Page 129 of Just One of the Groomsmen
“On it,” Shep said. “As we go through the rest of the rehearsal, I’ll give ’em a heads up.”
This was what Tucker got for having that thought during the waltz, about how if he was ever that gone over a girl, he should have one of his friends put him out of his misery.
Now here he was, eating his words, begging for help instead.
He was about to be part of some big shit show, no doubt about it, but he couldn’t care less, as long as it meant he might be able to make things right.
Hope was calling to him, and despite the indisputable fact that he’d crash all over again if it didn’t work, he went ahead and let it in anyway.
“Now…” Lexi placed her hand on his shoulder and locked eyes with him, the way so many of his coaches had done before they sent him out to attempt a big play that usually ended with him getting crushed. “How do you feel about groveling and a little public humiliation?”
Chapter Thirty-One
They’d gone through the schedule and choreography of the ceremony, Addie had danced with Ford—whose waltzing skills were fine, although she couldn’t help reminiscing about being in Tucker’s arms and the way he’d dipped her…and then she was struggling to keep it together.
Naturally, they’d had to go through it four more times.
In general, she was counting down the minutes until she could go home. She’d definitely need to rally and reinforce her heart before the wedding festivities tomorrow.
At least they’d finally reached the sitting portion of the evening.
Shep grabbed the microphone and took over going through the schedule for the reception, and Addie kicked off her shoes, sighing as her feet hit the cool grass.
She wanted to tuck up a knee, but then she’d be flashing everyone, which volleyed her back to her earlier stance of never wearing a dress again.
“…and then there will be some speeches. We won’t go through all of them right now, but Tucker’s gonna come up and say a few words.”
Addie tensed at his name, which was ridiculous. And devastating.
How could they ever recover their friendship if she couldn’t even hear his name without hurting?
Knowing his voice was about to be amplified, she began silently chanting her new mantra:Be strong, be strong, be strong.
“Hey, everybody. I’m Tucker Crawford, one of the groomsmen. Hardly the best man, as I’m sure plenty of people here could attest.”
Did he mean her? He shouldn’t talk about himself like that.
The guy worked for two-dollar retainers.
She loved him for that. His determination to make sure justice was served versus his need for financial security made it that much more admirable, and damn him for being admirable and lovable and so dang sexy that she hadn’t managed a full breath since their earlier conversation.
“I feel like I should apologize in advance to all the innocent bystanders for what’s about to happen. The truth is, I’m going to do something crazy. I’m up here tonight to put myself on trial.” He switched the microphone to the other hand and made athere-theregesture. “Don’t worry, I’m a lawyer, which makes me semiqualified.”
Most everyone in the vicinity exchanged confused looks, and several of the townspeople gave her suspicious glances, as ifsheknew what was going on.
Obviously everyone thought they were pulling one last big prank.
Considering Easton rushed up front with a Bible, of all things, in his hand, maybe they were.
Lexi sidled up to her on one side, and Ford scooted his chair closer on the other, both of them effectively blocking her in.
“I’m totally here for you, and if you need a hug or a hand to hold, I’m your girl,” Lexi said, and then she made a face best described as an unapologetic grimace. “Full disclosure, I’m also here to make sure you stay long enough to hear him out.”
“Hear him out?” Addie glanced from Lexi to Tucker, who was placing his hand on the Bible Easton was holding.
Ford put his hand on the back of her chair. “And I’m here because if you say the word, I’ll get you outta here.”
“You’re not being helpful,” Lexi hissed.
