“Hey, Evan.” My eyes widened as I took in the sight of him. “You could seriously stop traffic in that tux.”
Evan gave me a sheepish grin and shrugged. He had no clue how devastatingly handsome he was in just work clothes and a tool belt. In a black on black tuxedo that fit his body to perfection, he was outright stunning. I smiled, remembering the tall and lanky kid I first met in high school. He was a sweetheart even then, and after the tough life he had, I was delighted he finally got the girl he always wanted.
“How’s my Daisy?”
“She’s good. Excited to marry you. Sad about Jack not being here to see it.” I pursed my lips, and Evan gave me a sad nod.
“She’s not the only one.” He let out a long sigh. “Jack was always there, and I took for granted he always would be. But I think he’s here today. He told me he wouldn’t miss it.”
I let out a sad chuckle. “He told me the same thing.”
Evan’s lips ticked up in a smirk. “I may have proof.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a white piece of paper and handed it to me.
“What’s this?” My brows pulled together as I spied Evan’s smile.
“The owner gave us all the alcohol today for free, as a gift for all the work we’ve done for them over the years. Jack told me he would turn water into wine at our wedding, just like Jesus did. I’m reaching, but I’m taking this as confirmation that my best man is right by my side today.”
A tear snuck up on me and rolled down my cheek. That was the kind of man Jack was. If there was any way he could be here today, he would. And turning water into wine would totally be his MO.
I almost lost it when Evan and Paige teared up at the first sight of each other as her uncle, Jack’s father, walked her down the aisle, and then again when Evan sang in her ear as they danced. They were completely in love, and even though I was so happy they found their way back to each other, it made the loneliness I thought I’d gotten used to palpable and stifling. Sadness washed over me and left me strolling around in a haze. I needed to accept that that part of my life was over. Yes, I was only in my thirties, but I didn’t want anyone else but Jack—and couldn’t see how that would ever change.
“C’mon, Mrs. Taylor! Time to cut a rug.” Jack grabbed my hand and twirled me around before pulling me flush to his chest.
“Cut a rug? Did you join the Rat Pack?” I let a smirk twist my lips as he laughed in my ear.
“There’s a new generation of timeless swagger—Harry Connick, Jr., Michael Buble, me. It’s rumored that Frank Sinatra was a distant cousin on our Italian side. You married into coolness.”
I brought my eyes to his and shook my head, wrapping my arms around my new husband’s neck as we swayed back and forth. Cameras flashed in my peripheral vision. There was nowhere else to look except for Jack’s piercing blue eyes.
“You’re so humble.”
We stopped dancing as his heated gaze speared me in place on the dance floor. He dipped me for a long passionate kiss, causing a symphony of whistles and cat calls from our wedding guests.
“I’m solucky,” he murmured against my lips.
I grabbed my coat and strolled out to the courtyard in the back. White lights draped over the outer gates and twinkled against the darkness. In the warmer months, it would be beautiful to enjoy, but for right now in late January, it was cold and spooky. I settled myself on the cold concrete bench next to the glass door. As hard as I fought not to crumble, I was only human. At the end of the day, I was a girl who loved a boy her entire life, struggling to function in a world without him.
“Friend of the bride or groom?” I jumped at the deep timbre of the voice beside me. I was so into my thoughts I didn’t hear anyone approach.
“Um, both, I guess. Paige is family and Evan is a close friend.” I lifted my head to the man towering over me. The light was at his back, blocking the features on his face.
“Mind if I sit?” He motioned to the empty space on the bench beside me.
I shook my head and shrugged. “No, go right ahead.” He settled next to me, and I felt even smaller than usual. His large frame dwarfed mine.
“Nick . . . I’m a college friend of Evan’s.” He extended his hand, and I raised my eyes to him as I took it. Even in the dim lighting, I could make out his warm but striking dark eyes. “Seeing him finally marry Paige was worth a trip from Florida for me.”
I chuckled and nodded. “Ellie. Everyone seemed to know but her.”
Nick let out an exaggerated sigh. “If I had a dollar for every time I said ‘Just tell her,’ I’d be rich.” He shook his head and laughed. “So, what is a beautiful woman like you doing out in the cold all by herself?” He raised an eyebrow, then held his gaze on me as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. The light illuminated the strong planes of his jaw and full lips. Despite being in the throes of my personal pity party, I couldn’t help but like what I saw.
I exhaled and stared at the ground. “I needed a little air, I guess.” I stuffed my hands under my folded arms, but it didn’t make one ounce of difference. I was freezing my lonely ass off.
“You’re shivering. Know where it’s nice and warm?” Nick cocked his head.
“Where?” I squinted my eyes and shrugged.
“The bar inside. Have a drink with me?” He rose from the bench and extended his hand to me. I jerked away on instinct.
