Page 36 of Now That We Don't Talk

I nod knowingly. “I’m just glad I was here for him today. It was cool being part of his proposal plan.”

“I know it meant a lot to him,” Katie says, her voice softening.

“Oh no. Please don’t cry,” Vivian wails.

“I know, I know,” Katie mutters, dabbing the corners of her eyes as Dallin pulls her into him, kissing her on the temple.

“If you think this is bad,” she adds with a sniffle, “just wait until my mom finds out. She’s going to be an emotional wreck from now until the wedding reception. All the baby pictures will come out, then the first-day-of-kindergarten stories. It’s going to be nothing but months of tears and emotional trips down memory lane.”

I cringe at the thought. Seeing Laura emotional would belike watching my mom cry—awkward and uncomfortable. I don’t think I could handle it.

I raise my glass again, clearing my throat. “To Kyle and Addi—and to surviving the months of Laura’s emotional outbursts.”

“Cheers to that,” Dallin exclaims, clinking his glass against mine.

Kyle may not be here right now, but he knows we’re all in his corner. I’ve been away more than I’d like to admit, missing moments I wish I could have been present for. But I made it back for this—one of the most important milestones of his life. Hopefully that counts for something.

“Anyway, I’m happy we’re all together again,” Katie chimes in, her voice warm and full of nostalgia. “These are the moments when we need each other the most.”

I glance at Vivian, and she looks back at me. Our eyes meet and hold. Maybe it’s time we finally try to get along. Though, if I’m being honest, I do enjoy our little spats more than I probably should.

“I am too,” I say, keeping my gaze locked on hers.

She really is stunning. Her sparkling blue eyes seem even more vibrant under the restaurant lights, and the dusting of freckles across her nose make her look effortlessly beautiful. Her full lips are tempting in a way I’ve never noticed before. Or maybe I have, and I just refused to acknowledge it.

Where have I been all these years? How did I miss seeing her in this light?

The table falls silent for a moment, as if we’re all lost in our own thoughts.

I clear my throat. “Anyway, when do you think they’ll tie the knot? Will it be a long or short engagement?”

“Oh, good question,” Katie exclaims. “I hope it’s short—I love weddings.”

“Maybe they should just elope,” Dallin suggests, smirking. “Vegas is always an option. No stress and no frills.”

Katie gasps in horror. “What? Absolutely not. Why would you even say that? I would never?—”

“I’d take that back if I were you, man,” I mumble, covering my mouth with my hand. “Although, I like the idea of a destination wedding. Something small and simple.”

“That’s what Vivi wants too, right?” Katie turns to Vivian.

Vivian nods. “Yes.IfI ever get married, it would be a small ceremony on a beach somewhere, just closest family and friends. No chaos, no stress.”

“Now that’s a good idea,” I say, doing my best to sound casual while fighting the urge to continue staring at her.

“Well, you guys should just marry each other then,” Dallin blurts out. “At least you agree on the wedding.”

Vivian immediately chokes on her wine, coughing as Katie bursts out laughing.

“Oh, could you imagine?” Katie says, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

I smirk. “We’d have some pretty solid arguments, that’s for sure.”

“Yes, we would,” Vivian agrees, regaining her composure. “And I’d have to start watching hockey.”

“You might actually enjoy it,” I tease. “You don’t know until you try.”

Vivian rolls her eyes. “Highly unlikely.”

---