Beckett is right in front of my chair now, close enough to touch. But he doesn’t.
He doesn’t need to.
He just winks, like he knows exactly what he's doing, then backs up to rejoin the other guys.
And I just sit there.
Smiling. Pretending.
A wife—anormalwife, one who’s not been on the verge of divorce for the past several months—would be blushing right now, laughing. Not fighting off irrational tears.
“Last but not least, the groom, who, based on the bride’s surely unbiassed assessment, is in possession of—what did she say? ‘Awesome’ legs…?”
The crowd starts to cheer louder, the applause climbing as Elise opens her arms dramatically.
It takes me a minute to come back to earth.
But it’s just in time to see my little sister’s future husband saunter onto the stage, wearing nothing but board shorts and way too much confidence.
Luna lets out a loud whistle, but when her future groom faces her and… gyrates, she turns bright red. A few twerks, a breakdance type of move, and then he winds up his, er, presentation by pulling her out of her chair and dipping her, giving her a dramatic kiss.
Clearly, the bachelor party was drinking rocket fuel while we sipped themed drinks and bubbly.
“Alright! Bridesmaids, it’s your call—who’s taking home the title of Sexiest Legs at Sea?”
We pretend to deliberate for show, whispering and pointing like it’s serious business. Then Luna pops up, grinning.
“Noah!” she shouts. “Obviously.”
The crowd erupts. Noah bows, then pulls Luna up for a spin and another kiss. It’s adorable.
Everyone claps as Elise hands him a certificate—Paradise Empress Best Legs, complete with sparkles and a gold foil seal.
But I’m not watching them.
Not really.
My gaze finds Beckett again.
He’s near the edge of the stage, hands in his pockets, smile easy, but his eyes are on me. Sparkling blue. Intense.
Like I’m the only thing on this ship that matters.
And yeah, he was probably trying to work the crowd for the competition, but I think his little performance just now was primarily an effort to reach… well, me.
Unfortunately—or fortunately, I still don’t know—he may have succeeded.
NOT EASY
ASHLEY
The party keeps right on going, but after taking a few minutes to thank Elise, I manage to sneak away—slipping out with my sandals in hand, glitter still stuck to my skin, and the faint hum of music echoing behind me.
I’d hoped to get a chance to swing by the kids’ center to see the boys, but my work for the day isn’t over.
Not even close.
Because Luna’s wedding rehearsal is tonight.
