Page 25 of The Complication with the Best Man

I blink at her.

“Cut back on your caffeine?”

I groan, and my head rocks back. “See? I’m already a terrible mother.”

“No, you’re just new to it. You’ll figure it out.”

I’ve been keeping my head in the sand as though that would make this situation a little less real, but it’s time for me to dig in and educate myself on what’s to come. Because no matter what, this time next year, it won’t be Ivy in my arms, it will be a baby of my own.

ten

FINN

I’m back in Lake Starlight, but this time, I’m alone. Tamra was supposed come, but she had a last-minute business emergency she had to stay behind to deal with. I’m not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, given my history with Harper.

Though it was awkward as fuck between Harper and me, having Tamra around was a buffer. Especially when it came to my attraction to Harper. Tamra’s presence was a constant reminder of why I shouldn’t be checking out Harper and replaying the way she rode me that night over and over in my head.

Now that it’s just the two of us this weekend, I suspect it will prove more difficult to keep my mind from wandering. Because of course, we’re meeting at a romantic restaurant in town to try the menu for our rehearsal dinner. According to Harper, Terra & Mare is the fanciest restaurant in Lake Starlight, and it’s the vibe that Tamra wants. The irony that Tamra wants to get married in the quaint little town of Lake Starlight because of its ambience, and yet she wants everything about the wedding to be formal and high end, is not lost on me.

I step into the restaurant and brace myself. Harper is already seated at a table near the window. She gives me a tight smile then looks behind me, probably expecting to see Tamra. When she realizes I’m alone, she frowns.

She’s wearing another green top that sets off the deep red of her hair, making her a beacon guiding me across the restaurant.

“Hey.” I sit in the chair opposite her.

“Is Tamra running behind?” Maybe I’m imagining the hope I see in her eyes mixed with terror that we’ll be having dinner just the two of us, but I don’t think so.

“Tamra had to stay back in Vermont unexpectedly. Something came up with work.”

Tamra is in IT and is trying to get an app off the ground, so she’s constantly working. Her work was the reason we drifted apart originally. She’s never around and rarely put any importance on us. Eventually, we broke up until we came up with our plan.

“So, it’s just the two of us this weekend?”

“Yep.”

“Awesome.” Her tone suggests it’s anything but.

My shoulders sag. “I’m sorry this is so awkward. I’m going to tell you again. I really did think things were over between Tamra and me.” I wish I could tell her the lie I’m living—the words are on the tip of my tongue—but if I tell Harper the truth, and she tells anyone else, it ruins my family.

“Do you regret it?” The vulnerability in her voice is like a quick knife to the chest.

With that, at least, I can be honest. “Only that it hurt you.”

She mumbles something under her breath.

I lean forward. “What?”

Harper stares at me for a beat, and there’s a glimmer of tears in her eyes. She opens her mouth to say something, but before she can, the waitress steps up to the table, welcoming us and asking if we’d like something to drink.

I motion across the table for Harper to order first. “Oh, um… I’ll just stick with my water.” She holds up the glass in front of her and gives the waitress an awkward smile.

“No wine?” I’m surprised. I’m not sure I saw her without a wine glass at the rehearsal or wedding.

“Trying to cut back.” Her lips press together.

I give my attention to the waitress. “Sparkling water if you have it.”

“Coming right up. Colin said to let you know he’ll be bringing out the samplers for the first courses shortly.”

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