Page 77 of Loving You

Yes, I’d been reduced to acting like the girl I’d been before and I hated it, but I’d done that on purpose so I could get him out of here. And even though I’d been quiet and censored, I’d also stood my ground about having a boyfriend and not wanting to be with Cliff.

That washuge.

So huge, in fact, that for the first time in years, it actually felt like I could breathe. Really, truly breathe.

Eric had helped a lot, but he’d been right about the unfinished business with Cliff still hanging out on the edges of our relationship. I felt safe with him, but without any closure, I’d still been afraid.

Now that I’d told my pitiful, drunk-ass ex I was taken and he needed to leave and nothing horrible had happened as a result…

I could fuckingbreathe.

And as soon as the opportunity presented itself, I was going to tell Eric I loved him because I was totally free to do so.

Letting out a gleeful laugh, I shook my head and stood.

Okay, time to get those champagne bottles and get back to the bridal suite. I was sure they were looking for me by now, and I damn sure could use another glass of bubbly.

Becausela-di-da!I was free to do that, too.

With a saucy smile and a shit ton of pep in my step, I headed for the stairs. But then Eric came in from the back door of the inn, and I stopped short.

“Hey,” I said, discreetly looking around. “Where’d you come from?”

“I was looking for you. The lady from the magazine is here, so I took her out back so she could get some photos of the reception area.”

“You did? But how did you—?”

“Someoneforgot her phone in the bathroom this morning,” he cut in, pulling my phone out of his pocket and handing it to me. “But to be fair, that quickie in that shower was a little mind-melting, so I don’t blame you. I figured I’d get it to you as soon as I saw you since we were headed to the same place.”

“Shit, I’ve been so busy with the girls I didn’t even notice. Thanks for handling the journalist for me. I need to run upstairs and get more champagne, but I’ll head out back to meet her right after that, and then I’ll go back to the bridal suite to get ready.”

He tilted his head, studying me as I rambled. “You okay?”

Was I okay?

Well, oddly, yes. I couldn’t believe I was even saying that considering my run-in with the man I’d been afraid of for years, but after the way it’d worked out…yes.I was more than okay.

And just as I opened my mouth to tell him why, Will’s voice carried from down the hall where the groom and his men were gathering. “Eric, flirt with your woman later, it’s your brother’s big day, remember?”

Eric shot me a look that suggested, out of all of them, he’d be the least likely to focus on his own shit when a family member was having a special moment.

I giggled, too happy for words, but also fine with waiting to tell him the story until later. My mind was a flurry of giddy relief, so I’d probably just blurt out the whole thing like a bunch of incoherent word vomit anyway.

“I’ve got to get in there,” he said. Then he stepped forward and took the back of my head gently in his palm so he could press a kiss to my brow.

As if he couldn’t help himself, he followed that up with angling his chin down to kiss my lips, and when he pulled back, he was smiling so wide you’d think it washiswedding day.

“Have fun with the girls. I’ll see you later, love.”

“See you,” I whispered with a small smile. Waving at him, I waited until he’d disappeared down the hall before skipping up the stairs, absolutely positive that nothing could ruin such a perfect night.

24

ERIC

Will twirled Ellie out, then back in, and they laughed as they danced to one of Brenna’s songs—a song she’d written thanks to the tradition unfolding before us. Jake and Mom beamed over at them, and the rest of us looked on from the edge of the wooden parquet dance floor like the adoring crowd we were.

Not that I’d ever doubted the Carrigan family’s ability to put on a good wedding, but this was absolutely beautiful, from the gorgeous floral arrangements to the tablecloths.

---