“I’d love the company,” I tell him, linking my arm through his. “Let’s go.”
As soon as we’re out of sight and earshot of the others, Blake slings his arm around my shoulders.
“Nightmare afternoon for you?” he asks me.
“Pretty much,” I say, my thoughts still on Gigi with her dainty hands on Logan’s chest.
“You two kids.” Blake shakes his head. “I’m in pain watching you, Mace. Although, I have to say, I don’t get Logan’s angle. And Christ, I’ve tried to get him to crack.”
“I thought you were up to something.”
“Of course I am. Don’t tell me you disagree.”
“How do you mean?”
“He’s obviously crazy about you. He has been since we were kids. So for him to be on the verge of marrying another woman…and out of fucking nowhere…”
“Yeah.” I kick at an errant rock on the path. “It’s definitely strange. But love can be like that, right? It sneaks up on you sometimes.”
“I suppose. I’m not buying it with those two, though.” Before I can say more, Blake chuckles. “And now you’re stuck with me. Although, Iama huge catch.”
“With such a small ego,” I say with an eye roll. I take a breath before adding, “You know who’s definitely off-limits to you though?”
Blake starts laughing. “Macey…” He holds up both hands. “You ain’t got to worry about Freedom. I’m just looking out for her.”
“As am I.” I give him a hard look. “She’s eighteen years old, Blake, and she’s my baby sister. She’s brilliant. And she’s good. She’s going places.”
“I know she is. And I’m proud of her. I’ve known her forever, too, you know.”
“I know. But you’ve got women kneeling at your feet to take you on a date.”
“Iamthe man, aren’t I?” he says teasingly.
“For some lucky woman, yes, you will be. For my baby sister, absolutely not.”
He raises his hand in salute. “Got it, sergeant.”
I smile. “Good.”
Chapter Forty-One
Logan
Macey’s barely made eye contact with me today, and I know better than to try to talk to her in front of everyone. Our conversation yesterday was intense, and emotions got the better of me.
So I’ve avoided her as best I could. But Macey’s all I’m thinking about.
The Orlando wedding was not in the plans. But Gigi’s mother wanted it, and when Gigi tried to say no, Mrs. Phillips teared up.
She said Gigi was her baby and all she wanted was to plan her wedding for her. Since she can’t do much with the Darcy wedding, she wants complete control over a ceremony.
Gigi caved. So I did, too. We don’t want any suspicions to be aroused.
Although one wedding already feels like more than I could handle.
While Ginny, Macey, and Gigi sit underneath the huge umbrella and keep cool—or try to in this heat—Blake, Dave, and I cook burgers and potatoes for everyone.
After we eat, I excuse myself and walk out to the edge of the river to ensure I’ll be alone. I need to talk to someone who’s not wrapped up in Darcy and this whole wedding obsession.
