Page 56 of With All My Heart, Joy

Her choice to stand her ground gave him courage. “In fact, you’re the most beautiful woman in the room.”

Now her lips tipped upward with visible pleasure. “You’re only supposed to say that to the bride on such an occasion.”

Isaac scoffed. “Believe me, Lucy gets plenty of admiration from Silas. She’s not lacking in that department.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” Joy took a step back, her eyes darting around the room. Was she checking if anyone was watching? Her hands fluttered nervously against her dress before she clasped them tightly. Steeling her resolve? To say what? He waited in breathless anticipation, hope and terror twined together like a rope. “Just so you know.” Her voice dropped to a feathery whisper that made his insides quiver all the more. “You look handsome.” Her head was low, and when she looked at him through her eyelashes, he forgot where he was and why. “Very handsome.”

He blinked, and she was gone, making her way to the doorway where Lucy had asked them to meet for their introduction. In ten seconds. Isaac nearly tripped as he rushed to his place.

He hadn’t expected the compliment from Joy. It meant a lot. Naturally, he was flattered that she found him attractive. But more than that, her forwardness meant a lot. It meant that maybe—just maybe—he had a chance with her that he hadn’t dared to hope for until tonight.

The MC introduced him and Joy together as best man and maid of honor, and Isaac offered Joy his arm as they entered to light applause. The room was packed. While Silas and Lucy had kept the wedding small, they went all out on the reception. Everyone who mattered to either one of them in any way, business or personal, was in attendance.

The way Joy’s hand rested in the crook of Isaac’s elbow felt much too natural, and when she removed it to take her seat, the loss of her touch hit him like an arrow. He distracted himself by giving a thumbs up to Paisley who was clapping as if he was the star of his own show tonight.

Silas and Lucy earned heartier applause, and as they made their way to the table, Isaac noticed a man slip into the room at the back. Joy jerked forward, her face lit with eagerness as she gave a discreet wave. This must be Victor.

While appetizers were served, Isaac checked on Paisley. She was content with Ezekiel and Adelaide Turner. Silas’s grandparents were some of the best people Isaac knew. And he was blessed to know a lot of good people. The delicious food was definitely a hit with Paisley. Isaac hoped she ate a lot. His mom wouldn’t arrive for six more days. Six days of his cooking was a long time.

When Silas and Lucy shared their first dance, Joy scurried away. Isaac’s eyes tracked her to her family’s table where she fiercely hugged the newcomer. The meal was served after that, then more dancing. Isaac remained in his seat while Joy took a turn on the floor with TJ, then her father. She was a beautiful dancer. Nothing shocking. She was beautiful at everything.

The song ended, and Ben started in her direction. Quickly she returned to the bridal party table. She obviously hadn’t taken up his advice on that topic yet.

Soon it was time for the toasts. Joy went first as maid of honor. She was as polished in person as she was on the screen. Next, Isaac shared a heartfelt tribute to Silas and Lucy both. It was easy to say good things about two people who meant so much to him. When Silas and Lucy moved to the dancefloor again and others joined them for a slow dance, Isaac leaned over the two empty chairs between him and Joy.

“Would you like to dance with me?”

She appeared startled at his request. Her eyes moved about the room before she looked at him regretfully. Isaac’s chest smarted. She didn’t want to be seen with him. Not likethat.

“No one will think anything of it.” Yes, he was desperate and not above groveling. “We’re the only attendants, and it’s normal for the best man and maid of honor to share a dance.”

Her chest rose and fell in a jerky motion. “Okay.” She didn’t sound sure, but when he stood and extended his hand, she set her smaller hand in his without hesitation. Her hand feltamazing. The skin was so soft. He couldn’t stop himself from gently sweeping his thumb across her knuckles as he led her onto the shiny, polished floor.

As he drew her closer until their bodies loosely connected, he felt trembles racing through her. “Relax, Joy. It’s just me,” he murmured as he set his hand on her waist.Aaah. A happy sigh zinged through his body, amplifying when she put her hand on his shoulder. This was heaven.

They danced in silence. Was it his imagination, or was Joy drifting closer to him? Her hand migrated northward, clutching the back of his neck. He would be happy to stay this way forever.

“How did it go with Marie?” he asked at length, wanting more than just physical contact with her. He wanted her heart, her mind, her soul. He wantedconnection. “I saw you come in on Thursday.”

She didn’t respond right away. “It was okay. I had trouble talking.”

That didn’t sound right. “You never seemed to struggle to talk to me.”

“That’s because I didn’t.”

He craned his neck back so he could look in her face. “Why’s that?”

She gave a pitiful shrug, her cheeks uncommonly pink. “I don’t know. I just felt one hundred percent comfortable around you from the moment I met you.” Her gaze darted up to him, her face timid as if she feared his reaction. Or maybe it was hers that scared her.

“Are you still comfortable with me?” He couldn’t help how husky his voice came out.

“Yes,” she whispered, her eyes bouncing off his quickly before she moved back in close, hiding her face by almost pressing it to his shoulder. He held her tenderly in his arms, ignoring the open-mouthed surprise of Lucy and the thumbs-up of Silas as they glided by.

Her words made him think. He’d been berating himself for accepting Joy as a client from the very beginning, but maybe it was meant to be all along. Maybetheywere meant to be.

“Can I ask how your depression has been?”

She stiffened so suddenly that his hands fell away from her body. “Terrible.” When she stepped back, away from him, he almost cried out. “I think I’m done.”

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