have Been Me

Pete’s eyebrows draw together in confusion. “So...what’s the problem?”

“The problem is...” He goes silent again, thinking of how to articulate what he wants to say. “The problem is...I thought I accepted it, but...shit, as the wedding gets closer, I’m starting to have doubts. She keeps saying it’s not important when it is. She says we don’t need kids to be happy, but...eventually, she’s gonna see other people our age having babies. Colleagues at work and friends from high school, and...and she’s going to realize how much she wants that, too...But I can’t give her that.” Dylan shrugs, still looking despondent. “Some of the stuff Fran said when we got divorced has been playing on my mind and...I know she said those things because she was angry, but?”

“Isa and Fran are not the same at all,” I cut in. “Fran was...she was very rigid about certain things, and I’m guessing news like that didn’t fit into the plans she had about your future together, but Isa isn’t like that. She adapts to anything, so if she says it’s not an issue for her, I’m sure she means it.”

“I know...I just...I can’t help but feel that as time goes on, she’s going to end up resenting me.”

“Do you love her, Dyl?”

“You know I do.”

“And she loves you?”

He grins. “Most days.”

“And the two of you can communicate openly about this issue...any issue for that matter?”

“We do now, yeah.”

“Then you can work it out. No matter what the issue is, if both of you are willing to put your all into it, you can make it work. To make any relationship work, you need the threecoms. Compromise, compatibility, and communication. You guys have all three, so I promise you can make find a way to make it work, no matter what.”

“And you need to trust what you have, Dyl,” Peter adds. “I’m no romantic, but you and Isabella are amazing together. You’ve been through so much and came out stronger at the end of it. You need to have faith in that.”

Dylan looks over at him in disbelief. “Wow, Pete. I didn’t know you had a sentimental side. It’s kinda...sweet, but creepy as fuck.”

Peter rolls his eyes. “I lost a car because of this wedding. I have a vested interest in seeing the two of you succeed. Besides, you shouldn’t let something like this make you doubt yourself or what you have to offer. You bring a lot to the table with or without kids. So, you gotta ask yourself this...When a defining moment comes along, you can do one of two things. Define the moment, or let the moment define you.”

My eyes narrow at him because I know he didn’t think of that himself. “What movie is that from?”

“Tin Cup. Released in 1996. Kevin Costner and Rene Russo.”

“It’s good,” I say with a nod of approval.

“You’re both right,” Dylan says, giving me a somewhat rueful smile. “I didn’t overcome so many obstacles to be with this woman just to start doubting now, right? Thanks, guys. I needed to hear that.” He looks at me, then at Peter. “Can we bring it in for a group hug?”

I can’t help but laugh. My boy has always been a sensitive soul.

“Sure.” Peter tosses his arm over Dylan to pull him closer. “But we’re changing our panties straight after.” We have our little group hug, and Peter is the first to pull away, looking hyper and pumped up. “Alright. So, now that the sappiness is out of the way and you’re in a better mood, let’s focus on tonight. We are gettingshitfacedbecause you’re getting married!”

“I’m getting married.” Dylan nods and stands up. “I’m getting married!”

“Yeah, you are!”

And then we’re whooping and slapping him on the back. I would love to know what the excitement Dylan is experiencing right now feels like, but I guess I have to settle for just watching the joy in the eyes of my best friend.

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