Page 69 of The Third Girl

“I needed to have my eyes opened. And you did that for me. Now it’s time to live my life.” He reaches up to brush a stray curl behind my ear. “And the first thing I want to do—if you’re willing—is to hit that reception and celebrate my brother and Kennedy.Together.Are you up for that?”

Warmth surges through me as he stares into my eyes, waiting for my answer. I drag in a breath and slowly let it out. I can’t bear to wait a second longer to tell him. “I’m up for anything, so long as I’m with you.”

* * *

Matt didn’t let me sit at my assigned seat for dinner. Everyone at the huge round table reserved for the wedding party had kindly shifted over to make room to squeeze me in. We made a mess of Kennedy’s carefully crafted seating chart, but when she saw us, she just laughed. I think she’s simply too happy to let anything bother her.

And speaking of being happy, in the reception line earlier, she’d whispered, “You make him so happy.” Between that sentiment, Lucy revealing that she loves the two of us together, and Laney telling me that everyone is rooting for us, I’m feeling pretty good about everything.

So, our friends and family might be watching us with curious eyes, but they’re definitely all for Team Matt and Skylar. And that warms my heart because I know that was part of Matt’s hang-up all along—whether people would be able to accept that he wants to move on.

After the dinner course is served, it’s Matt’s turn as the best man to give a toast to the bride and groom. He stands, smiling as he looks around the room. “Some things are meant to be, and I’ve always had a feeling that Kennedy and Travis would circle back around to each other.” He pauses, his gaze landing on the pair. “It may have taken a while to figure things out, but I’m glad you finally did. There’s so much more I could say, but in the end, it comes down to this: Love each other. Be happy. Don’t waste the precious time you have together.” His hand finds my shoulder and squeezes, his voice hoarse as he finishes with his glass raised. “To my little brother, Travis, and his beautiful bride, Kennedy. I wish you a marriage full of love and light and laughter.”

The room fills with cheers.

Beside me, Laney moans quietly. “God, that was sweet.”

I smile and look at her from the corner of my eye, hoping I can stave off the waterworks. I’m all choked up. The things he said. They were definitely in reference to Terri. But I don’t think I’m crazy to think they were kind of about me, too, in a way.

Laney turns, focusing on me as she recognizes my distress. “Oh, honey. You’re okay. What is it about weddings that brings on all the tears?”

My chest is so tight, I can’t speak. I shake my head, my face heating with embarrassment that I’m so affected by his words.

Matt takes my hand, bringing the back of it to his lips. “Don’t worry. I’m not wasting any more time.” He sets my hand back in my lap and, instead, takes my head between his hands, lowering his mouth to mine, and kisses me in front of the entire table.

My head gets hazy, and a buzzing fills my ears as he nips my lips and his tongue slips inside my mouth. My entire body is a live wire. And it’s only when we part on a gasped breath that I recognize that there’s an awful lot of cheering and clapping happening. Blinking to get my bearings, my eyes widen. “Oh, God.”

He huffs out a laugh, glancing at all the excited grins around the table. “Sorry about that.”

Logan snickers. “Nothing to be sorry for. But you might consider heading over to see Claire and Dan. They’re going to tweak a muscle the way they’re trying to get a look at what’s going on over here.

I press my fingers to my kiss-swollen lips. Just yesterday, I was introduced as Sailor’s nanny. And today—

Matt takes my hand, lacing his fingers with mine. “I probably owe them some sort of explanation for why I’ve been hanging out with the nanny all night.” He winks at me as he stands.

I sputter with laughter. “Um, okay.”

“Let’s go say hello.” He shrugs. “I mean, you gotta laugh at some things, right?”

Everyone at the table does, indeed, laugh at his statement, and I believe they’re enjoying the happy side of this new Matt.Or is this the old Matt resurfacing?The possibility boggles my mind. I’ve liked Matt at his worst. But this guy? Ireallylike him a lot.

Excusing ourselves, we head over to the table where Matt’s parents are seated. He leans in to grip his dad’s shoulder and kiss his mom’s cheek. “Hey, you two, having fun?”

They turn toward us, all smiles. His mom nods, her eyes lighting up. “Yeah. It’s been a beautiful day. Didn’t Kennedy look fabulous?”

Matt pulls me closer to him. “Yes, she did. Hey, I wanted to talk to you both for a sec.”

“Oh yeah?” Dan eyes me, then Matt.

He lightly squeezes my hand. “So… I know I introduced Skylar to you yesterday as Sailor’s nanny… and I think Laney told you Skylar is also her coworker. But…”

Mom smiles softly. “Matt, we’ve been watching all day. Is there something you’re trying to tell us?”

“Yes.” Matt turns his head and kisses my temple. “Skylar and I are together.”

“So, not the nanny anymore,” his dad grunts.

My cheeks burn pink.Oh God, what must they think?

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