Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 94960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94960 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
And that’s not normal for me. I’ve never wanted that with exes or women I’ve dated a few times and have always accepted the natural end of a relationship. If we detoured or veered off track, I had no problem walking away. Yet with Tatum, it’s different and worth the effort. And I wonder if that’s because of the glimpse of excitement I experienced earlier. Her vivacity.
Tatum and Camille head in my direction, but Nick and Natalie gather the guests to sit since the food is about to be served. I walk along the long table set up in the garden, looking for my place card. Intrigued to see who Natalie sat me next to and near. I’m pretty easygoing when it comes to these types of situations, but when I see Tatum rush past me and covertly switch two cards, I’m impressed with her deviousness.
With Nick and Natalie sharing the head of the table, their moms are seated next to them and then Tatum and Jackson. Tatum is directly across from me. The sign would lead me to believe that Tatum and I aren’t too far gone if she’s sneaking around to sit closer.
The champagne glasses are already full. When everyone finds their seats, Nick stands with his glass in hand. “On this beautiful evening, I wanted to thank you for celebrating our wedding anniversary with us.” He looks down at his wife, who’s beaming up at him. “Destiny brought Natalie into my world—”
“Stumbling, actually,” she adds.
A low murmur of laughter rolls across the table. He takes her hand. “Yes, she fell into my arms, and I couldn’t dream that this beautiful soul would see anything in me, but she did.” Speaking to her directly, he adds, “It took us three times to get things right, but once we did, there was no going back. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better match than you. There’s no one else I’d rather spend my life with. I love you, Natalie.” He helps her from the chair so she can stand next to him. Leaning down, he kisses her. “Happy anniversary, baby.”
Wrapping her arms around him, she stares into his eyes like he put the stars in the sky just for her. “Happy anniversary, my love.” They kiss again. Then she turns toward the table. Waggling her finger, she adds, “Nick gave me this stunning ring.” The last light of the sun hits the slim gold band of the ring on her right hand. The single pearl on top is elegant and so romantic.
She gives him one more kiss. “We’re so happy to share this day with all of our friends and family. We also thought tonight with our parents here was the perfect time to announce we’re having a baby.”
The moms stand on either side to hug their child. It doesn’t matter how old we get—that’s what my mom tells me. The rest of us clap. Staying with them has given me the benefit of being an insider on the situation. As much as it’s weird that Nick’s going to be a dad, a little part of me is envious he’s really kicking off the next chapter of his life while I’m still stuck in first gear.
I reach for my champagne and stand, ready to give the toast as Nick’s brother and his wife, Juni, finish hugging the guests of honor. Juni’s about to have her first baby, making Nick and Natalie an uncle and aunt. When they return to their seats, I hold up my glass. “To the soon-to-be parents. Congratulations!”
After taking a drink, I go around and shake Nick’s hand. I drag him in for a hug, though. “Congrats, man. Couldn’t happen to better people.”
“Thanks, Deck.”
I return to my seat and catch Tatum looking my way. I grin because why not? She’s in a great mood. I’m in a good mood. We bonded over flowers and putting an end to the madness of holding grudges. Holding my glass across the table, I wait until she brings hers close enough to tap.
“Here’s to new beginnings,” she says.
“To new beginnings.” And reading the signs. I keep that last part to myself.
7
Harrison
The second course is served.
The mothers flanking Nick and Natalie have been gushing with excitement since the couple announced the baby. Jackson has talked Tatum’s ear off, but I try not to be jealous. They’re old friends, I remind myself.
He starts a conversation with his other neighbor, finally, giving Tatum and me the first chance to speak.
Tatum leans forward to whisper to me, “You look bothered.”
“That’s just my face,” I reply, teasing.
“No, it’s not. Maybe bothered wasn’t right.” A myriad of emotions flickers through her eyes as she studies mine. “I’m leaning toward jealousy.”
Chuckling, I spin my glass of whiskey between my fingers on top of the pale pink tablecloth. “You tell me. You seem to know the emotion well, or is jealousy a reaction?”