Page 78 of Meant for Me
Elisa rolled her eyes, but squeezed Zoey’s hand in return, allowing the subject change. “You do, and you better not be late or I’ll put shoulder pads in yours.”
Zoey released her and clapped. “I’ll be there with bells on.”
“Coming from you, that’s a threat.” Elisa grinned. “Honestly…I am getting excited.”
“As you should be. It’s going to be a great night.” Whew, just in time. They were striding up the dock now, Linc’s shadow significantly more hulk-sized than Noah’s.
“Ready to go?” Linc called toward her.
Oh, this part could go to her head too. Being a couple, a team. Belonging.
“Ready when you are.” She thought about throwing a ‘babe’ at the end of it, but her heart had been through enough confusion for one night.
“They’re probably talking wedding stuff.” Noah grinned at his bride-to-be. “That’s usually what I catch her doing these days.”
“Speaking of, don’t worry.” Elisa winked as she picked up the picnic basket, handed it to Noah. “I changed your name in the program to Zoey Fontenot.”
Her stomach swirled. “Great, thanks.”
“And your title to matron of honor, instead of maid of honor.”
Zoey knew what she was doing—exposure therapy. Tossing around words to make Zoey remember she was married. Trying to make it feel normal.
She cast Linc a look as they waved goodbye to Noah and headed for his truck. Normal was one thing. Anyone could eventually get used to something, to consider it normal.
But would it ever feel real?
Fifteen minutes later, she and Linc were on their way home, just the two of them, windows down, radio turned low. He hadn’t touched her since their impromptu story time in the boat, when she’d sat in his lap. But she could still feel his fingerprints on her arms, her knee, her waist. Like tiny tattoos, permanent claims. She’d always be his, for better or for worse.
And not just because she spoke those words at a courthouse.
“Mama D is bringing Amelia home?”
Linc’s deep voice broke the silence, making Zoey jump.
“That’s right.” She cleared her throat, hating how stiff her voice sounded. Could he sense her tension? Would he guess why? Obviously he had no issue being close to her like that on the boat, probably didn’t think anything more of it than the hugs and high fives she’d bestowed over the years. She might just give up her beignet business all over again if she could remain as naive to the chemistry as he seemed to be.
Or worse yet—maybe he wasn’t naive. Maybe it simply wasn’t there for him.
And that’s why he could easily marry his best friend.
Mama D’s car was waiting in the long drive as they pulled up—thank goodness. Zoey didn’t want to be alone with Linc a moment longer. Not until she got her head on straight.
Amelia got out of the car, arms loaded with shopping bags. Mama D slid out the driver’s side, shielding her eyes from Linc’s headlights as he swung the truck into reverse and parked. She wore a floral blouse over hot pink pants—the exact shade of her lipstick. Zoey could tell from here. Another new color experiment?
“Have a nice date, lovebirds?” Mama D grinned as they climbed out.
Linc grunted. “All you liars. Can’t just invite a guy to hang out.”
“Not when the guy always says no.” Mama D grinned bigger. “You’re welcome.”
Amelia said nothing, stared down at her bags.
Hmm.
“We had a good time.” Zoey shot Linc a pointed look. “Why don’t you help Amelia with her haul?”
Linc glanced between her and Amelia before taking the hint, fisting most of the bags out of her hands. “What’d you get?” He led the way up the stairs to the porch, good-naturedly nudging her with an elbow. “These better not be a bunch of crop tops.”
