Page 117 of The Plus One Contract

“So what’s the plan, then? Live out the rest of the wedding in this closet? I hear linen storage is a great place to start a new life.”

She presses her palms to her face. “God, I hope they forgot about me.”

I shake my head, moving toward the door.

“Oh no, don’t—”

Too late.

I crack the door open, peeking out into the hall.

Silence.

The coast is clear.

I glance back at her. “Looks like you’re safe.”

She peeks over my shoulder.

After a long beat, she blows out a shaky breath and places a hand over her chest. “Thank God.”

I chuckle, stepping out, holding the door open for her.

“Come on, kid magnet,” I tease, tilting my head. “I’ll run interference.”

She groans but finally steps out, smoothing down her dress.

I let the door click shut behind us.

“Hiding from children in a supply closet,” I mutter. “You never cease to amaze me.”

“You don’t understand.” She scowls. “You weren’t there.”

Throwing an arm around her shoulders, we head back toward the party.

“Stick with me, sweetheart. I’ll be your human shield.”

Sienna sighs, sagging into me.

I tighten my hold on her, leading her back inside.

Because honestly, I don’t mind being her shield at all.

Forty-Four

Sienna

The kids are gone.

Finally.

I take a deep, cleansing breath, sinking into my chair at the reception table, free from sticky fingers and tiny, insatiable attention-seekers.

If I never hear the wordsDo you know how to do a cartwheel?again, it’ll be too soon.

I glance over at the kids' table.

Nathan?

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