Page 29 of Unexpected Forever
I sit up straight. The lethargy that’s my constant companion disappears. “Absolutely. Who’s the happy couple?”
“Emma and I are.”
My eyes widen. “Hold on. You wantmeto handle your wedding?” I lay a hand over my pounding heart. “Does Emma know about this?”
He chuckles and kicks his long legs out in front of him, crossing them at the ankle. He’s cool as a cucumber while I’m having a complete meltdown.
“Of course she knows. She wanted to tell you herself but she had an appointment.”
My insides go gooey seeing Shane’s smile, so full of love for my cousin.
Oddly, it makes me think of Nate and the last smile he gave me before we fell asleep late into the night.
I’m not proud of the fact I snuck out of Nate’s room just as the sun came up. But I knew in my soul if I didn’t get out of there, I’d be in trouble. Mentally, emotionally, and sexually.
I’d left him a note thanking him for the unforgettable night and wishing him well.
I haven’t seen or talked to him since.
It’s what we had agreed on. One night, no strings.
But the weight in my chest tells me I miss him. I miss his touch, his smile, his laugh, and the funny side he doesn’t show many people.
He isn’t what I expected when I met him—the guy I’d watched on TV for so many years.
He’s more.
I have no idea what to do with all these feelings, other than ignore them.
I shove aside all thoughts of Nate and the one glorious night we had together, along with the knotted feeling in my stomach every time I think of him.
Focusing back on Shane, I clear my throat. “Okay, what are we looking at as far as timing goes?”
Shane and I spend the next half hour talking about the timing of when the barn will be completed and how it’ll line up with what he and Emma want.
“I think Emma will handle everything from here,” Shane says as he stands, indicating our meeting is over. His lips curve in a wry smile. “She is the bride, after all.”
“You know, we could have Megan take some photos of the barn being built. Put it up on the website. Plus, we can include photos of how we decorate it for your wedding.”
My mind whirls with all the possibilities.
He nods with a smile. “Great idea.”
“Thanks.” If I didn’t think it would be unprofessional, I’d jump up and down and clap my hands with glee.
“We’ve decided to hire a web designer in-house. I’d like you to work with them on that once we get them in here.”
“I can do that. And I’ll email you and Emma the package I put together.”
“That works.” At the doorway, he turns back and studies me. “You still look pale. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off? Get some rest.”
I wave a hand and scoff, even though the overwhelming urge to lay my aching head down and sleep sounds way too appealing to me. “I’m fine. I need to get back to work on these cost reports. Especially since now I have a wedding to oversee!”
“You can take it home, if you’d be more comfortable.”
“I’m good. Promise.”
But an hour later, I’m not good. I can hardly keep my eyes open, my head’s pounding, and my stomach heaves like I’m on a raft in stormy seas.
