Page 123 of Broken Dreams
Instead of watching her, I look at the groom. The guy who is about to marry the woman he loves with his whole heart. He stands there, hands in front of him, trying to fight back the tears.
I remember feeling all the same things, hopeful that it was the start of our happy life.
And if I’m honest, we did have a happy life.
While it wasn’t as long as I hoped, what we did share was wonderful.
When we turn to face the altar, I find Addison’s gaze again. The two of us stay connected and I feel my chest tightening because while this couple is beginning, Addison and I are coming to an end.
One where she’ll probably move back here, and I now have my funding.
There’s no reason to continue our fake dating once we get back, and now we have the perfect reason.
She lifts her fingers in a small wave, and I give her a nod.
Then I pray for a way to stop time so this day never ends, and I can pretend for just a little while longer.
twenty-eight
ADDISON
“Can I have this dance?” Grady asks with his hand extended.
I lean back in my seat. “Hmm, I’m not sure. Do you have any qualifications you can present?”
“What exactly are you looking for?”
I tap my lips with my pointer finger. “A tall man.”
He stands straight. “I’m six-foot-two.”
“That will work. Are you a smart man?”
“I can fly planes. Not just any plane either, a fighter jet.”
“Wow, that’s impressive.” My eyes widen as though I’ve never heard it before. “What about gentle and good with kids?”
“I’m a single father to a three-year-old boy for whom I would burn the world down if he was ever hurt.”
“Oh, and protective. My, my, this is sort of exciting. What else do you think would make you more appealing?” I ask playfully.
“I’m an exceptional lover. I can give you references if you like.”
I laugh through my nose, not expecting that. “If memory serves you, I’m not impressed by that.”
He leans in, a devilish grin on his handsome face. “Dance with me and find out.” Once again he extends his hand.
I place my hand in his, letting him lead me to the dance floor. My arms rest on his shoulders, his fingers splay against my back, and we sway.
“The last time we danced we ended up dating,” he reminds me of our first dance in Sugarloaf.
“We did? I don’t remember that.”
Grady’s chuckle warms me. “I remember it.”
My eyes lift to his, searching for some sign that he doesn’t want this to end. That the fake is real and he wants something more.
But I don’t see it.
