Page 41 of Take Me to the Wedding

“I’ve never seen you like this,” Mia said.

I looked up at her and wiped my snotty nose again. “Like what, a mess?”

“No. Vulnerable. I mean, you never ask for help or support. It’s refreshing to see you do that.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m really sorry—for all of this.”

“Sam, like who you like,” she said in a solemn tone. “Love who you love.”

“Here’s a question,” Gabe said. “Just for funsies. What if Caleb actually doesn’t want Lilly? What if he wants you?”

“I wouldneverinterfere with what he wants with Lilly.” That was rule number one of matchmaker code. And I already knewmyrule number one—never get involved.

Mia sighed. “Deep down, I know you know this, but I’m going to say it out loud. Someday you’re going to have to stop running from love.”

I rolled my eyes. “Or else?”

“Or else you’ll stay closed off your whole life.” She reached over and hugged me. “And you’re too much of a gem to do that. And don’t tell me you don’t want love. Once you find it, you’ll want it. It’s hard, but it’s worth it. Trust me.”

“That’s all wonderful,” Gabe said, giving me a hug too. “But what are you going to tell Caleb?”

ChapterTwelve

Caleb

I entered the white barn (as opposed to the red one, which held animals) at seven that evening to find that it wasn’t really a barn at all but rather a large event space complete with big wooden beams, glossy wood floors, and tables lining the sides for tonight’s square dance. No animals in sight. Unless you counted the guys, who were hanging around at the bar, drinking beers—no doubt quelling their nerves about square-dancing.

The place was crowded with people that I heard later were neighbors and avid square dancers from near and far. On a stage in the corner, musicians were warming up and adjusting mics. Just then, Sam walked in and spotted me. She was wearing jeans, a white T-shirt, and a red-and-white bandanna.

Gabe was suddenly at my side, following my gaze to the doorway. “She’s looking good tonight,” he said, nudging me with his elbow.

“What are you, switching teams?” I asked, ribbing him back.

“Not on your life.” He gave me an assessing look. “I just want to make sure you don’t miss the right gal.”

I didn’t have to respond to that, because Jason walked in just then, shook my hand and exchanged greetings. As he went to stand next to Gabe, his gaze trailed to the door too. “Sam’s looking hot tonight,” he said.

I shook my head. “There arewaytoo many matchmakers here this weekend.”

Gabe grinned. “I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t be standing here talking to us.” He gave me a gentle push. “Get to work now. Your lady love awaits. Shoo, shoo!”

“See you in a few,” I said, happy to leave them. But I was sure they’d be pleased with what I did—I met Sam at the door.

“Cute scarf,” I said, but that wasn’t really what I was thinking. The guys weren’t wrong. The woman was stunning in an unfussy way that she didn’t even realize. Anatural beautyis what my mom would’ve called her. I finally understood what that meant.

“Your sister made me wear it,” she said, flapping the bandanna end. “She said she wanted me to look more ‘square-dancy,’ whatever that is.”

“Well, I’d say you look very square-dancy.” Andkissable, is what popped into my head. “Thanks for talking with Lilly on my behalf.”

“You’re not angry?”

“No. I appreciate what you did.”

She paused. “I hope things go well with you two. And if you want, we can talk about the hike tomorrow before breakfast. I’m happy to talk you up more and give you a feel for what she’s thinking.”

I wanted to tell her that I was pretty sure that I didn’t want that anymore, but what could I say? She would only think that I was a fool, flipping my attention from Lilly to someone else—i.e., her—so easily. I wouldn’t trust someone like that either. So I simply left it at “Sure. Thanks. Great idea.” Then I said, “So, what’s my strategy for tonight, matchmaker?”

“Easy,” she said with a shrug and a smile. “Dance with her.”

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