Page 79 of Be My Wife

“No way! Brogan?”

“Yup. He strode up to my table and the rest, as we say, is history.”

Applause breaks out.

“That’s so romantic.” Aunt Becca sniffs.

“Are you crying?”

“These kids have a beautiful love story and you know it, Tina!”

Brogan drops a hand on my back. I stiffen at first but relax when he doesn’t kiss me again.

“You took a risk,” he whispers in my ear.

“It’ll be fine.” I turn fully to him. “Speaking of the matchmakers, they’ve been calling me lately.”

“I got the calls too,” he admits.

“We should go see them. Tell them…”

“That we got married?”

I cringe. “Should we just ghost them?”

“I’m fine with letting Kayla know.” His lips tilt up. “They’ll be surprised.”

“For sure.”

“Ehem.” Aunt Becca advances on us again. “I have another question.”

“What now, Becca?” Aunt Sharon groans.

“It’s about…” Aunt Becca’s eyes dip to Brogan’s hands.

Silence falls.

I glance at Brogan. Guardedness creeps into his eyes again. I see the shift like a storm chaser catching the signs of a hurricane.

It’s gradual but distinct.

Blue eyes full of life become eyes of shadows, pain and secrets.

My body stiffens in response.

Something protective unfurls in me.

I lift my beer. “Why don’t we have another toast?”

“What? But—”

“To family!”

“To family!”

As everyone drinks, I hook my arm over Aunt Becca’s shoulder. “Is there anything else in the cooler? I’m trying not to drink too much since I get bloated…” As I walk off, I glance at Brogan over my shoulder.

He’s scowling.

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