Page 79 of One Foggy Christmas
I turn my head, staring directly into her eyes. “Not nervous. I’m the one who got the girl of both of our dreams. It’s not awkward for me tonight.”
“But you’re also the one she can’t remember.”
Sick burn, Annie. Sick burn.
Suddenly, my shirt collar feels like it’s choking me. I take another sip of my drink, masking my discomfort.
“Speak of the devil himself,” Annie says as Stetson and his parents walk through the door. He’s going stag tonight—a huge disappointment for me.
The Bradleys rush to greet them, hugging and shaking hands like old friends do.
“Stetson looks like someone who got in trouble with the law, but his dad talked to the judge and got him out of it.”
She chokes on her drink. “He totally does!”
“Annie!” Lynette calls, waving her over to them, somehow forgetting about her son-in-law.
“Duty calls.” She spins, walking backward as she says, “Good luck tonight. May the best man win.”
I’m the best man, right?
I mean, I know I am, but does Annie think so?
A hush falls over the room, and every pair of eyes drifts to the stairs.
Sadie slowly walks down each step, wearing a white long-sleeve sequin mini dress. I’ve never seen her in sequins before, but the fitted dress and the short hemline flatter her silhouette in the best ways. Her hair is pulled up with two curtain bangs left in front, probably hoping it would cover her new scar.
She’s gorgeous—a Phoenix rising from the ashes.
I leave my spot in the corner, making my way to her while she scans the room. Her search stops as soon as she sees Stetson by the front door. Brown eyes light up with a glow she used to reserve only for me. It’s not even a slow smile that spreads across her lips. It’s quick and animated, shredding my heart apart. I watch their reunion play out in front of me from across the room. Each moment is a torturous clip.
“Hi,” she says to Stetson when she reaches the bottom of the stairs. The enchantment behind her expression is painfully obvious. “I didn't know if you would come.”
“Haven't missed a neighbor bash since we moved here in third grade.” His eyes drop down her body. “Wow, you look incredible. It's been years since I've seen you. You’re a real sight for sore eyes.”
“For me, it feels like we saw each other just the other day.”
“I heard about your accident. We’ve all been praying for your recovery.”
A dazzling smile covers her mouth. “Your prayers must have worked.”
The way they stare at each other like star-crossed lovers makes me sick.
Lynette points to Mr. and Mrs. Roeshine. “Sadie, you remember Lewis and Rebecca?”
“Can you say things like that under the current circumstances?” Lewis laughs, hugging her like a daughter.
“You’re actually people I do remember,” Sadie jokes as she moves to hug Stetson’s mom, and I try my best to ignore the cutting sting her words caused in my heart.
Rebecca Roeshine is full of nothing but glee. “We are so happy to have you back home.”
“Yeah, we are.” Stetson’s gaze has a little too much intensity behind it for my liking.
I step into their circle, arm extended. “I’m Nash.”The better man. The husband. The man she really loves.“It’s nice to finally meet you.”
His jaw flinches as he shakes my hand. “Likewise.” The smile on his lips seems innocent enough, but his words are laced with condescending charm. “Didn't Sadie tell you the dress code for this party? We go all out for Christmas.” He points over his shoulder. “I'm sure I have an old shirt and tie next door you can borrow.”
“Nah, I’m good.”
