Page 26 of That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump
“So, any significant other for Ms. Natalie these days?” His question holds a slight trace of an accent, but I can’t identify the origin. It’s almost like Hawk is from… everywhere. Or nowhere. Then again, I’m not a world-traveling photographer. Maybe I’d pick up a vague accent if I were.
“Not right now.” I scrunch my nose. “Or ever, really.”
Hawk rubs his chin like he’s legitimately baffled. “How is that possible? I assumed a woman as beautiful as you are must be spoken for.”
The wind from his open window blows hair across my face, and I tuck it back behind my ear. “In school I was too busy to date. And now I’m moving out of state, so it didn’t make sense to get involved with anyone.”
“Ah yes.” Hawk nods. “Beau mentioned you were finishing up an internship. Nursing, isn’t it? And then it’s on to LA?”
“Exactly.” My heart does a little happy dance realizing Beau told Hawk about my plans. I’m not sure why this comes as a surprise. I guess I’ve felt more superfluous in my brother’s life than I realized. “Beau talks about me?”
“Indeed he does.” Hawk displays his grin again, brighter than a camera flash. “Although he mainly sticks to subjects like your generosity and your wicked sense of humor. I had to learn for myself how gorgeous you are.” Hawk’s got one arm out the window now, and his other hand rests on the steering wheel. It’s a casual pose, but the spark in his eye seems to have purpose. I feel a blush coming on, and I wonder how Brady would react to Hawk calling me gorgeous. I shouldn’t care. I don’t care. Okay, Idocare.
But Ican’t.
By the time we arrive at the docks, the party barge is already humming, puffs of exhaust chugging out the back. The scent of gas fills the air, and a small slick of oil shines across the water. Ford is at the wheel. He’s a firefighter in Abieville, and one of Kasey and Brady’s cousins. He’s also Lettie’s brother, and one of Beau’s groomsmen.
There’s a lot of overlap in this town.
Ford waves. “Climb aboard, folks!” He honks the horn, drawing the attention of the rest of the wedding party, who all cheer and clap for us. Kasey is in a cluster with her bridesmaids at one end of the barge. Beau is standing on the other side with Nella’s brother, Three. Three is another one of the Abieville cousins, and also a groomsman.
This wedding party should come with a spreadsheet.
“Thanks for waiting for us,” I say, as Ford helps me aboard the barge.
A smile breaks across his face. “We wouldn’t have left without you, Natalie.”
I glance over my shoulder at the parking lot, hoping to see Brady’s truck. “Should we wait a few more minutes for Brady?”
“Ahem.” Hawk clears his throat. “Kasey told me earlier she wants pictures taken before the sun gets too high.” He winces like he’s been stung. “I’m afraid if we don’t get out on the water soon, we’ll miss the best light. But what do I know?” He shrugs. “I’m only a professional photographer.” He laughs heartily at his own self-deprecation.
Ford checks his watch. “I hate to leave a man behind, especially thebestman.”
“And what about Mac?” I ask. At this point, Mac McCoy is the only other cousin missing. Mac is Tess, Darby, and Olivia’s brother. He and his wife and daughter live in Oregon.
“Mac couldn’t fly in until tomorrow,” Ford says. “So I guess we’re actuallytwomen down. But we can always get Lettie to photoshop their faces into the pictures. She’s great at photo manipulation.” He chuckles. “Just check out her Instagram.”
“Agreed.” Hawk nods, like this wasn’t just a joke. “Regretfully, I think we ought to get going.”
That settles it, I guess. For better or worse, we’re leaving without Brady.
As Ford eases us off the dock, and we start cruising toward the bridge, I survey the setup on the barge. In the center, there’s a folding table heaped with brunch-type foods: bagels and salmon, cheese and crackers, oysters and shrimp. There are also trays of fresh fruits, vegetables, and dips. Flanking the table are two blue coolers overflowing with iced-down beverages. Brady is going to miss this. And it’s all my fault. Not directly, but still.
My insides hopscotch from guilt and hunger as I join the triplets over by the table. They’re serving themselves drinks, but nobody has plates yet. “Look at all this food,” Amber says, as she approaches. She rubs her stomach. “Mama’s going to be living like a queen today. Which is good because I’m so hungry, I could eat a—”
“Nat!” Kasey comes up from behind, throwing her arms around me in a backward hug. “I was worried you wouldn’t make it!”
“Well, I’m here,” I say, spinning around to face her.
“Thanks again for switching dresses with Amber,” she gushes. “I don’t know what we would’ve done without you. You’re the absolute best!” She nods at the food display. “And just so you know, I got the brie and shrimp because they’re your favorites.”
“Nowwho’s the absolute best?” I lob a grin at her.
“I am, aren’t I?” Kasey laughs, smoothing her hands down the front of her tank dress. “Now, everyone, eat!”
With Kasey’s permission, Amber and I start piling food on our plates. I take two halves of a bagel with cream cheese, one wedge of brie, some clusters of grapes, and a large ladle of shrimp. Lastly, I fill a ramekin with cocktail sauce. Extra horseradish.
By the time I step away from the table, I’m carrying a full plate of food with the ramekin of sauce balanced in the middle. I’ve only managed to eat one shrimp when—out of nowhere—
