Page 128 of The Fast Lane
“What hit you?”
He picked up my hand and began making those slow, small circles with his thumb, warming me from the inside out. “That I wanted to sit next to you all the time. That I liked hearing your laugh and seeing your smile and watching your eyes light up and listening to whatever you had to say. That I wanted you to ask me to pass the salt and pepper every day for the rest of my life.”
“Oh,” I breathed.
He huffed a laugh. “But you had a boyfriend. Then you didn’t have a boyfriend, but I wasn’t sure how you felt about me. I was scared to tell you how I felt.” His gaze dropped to our hands, but he couldn’t hide the pink blooming from his neck to his cheeks. He was nervous. Somehow, that made me want to throw myself in his arms even more.
“A friend from college works at a sports magazine based in Chicago. He got me an interview. It’s right after the wedding.”
I leaned down to try and catch his eye. “That’s what the phone calls were about.”
“Yeah. But a couple of weeks ago, Cal asked me if I’d be willing to go to Colorado and talk Abe into coming to the wedding. I got this idea that maybe if, well, if I could spend time with you, I could figure us,” his gaze met mine, “out before I made any big decisions. So, I told Cal you should come with me for purely selfish reasons. I wanted to spend time with you.”
“What did you figure out?” I held my breath; this seemed like the most important answer.
“I don’t want to go to Chicago, Ali.” Those blue eyes locked onto mine, full of so much emotion, my heart ached. “I’ll cancel that interview in a heartbeat if you want me to, but you have to tell me.”
I hesitated. Why wasn’t I shouting my answer? Yes, cancel the interview, marry me, let’s have babies, and make everyone sick over our all-encompassing love. But I didn’t say any of that. Why?
“You’re scared.” He cupped my cheek. “I know. This is terrifying.”
I let out a wet laugh. “Yeah, it is. I don’t want to screw it up.”
He pressed his forehead to mine. “You won’t. You can’t. I’m already yours.”
FIFTY-FOUR
Note to self:
I deserve someone who loves me.
Sunday, Wedding Day
“This is beautiful,” Melanie breathed, walking slowly around the new location for the ceremony.
It had taken all I had to secure this room for Melanie. But it was gorgeous, all soft creamy walls and wainscoting, high cathedral ceilings with gold accents. But the best part was that wall of windows overlooking the Columbia River and providing impossibly gorgeous views.
It was about five thousand times better than a soggy circus tent pitched in the backyard. Sure, it had taken all my bargaining skills to get them to let us use it. We’d had to give up a few things and they’d required us to use their catering services. I might have promised them my firstborn.
Melanie hadn’t been told any of this, and I planned to keep it that way. Maybe on their fiftieth anniversary if she hadn’t figured it out by then.
The same room would also be used for the reception. It would require guests picking up their chairs and moving them, but they’d all survive, the poor dears. As for the décor, I’d put Penny and the twins on it, and they’d come through spectacularly. The room was beautiful, swathed in pale pink and cream with hints of gold. Classy and sweet, just like Melanie.
Well, almost.
“It’s not quite finished. Mom still needs to get the centerpieces on the tables. That is if you still want to use those candles?”
“The ones your mom made?” She held her folded hands under her chin, giddy as a little kid at recess. “They’ll be perfect.”
They’ll be… something.
“Oh, I love it.” Melanie threw her arms around me. “How did you do all this?”
“No big deal at all. I had a lot of help.” That was the truth. I’d made a list and delegated chores, right down to someone picking up the officiant at his house and tracking down a new photographer in twenty-four hours’ time. This day would be perfect, damn it. “If I haven’t said it, I’m glad you’re about to become my sister.”
“You’re the best.” Sniffling, she clung to me like a baby sloth. “It’s all been so much, and I can’t believe it’s here and…and…” The sobs got to her.
“Hey. Whatever happens today, remember, at the end of it, you’ll be married. That’s the prize.” I pulled her away gently so I could look at her. “But today is going to be great, fantastic, a day to remember for years to come.” Melanie swiped at her cheeks, her face splotchy and red. “Now, let’s get you upstairs. We have a wedding to get ready for.”