Page 107 of That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump
“Oof.” I grimace. “No.”
“Well, after you’re settled in,” he says, “let me know if there’s anything you need that you didn’t pack. I’ll send it to you.”
Send it to me. I swallow the lump in my throat. If he’s trying to keep up a steady stream of conversation to make me less nervous, this isn’t helping.
“Oh, hey.” He tries again. “Did you see Kasey’s Instagram?”
“Umm-hmm.”
“She was wearing that bikini.” He tilts his head. “That blue one of yours.”
“Turquoise,” I say, and my mouth finally curls up. He got me to smile, even with more sand in my throat than there is on the shore at The Beachfront. He just keeps trying until he hits on a subject I can’t resist.
“Turquoise. That’s right.” A slow grin sneaks across his face. “So that suit was for her all along, huh?”
“Umm-hmm.”
“Now I kind of wish I could’ve seen it on you.” He lets go of my hand and slowly feathers two fingers up my arm, skating over to my collarbone. I’m wearing a tank top, and a flush blooms across my skin. My breath quickens.
Two can play at that game.
Taking his hand from my collarbone, I lift it to my lips, dusting a kiss on each of his fingertips. One, two, three, four. When I plant my mouth on his thumb, he groans like I’m torturing him.
“I have to drive, Natalie.”
“You started it.” I laugh. As messed up as my emotions are right now, I can’t believe I’m actually laughing. And this is exactly why I need Brady Graham around me, always.
“There’s the airport, up ahead.” He points like I can’t see it.
“I’m not ready,” I say.
“Yes, you are.” He nods. “You can do anything, Natalie. Whatever you set your mind to. I’ve seen it.”
“Oh, yeah? Then how come I’m such a wimp when it comes to planes? Even children fly. Little babies fly!” My breath hitches. “And how come I’m so pathetic when it comes to leaving you?”
“Well.” He lets out a long, loud sigh. “Nobody’s perfect.” He flashes me a smile, then takes the turnoff that leads to the area for departures. A sign readspassenger unloading.
Unloading. Ugh.
More than anything, I wish Brady could come to California with me. And I know hewantsto come. We talked about it. A lot. But he’s got responsibilities right now. He’s going to help Doc Swanson and Mrs. Swanson with the restoration of their home. It’s a huge salvage effort and will take a lot of hands. Brady needs to stay. At least for now. His big, generous heart is part of why I love him so much. And I can’t ask him to change it. I don’t want to ask. So if we’re meant to be together forever, then forever will have to come in its own good time. This is what my brain knows. I’m still working on the translation into heart-speak.
As we approach the drop-off zone, Brady jerks his chin at a pack of people taking up half the curb. They’re all holding signs and banners and balloons. There’s no space for anyone else to unload.
“Wait. Is that—” My voice trails off. I’m absolutely speechless.
Ford and Lettie are right up front next to Nella and Three. Tess, Darby, and Olivia are behind them with Aunt Remy and Big Mama. Brady’s Aunt Ann and Uncle Irv are here too, plus his Auntie Mae and Uncle Cubby. Even Grant and Molly showed up. And Shannon and Paige? Oh, wow. I didn’t even have time to see them this week, and they’re here. My heart swells as I see my parents and Brady’s parents and—
“Is that Hudson and Patrick?” My eyes pop wide. “Ha! They barely know me!”
“What can I say?” Brady chuckles. “You make a great first impression.”
“How did all these people get off work?”
“Come on.” Brady arches a brow. “We’re from Abieville. We run the town.”
Blinking back tears, I read all their signs, mostly variations ofGood luck, NatalieandWe’ll miss you, Nat!and Come back soon!andSpread your wings!Except for Olivia’s. Her sign saysDon’t forget sunblock!
I cough out a laugh, and turn to Brady.“So you knew about this?”
