Page 106 of Our Long Days
Pat sucks in a breath. “Hey, love.”
They exchange vows and rings, they’re announced as husband and wife, and they seal it with a kiss. Everyone erupts in applause. All the while, Florence and I watch each other. She accepts a tissue from Quinn and dabs at her eyes.
“It’s about time she found someone to look at her that way,” Graham mutters in my ear.
Clapping, I twist my head. “They’ve been doing that since they were kids.”
“I’m not talking about Johanna.” He studies me, stoic and unreadable. Of course, Graham knows. He’s astute as anything. “A piece of advice?”
I clear my throat. “Lay it on me.”
“My brothers and I did our best to protect Flo. From the shit show that is the world, to our father’s passing. Somewhere along the way, our good intentions made her doubt herself. It’s easy to be the white knight, but she needs someone who will stand by her, not in front of her.” He smooths down the lapels of his jacket. “Be that guy.”
There’s no time to respond. We’re ushered to follow the bride and groom. Florence meets me in the middle.
No one would question my fingers linked with hers as we follow the procession or my hand on the small of her back while we pose for photographs. It certainly isn’t strange for the best man and a bridesmaid to dance together.
No one hears the rampant beat of my heart or knows how thick my cock is behind my slacks as she sways in my arms.
“Have I told you how beautiful you are today?” I’ve told her no less than twenty times.
She chews her lip. “Once more couldn’t hurt.”
I chuckle, leaning down to kiss her crown, then freeze. Sheunderstands why I pull away, but she’s not quick enough to cover the hurt.
“Tomorrow. At the barbecue,” I announce. “I’ll tell him.”
Her mouth parts. “Are you sure? What will you say?”
“That I’m in love with his sister. Simple as that. The odds of him decking me are low, though not impossible.”
She socks me in the bicep. “He will not.”
“Nah, you’re right.” I lower my voice. “Graham knows. My money is on the baker.”
We turn to the couple in question dancing a few feet away. Their heads snap in the opposite direction.
Florence snickers, not a care in the world about who knows about us.
“This is a lot different from the last wedding we attended together, huh?”
She not so subtly brushes her breasts against my chest. “It’s pretty common for the best man to get with a bridesmaid. I wouldn’t be against meeting you in the restrooms and getting on my knees?—”
“If you have any respect for me, you won’t finish that sentence,” Graham grumbles as he and Quinn sashay past us.
Florence’s eyes widen. “Oops.”
Quinn wiggles her fingers at us, mouthing,I fucking love thisover her fiancé’s shoulder.
I squeeze her hip when they float away. “Have you spoken to your brothers?”
An exasperated sigh escapes her. “I think I hurt their feelings. Pat and Graham have been so distant since my outburst at dinner. They’re trying to give me space, which is technically what I asked for. Mom is one awkward interaction away from calling a sibling intervention.”
“They love you and want what’s best.” We glance over at Pat and Jo on the other side of the dance floor.
The song changes when a bossy little voice hollers, “My turn.”
Fists on her hips, tiara lopsided, and a generous amount of icing around her mouth, Lottie is cute and terrifying.
