Page 94 of Somebody to Save
Cutting a glance at Beckett, who shrugged, I shook my head.
“Nana is definitely a…character, but she’s also one of the best people in the world. I know they would love to meet you both. And you, too, Andrew.”
Andrew nudged his father and motioned to me. “See how easy it is, Dad. Addie’s only just met me andstillremembered to include me.”
Gavin offered a quick apology when Caroline interrupted to let us know the bar was open and that guests would be arriving soon. We all made our way over to the few bartenders and ordered. When Beckett handed me something pretty and fruity, I was excited to have something to do with my hands that wasn’t wringing them in front of me or awkwardly playing with my necklace to try to calm my nerves.
As she’d said, the first guests were ushered through the door the moment I took my first sip, and I knew Beckett would be whisked away to do his hosting duties. But before that happened, he took a moment to check in with me.
“You made the best first impression. Although I had no doubt that you would,” he said, and my nerves calmed, which I’m sure the strong drink I had in my hands also had something to do with.
“Really? God, I was so nervous.”
He laughed and kissed my forehead, tucking a piece of my curled hair behind my ear. “Oh, I’m well aware how nervous you were. But you did great. Andrew’s already made a joke about how if I don’t lock you down first, you can have the youngest Crawford instead.”
Shaking my head, I let out a surprised laugh. “That’s…sweet? I think, but I’m very,veryhappy with the Crawford I have.”
His dad bellowed his name and waved him over toward the door, where two older gentlemen were standing. But before he ran off, Beckett stooped and kissed me soundly.
The night was off to the perfect start. I only hoped it continued that way.
FORTY-SIX
REALLY LUCKY
Addison
Our table wasfront and center, right next to the dance floor and in front of the band. We were seated with Beckett’s parents, his brother, Aunt Michelle, as well as Natalie and her fiancé, Theo.
I couldn’t help but gawk at the new rock on her ring finger and the way Theo couldn’t keep his eyes off her. And who could blame him? She was gorgeous in a green, one-shoulder gown, and all her dark hair was gathered over the opposite side.
Beckett slid back into the chair next to me and reached for my hand.
“You did such a good job,” I whispered.
He smiled and kissed me quickly. Their speech was so sweet, there was barely a dry eye in the place. Gavin had even teared up when Andrew was talking about the impact his father had on his life and how much he looked up to Beckett.
“Thank you, baby girl. And thank you for being here.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” I said, which was true, but I was also silently struggling. My dress was beautiful, but it didn’t have pockets, so Beckett had volunteered to keep track of my phone. He’d also promised my grandmothers that he wouldn’t let me obsessively check it to make sure they were okay. They wanted me to be in the moment like they always did, and he was going to keep his promise to them.
“I’ll give you your phone after dinner…and a dance.”
“Oh, we’re dancing?” Surprise was evident in my question.
He gave me a look like I was the crazy one. “Of course, baby girl. You planned the event, and well, it’s for my company. It would be weirder if we didn’t dance.”
Eyeing my empty plate, the band started playing a little louder and something that was supposed to motivate everyone to get on the dance floor. Gavin and Jackie were the first to get up, and Aunt Michelle quickly tugged Andrew out of his chair.
A second later, I stood from my seat and reached for Beckett’s hand. “Well, let’s go then.”
He flashed me a smile and slid his hand in mine. We joined everyone on the quickly filling dance floor, where Beckett spun me once and tugged me into his chest. I stumbled against him with a laugh, and he helped me find my footing once again.
With his right hand pressed against my lower back, his left gripped mine as he began to guide us in slow steps. Over his shoulder, I saw his mother watching us. She laid her head on her husband’s shoulder and shot us a smile.
“What are you smiling at?” Beckett asked, and I quickly glanced back up at him.
“Your mom. She was…smiling at me.”
