Page 66 of Forever to Fall
CHAPTER 21
The engagement partywas as lovely and perfect as Mallory imagined. Max had shut down the diner, offering guests the run of the whole restaurant. CeCe’s parents had flown in separately, and despite her nerves over them getting along, it seemed they were. Mallory didn’t know them well, but they weren’t yelling or glaring, so she considered that a win.
Of course, her parents were there, her mother flitting about like she was the one in charge. Mallory thought it was cute that CeCe let her think that. Nothing could be more annoying than Pamela Lawson if she didn’t get her way. Although, Mallory was certain, her father Dale could give them all a run for their money. Sophie, Emily, their husbands, and kids represented the rest of the Lawson clan.
Not for the first time, Mallory wished she had her own plus one to keep an eye on her. Their secret dating was nebulous at best, and she yearned for a true partner like her siblings had. As if being summoned from her daydreams, Beckett appeared at her side with a glass of wine and a plate stacked with snacks. He looked handsome in a light gray suit that made his eyes pop. His glasses were in place, but a small blob of cocktail sauce clung to the corner of one lens.
Placing a hand at the small of her back, he steered Mallory toward the corner of the counter where there were two vacant stools. “Thought we could both use a break,” he said as he arranged the plates and glasses. Mallory missed the contact, but she appreciated the refreshments.
“Where’s the cheesy bites?” she asked, peering under a napkin.
“This ain’t my first rodeo.” Beckett winked, sliding a plate overflowing with the little delicacies. Mallory greedily popped two in her mouth before Beckett had a chance to sit down. “Hey now, save some for me. I took my life into my own hands when I went searching for these. I’m pretty sure the mayor’s wife tried to stab me with a shrimp fork.”
Mallory snorted, mostly because she knew Natalie could totally take Beckett down if she wanted to...utensils not required. “Thank you for your service.” She held up a cheesy bite between her fingers, and much to her delight, Beckett leaned in with his mouth open. Deciding it was best not to overthink this public display, she inched closed and placed the morsel on his tongue. It was an intimate gesture, one they’d shared countless times. But now, sitting at her brother’s engagement party surrounded by everyone she loved, it felt monumental. More importantly, it felt right.
Beckett made a guttural sound that brought a flush to Mallory’s cheeks. “What the hell does CeCe do to these things? I swear, there’s got to be crack in there or something.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before grabbing one of the wine glasses. “I hope you didn’t mind white. I took the first thing I found.”
Sipping from her glass, Mallory savored the crisp fruitiness of the wine for a moment. She nodded her approval and watched Beckett munch on a tiny puff pastry ladened with shrimp. His eyes flashed when the spicy sauce hit his tongue, but he recovered quickly with a cough.
Beckett looked as delectable as the appetizers they were currently devouring. His red hair was slicked back, giving the perfect opportunity to stare at his five o’clock shadow and tortoise shell glasses. Yet again, they were slightly askew, but he didn’t seem to notice.
Mallory yanked at the hem of her dress, which was the same blue as Beckett’s shirt. When she arrived and saw they coordinated without planning, it brought a lump to her throat that she was still trying to ignore. Yet again, without even trying to, they were in sync.
As if reading her mind, Beckett leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “You look gorgeous tonight.”
Mallory shivered at the sensation of his breath on her neck. “Thanks, so do you.” Idly, she reached out to smooth his tie back into place. She felt the warmth of his skin through the cotton of his shirt, and reminded herself they weren’t supposed to be doing this. They weren’t supposed to look like a couple. This was Evan and CeCe’s time, and she needed to remember that.
“Are you coming over to my place later?” Beckett asked, his eyes locked on hers.
Attempting to hide her growing blush, Mallory sipped from her glass and looked around the room. No one seemed to be paying them any attention, but still she worried. “I want to, but I’ll have to see what my sisters are up to.”
Beckett nodded, toying with the charm bracelet on Mallory’s wrist. The metal charms clattered together like a miniature windchime. “Your sisters like me,” Beckett said, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I could always just tag along like when we were kids.”
Mallory returned his grin, because he wasn’t wrong. Sophie and Emily adored him, but that wasn’t the issue. The issue was that she wanted Beckett with her as her boyfriend, as her plus-one. Not to mention, Emily was on to them and wouldn’t make it easy on him.
Just as she was about to say something, Evan and CeCe approached. They were arm in arm, both wearing matching smiles and heart-eyes. CeCe was in a very un-CeCe ensemble of a midi dress the color of whipped cream paired with ballet flats. Her blond hair was pulled up into a chignon, and she even wore a touch of makeup. She practically radiated next to Evan. Her brother wore a white Oxford and tie with wedges of cheese on it. He was adorably Evan, and her heart swelled.
“There you two are.” CeCe pulled Mallory in for a quick hug and swatted Beckett on the arm. “How’s the food?”
Beckett gestured toward their empty plates, not a crumb left on them. “Freaking amazing. I can’t believe you cooked for your own party.”
Mallory and Evan said in unison, “I can.”
