Relationshipsaren’t just the good moments.
There are ups, downs, twists, turns, and so many different emotions that make a relationship worth fighting for. So that one line injects a new sense of hope into my veins.
“I love you more,” I tell her before crashing my lips to hers again, the kiss dominating and soothing the way she loves most.
She gave me a sneak peek into her past with her schizophrenic mother, and I did a bit of research into the illness, but I’m pretty fucking sure she’ll knock me off my damn feet with whatever else she’s hiding.
It doesn’t take a genius to realize she went through hell to come back. She looks like fucking hell right now, but as much as I want to hear every single detail, we have a wedding to attend.
No matter what she says, what other demons from her past she’s hiding, she’s mine. Always mine. I can wait for an explanation a little longer and be there for my brother.
Pulling her up with me, I comb her hair over her ears. “You need to get dressed, baby girl. The ceremony starts in less than two hours. We don’t have much time.”
She immediately shakes her head. “It would’ve been okay to show up with me yesterday during the rehearsal dinner, considering Logan had no issue with Conor borrowing the spotlight to propose, but today is all about them. We both know that me walking in on your arm will cause a rift, Cody.”
Brushing her thumbs under my eyes, she stamps a sweet, affectionate kiss on my forehead. “I haven’t slept since we woke up together yesterday. I got in the car at three in the morning and drove here because I couldn’t wait to apologize. Now you know, now that you’re willing to wait for a proper explanation... I’m exhausted. I wouldn’t last ten minutes outside.”
She drops her hands to grip the lapels, pulling me closer. “You have Ana—”
“Baby, the only reason Ana is here—”
“It’s okay,” she interrupts quickly, her fingers playing with the buttons on my shirt. “I’m not jealous. Who do you think helped me sneak in here unnoticed?” She cups my face again. “Enjoy the wedding. Have fun, okay? I’ll take a nap. We can talk when you’re done downstairs or maybe tomorrow.”
“I don’t want you locked in here all day. You don’t know my family that well, but believe me, they’d understand if I brought you to the ceremony. Logan and Cass would never consider it as me trying to steal the spotlight.”
She smiles gently, her hand resting on my chest. “I’m sure you’re right. I’ve heard so many stories about your family that I believe you when you say they’re supportive, caring, and loving. But it’s time to return the favor, Cody.”
Here I was thinking I couldn’t love this girl any more, and she says this and proves me wrong. Who would have thought Blair Fitzpatrick could be so considerate?
I had this girl figured out all wrong.
When she inches away, falling back on the pillow, I move with her. I want to hold her, kiss her, rip her clothes off and drive myself home inside her to remind her who she belongs to, but she needs rest, and I need to be downstairs.
“Go down there and enjoy it,” Blair says softly, her hand running through my hair. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise we’ll talk. I promise I’ll be here when you’re too tired to dance, and I promise I’m not jealous of Ana. If anything, I owe her.”
We both do.
Pulling the sheets aside, I tap the mattress, urging Blair to get under the covers. “I’ll wait until you fall asleep.” I curl her into me, her back to my chest, my lips on her head.
It doesn’t take long. While I battle inside my head, wondering which question I should ask first, she falls asleep before I can voice any. Tucking her in, I kiss her head, and leave the room, hoping I can clear my mind enough to enjoy my brother’s wedding.
THIRTY-SIX
Cody
“IS ANA FEELING OKAY?” Nico asks once the best man, Theo, is delivering his speech filled with jokes and gags.
“She’s fine. Why?”
“She’s been disappearing upstairs every half hour since the reception started. I thought she might not be well. A stomach bug or something.”
She’s been checking on Blair for me so I can get send her something to eat when she wakes up. It’s almost five in the afternoon, and she’s still asleep.
Colt’s the family’s resident Poirot, but he’s too preoccupied with Abby’s babbling to pay attention to anything else. Nico, on the other hand, has way too much time, considering his fiancée is spending most of the evening at the piano as per Logan and Cassidy’s request.
“She’s fine,” I say, hoping I sound convincing. “Powdering her nose. She feels a bit out of place here.”
Too bad it’s not Theo asking. It’s easier to lead him astray than Nico. He’s way too fucking perceptive, and I’m pretty shit at coming up with lies on the spot, so that doesn’t help the situation as Nico drags his gaze to Ana chatting with our grandmother. She’s all smiles as she sips her wine.
