Page 48 of Love From the Ashes

“Yes, you’re right. I’m sorry. I should have said something, but it’s not like Jillian’s been on my mind and I purposely neglected to mention it. I honestly hadn’t given her a thought.”

I lowered my head and looked down at the floor. With everything going on right now, the timing of that woman’s presence couldn’t have been worse. What if Reid rebuffed me after finding out I was pregnant? He’d have Jillian’s warm body at his immediate disposal to comfort him should it happen while we were here. “Excuse me. I need some air.” I marched past Reid and left the lounge through the side door to the terrace, gazing at the mountains in the distance as I stood there on the deck.

Reid followed me outside and stood behind me. “I don’t want our weekend spoiled by an argument. Can we please put this aside?”

“I don’t want to argue either.” I turned around to face him, my irritation evaporating when I saw his pained expression. “I need you to hold me right now.”

Reid reached for me and drew me against his chest. His arms wrapped around me as he rested his chin on my head. “I’m sorry that happened.”

I snuggled against him, comforted by his touch and the faint scent of his cologne. I didn’t have any words to say. All I wanted was for him to hold me.

After a few minutes, Reid pulled away. “Let’s go back inside. They’ll be gathering everybody for the rehearsal soon, and I need to drink that beer I ordered.”

I nodded and took Reid’s hand, letting him take me back inside. Reid retrieved his beer and my water from the bar, and we sat at the table with Ginny and Maddie. They graciously kept chatting away, choosing not to comment on what had happened.

“Do you mind if Sofie comes with me and watches the rehearsal?” Reid said to Maddie.

“Not at all. Your mother was going to watch it. They can keep each other company.”

Reid reached over and put his hand on my thigh. “What do you think? The rehearsal shouldn’t take that long, and we’ll go to dinner immediately afterward. That way, you won’t have to find something to do, and we won’t have to look for each other when it’s over.”

I nodded and gave Reid a faint smile. He was going out of his way to include me and make me feel comfortable.

Reid finished his beer, and Maddie led us to the area where the rehearsal was taking place. It was on the lawn at the side of the estate, overlooking a serene-looking lake. A group of people was already there, chatting and milling around, and staff had strategically placed several chairs, giving a rough outline of the seating area. The sun was going down, and I could see why Samantha and Ryan had picked this place. Forested mountains stood majestically beyond the lake, with a red, yellow, and orange kaleidoscope in the sky. The view and sunset were breathtaking.

“I better join the group,” Reid said. He gave me a quick kiss and walked away, drawn at once into a multitude of conversations with an abundance of handshakes, shoulder claps, fist bumps, and high fives, the male half of the wedding party overflowing with testosterone.

“I’m going to sit on the bench by that tree and watch,” Ginny said. She motioned toward a white wooden bench off to our left. “Come and join me.”

“Thank you, but I’m going to walk around and stretch my legs. It feels good after the flight and the drive to get here.” I figured I’d stroll in a wide arc around the area. That way, I could watch without hovering and still be visible. I had taken a few steps when a woman approached me. Dark-haired and petite, she looked a few years younger than me.

“Hi, you must be Sofie. I’m Ryan’s sister, Kate.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“Same here. I was hoping we’d get to meet. Reid talks about you all the time.”

“He does?”

“Yes, he does, nonstop sometimes,” Kate laughed.

I smiled, thrilled at her revelation. I turned to look at Reid, my smile turning into a frown. He was standing amongst the guys, talking and joking, while Jillian inched toward him.

“Ignore her. She’s nothing but a pain in the ass. She can try all she wants, but I can guarantee Reid won’t go near her. They fought like crazy when they dated, and he was ready to break it off with her when she screwed up and saved him the trouble.”

“Screwed up? What did she do?”

“Reid caught her in bed with one of Samantha’s actor friends and told her he was through with her. Then the other guy dumped her too. Reid won’t touch her with a ten-foot pole. Besides, he’s totally in love with you. You should hear the way he talks about you. It’s so cute.”

“Thanks. That’s kind of nice to hear.”

“I’m glad I could share. Well, I better join the rest of the party. The wedding coordinator is getting them organized.” Kate waved at Ginny and then hurried toward the others.

I continued my stroll for a few minutes and then stopped to watch. A woman in her thirties or early forties explained to everyone where they’d be walking and then showed them how to line up by what I assumed would be an altar of some sort during the actual ceremony. With that part completed, the woman sent the group back to the hotel deck, where her male assistant was waiting. He paired each groomsman with a bridesmaid and had them line up. Reid had paired with Kate. Figuring I’d see the entire processional tomorrow, I decided to take a walk down the gentle slope toward the lake.

I stopped a short distance away and sat in the grass, wanting to enjoy the sunset. I could hear the rehearsal taking place up the hill behind me. As I sat there, I thought about Reid. Since he was so damn gorgeous and sexy, would my life with him be filled with run-ins with ex-girlfriends and female strangers ogling him in front of me? God, I hoped not. At least I didn’t have to worry about Jillian since it was clear by Reid’s actions and the look on his face he had no interest in her whatsoever. One thing still puzzled me, though. If Reid had a line of women wanting him and could take his pick, why was he interested in me? I was simple and boring compared to them. Whatever his interest in me was, would it even last? It might be a different story once I got fat and moody from my pregnancy. I lay back on the grass, trying to push Reid out of my mind. I was determined to enjoy the sunset.

“What are you doing?” Reid said, sounding amused. His voice seemed to float above me.

---