Page 61 of One Pucking Surprise
I lean forward, running a hand through my hair. “It’s complicated. It started off as just a simple arrangement—for both of us. Keep my dad off my back, and so she wouldn’t have to show up alone at your wedding. But now…”
“Now?” Wyatt prompts, his tone gentle.
I exhale, staring at the yard. “Now it doesn’t feel so fake. I like being around her. She’s smart, funny, and she keeps me on my toes. But I don’t know if I can give her what she wants.”
Wyatt claps me on the shoulder. “Sometimes the right person makes you rethink what you thought you wanted.”
I don’t respond, but his words stick with me.
The rest of the afternoon passes in a blur of laughter, snacks, and Jasper’s endless questions about hockey and life. As the sun sets, Wyattstretches and announces it’s time to figure out dinner.
“Pizza?” Jasper asks, his eyes lighting up.
Wyatt grins. “Pizza it is, kiddo.”
I stand, helping gather the bags as we head inside. There’s a strange sense of contentment in my chest—a warmth I can’t quite explain. Spending the day here with Wyatt and his family feels grounding in a way I didn’t expect.
And maybe, just maybe, it’s starting to make me rethink what I want out of life.
Chapter 21
Lainey
“Lainey,thisisamazing,”Chloe says, throwing her arms around me in a quick, tight hug.
We step into the VIP room of the club, already buzzing with excitement. Soft golden lights cascade over the velvet seating, the shimmering wall décor reflects our theme of “Last Fling Before the Ring,” and a line of champagne flutes and sparkling water glasses glint on a small bar in the corner. The setup is perfect—classy, fun, and exactly what I wanted for Chloe’s night.
Chloe and Janelle’s wide smiles spread across their faces as they take it all in. Casey and a few of our work friends from Luminous trail behind them, chattering excitedly and taking in the luxury of the VIP setup.
Chloe gives me an awestruck look. “You really went all out.”
I feel a burst of pride. For tonight, everything is about celebrating her, and it feels so good to see her happy.
“Only the best for the bride,” I reply, guiding her over to the main seating area where the gifts are already stacked and waiting.
Janelle grins, handing Chloe a glass of sparkling water instead of champagne, following my lead as I take one for myself. I’ve been feeling off since last weekend’s bridal shower, so I’m not taking any chances by drinking tonight. I thought it was just a mild food bug, but with it still coming and going a week later, maybe I should get it checked out. For now, though, tonight is all about Chloe.
Once everyone’s seated and settled, Chloe dives into her pile of gifts, her face lighting up as she unwraps each one. Lingerie in every color and style emerges from the bags—red lace, emerald satin, black silk—and each one draws laughter and playful teasing from the group.
“Oh, wow,” Chloe says, holding up a daring black bustier with a plunging neckline, her cheeks turning pink. “I think Wyatt’s going to lose his mind over this one.”
“That’s the point!” Janelle winks, tossing a piece of confetti her way.
We all dissolve into laughter, the room filled with easy energy and teasing as Chloe continues unwrapping gift after gift. It’s so easy to get lost in the fun, letting the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses drown out the nausea that keeps trying to creep up.
Finally, Chloe reaches my gift—a delicate, champagne-colored lace set with intricate detailing that’s elegant but understated. She smiles as she pulls it out, giving me a warm look.
“Of course, Lainey would pick something that’s both sexy and classy,” she says, holding it up. “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”
I smile, relieved that she likes it.
Chloe grins, folding the lingerie back into the box before launching into the next gift. As the laughter swells around us, I glance down at my glass of sparkling water, gripping it tightly as another wave of queasiness rolls through me. I take a slow sip, hoping it’ll pass, and remind myself to schedule that doctor’s appointment soon.
With the gifts finished, the energy in the room picks up even more. Casey nudges Chloe toward the door, and I give Janelle a playful smirk as we all follow her out of the VIP room and onto the dance floor. The music in theclub is already pulsing through the space, and the neon lights wash over us as we step into the crowd, making everything feel surreal and electric.
Chloe spins around, grabbing my hand, her face beaming with excitement. “Come on, Lainey! Let’s dance!”
I laugh, letting her pull me into the heart of the dance floor. The beat vibrates through my chest as we fall into rhythm with the music, our bodies moving and swaying with the crowd around us. For a moment, I forget everything—the nausea, the responsibilities, and the uncertainty—and just focus on being here with Chloe and our friends, celebrating her happiness.
