He’s feeling left out, and I don’t know how to handle that. Fortunately, I’m prevented from responding because Taryn has moved to the far end of the dance floor with her back to the ladies who’ve lined up. Ryleigh looks determined, Summer is more amused, and Alexa is still a little surly. Most of the other ladies just seem resigned to Ryleigh coming out the winner since she’s making a big show of catching it.
“Ready?” Taryn calls out. She lowers her bouquet and then throws it back over her head toward the waiting ladies.
Alexa ducks, Ryleigh jumps up in the air while most of the other girls move out of the way.
Except Summer.
She’s just standing there politely, and when the bouquet hits Ryleigh’s hand but bounces up and back, Summer simply lifts her hand and catches it without moving anything but her arm. And she looks a little shocked that she caught it.
Everyone, including Ryleigh, bursts out laughing.
Now it’s time for Mick to toss the garter, and based on the looks I see some of the guys exchange, I have a feeling I’m a shoo-in. But that’s okay. If this is their way of giving Summer and me a little mini-wedding reception of our own, I appreciate it.
There’s some grappling among the men, making a show of going for it, but Jonny gives it a nudge in my direction, and sure enough, I wind up with the lacy garment and am immediately ushered to the center of the dance floor, where Summer is now sitting in a chair.
“I feel like this was a set-up,” she murmurs, glancing up at me with a soft smile.
“Absolutely,” I agree. “I think they just wanted us to have a moment in the spotlight too since we’re not having a wedding.”
“You have really nice friends,” she says softly.
“We have really nice friends.”
We exchange a tender look, her gaze lingering on mine until the DJ starts playing stripper music. Which is hilarious considering I’m supposed to put the garter on her, not take anything off. But I’m an entertainer by profession, so I make a little show of it, doing a couple of dance steps before I drop down to my haunches.
Summer hikes up the hem of her dress ever so slowly, stopping at mid-thigh. Everyone boos so she pulls it up another inch or two and then looks down at me expectantly. I make a big deal out of running my hands along her calf and letting her stiletto heel fall off before sliding the garter around her foot, over her ankle and up her leg.
Everyone is hooting and hollering, and we laugh along with them as I bend my head and use my teeth to drag it up the rest of the way. At the end, I rest my head in her lap and everyone claps and cheers. Summer puts her hand on my hair, stroking softly for a few seconds before I lift my head and sit up.
We smile at each other, unspoken understanding between us. Like this is a private moment we shared. I don’t completely understand it, but I like it.
And for some reason, I feel like we just passed some kind of milestone.
Chapter 28
Summer
Your wedding day is supposed to be memorable, and though I made sure to keep my expectations low, my new husband surpassed them all. Instead of waiting two days, we decided to do it the day after the wedding, so that Mick and Taryn could be there. And we’re a pretty big group arriving at the little all-in-one chapel Tate found online.
While we take care of the legalities, the others go off to—I didn’t realize this until after—upgrade the package we bought. To include flowers and pictures and a few other little surprises that make the day seem so much more special.
Afterward, they take us to lunch at one of the most gorgeous restaurants I’ve ever been to, with a view of the city. It’s sweet and fun and I’m a little awed by the thoughtfulness of Tate’s friends.
My friends.
I have to remind myself of that.
They’re my friends now too.
Taryn and Ryleigh have been so thoughtful about making me feel included in everything. Kirsten flew in for the weekend so she could attend the wedding with Sam, and she has to head to the airport right after we eat, but she takes the time to input her number into my phone, telling me to keep in touch and let her know if I need anything while the guys are in Europe.
Taryn’s mother and son, Tracy and Toby, came with us and she gives me her number as well, welcoming me to the family.
These strangers have been more welcoming than my biological family, and I know it’s because of Tate. I don’t know whether he specifically asked them to go out of their way to welcome me or if that’s simply who they are and how they operate, but either way it’s lovely. And I’m actually a little sad when we have to say goodbye.
Kirsten is going back to college.
Taryn and Mick on their honeymoon.
