Lola manages to look both feminine and edgy at the same time. She never fails to intrigue me.
“You didn’t have to meet me out here,” she says. “I know you’ve got a lot going on, getting ready for the wedding.”
“I’ve been with Dax nonstop. He can handle a few minutes without my presence.”
She laughs, and my chest expands.
“Well, thank you for looking out for me,” she says.
“Part of my responsibilities is to be a good host.” I grin.
Lola hugs her sister, and Isla gets back in the car.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Isla says.
They both laugh, and I wonder what Lola has told her about me. Does she know how serious we were? SometimesI’m not sure if I just built it all up in my head, or if our relationship was always one-sided.
I wave at Isla, whose smile is pensive as she drives away. Lola and I follow the signs to the wedding, and when we reach the part of the garden overlooking the water, I pause as Lola takes it all in.
“Wow. Gorgeous,” she says.
She takes her jacket off, and I groan. Thankfully, she doesn’t hear me. I run a hand over my face, reminding myself to breathe. Her dress is a deep wine color that highlights her tattoos perfectly and clings like a second skin. The neckline dips low enough to tease, and when she turns, it’s a whole new amazing view. Thin straps cross in the back, leaving most of her spine bare. She takes a step, and a subtle slit flashes a bit of her thigh.
My gaze lingers on every inch of her. The waves curling up her forearm catch the light, and the flower at her elbow blooms against a rich color. I like that she doesn’t play it safe with the art on her skin.
I help her find a seat and then spend the next forty minutes sneaking glances at her before and during the wedding. I catch her eye several times when Dax is especially mushy, and her shoulders shake with laughter as I lift my eyebrows.
As soon as the ceremony is over, I find her, and we walk to the tent.
“You were right about Dax. I can tell he is a new man.” She laughs. “I’m not sure I would’ve fully believed it if I hadn’t seen him wiping tears off his face today.”
“Right? He’s a goner.”
Dax and Skye are glowing near the head table.
“Let’s go say hi,” I say.
We weave through clusters of guests, my hand guidingher without quite touching, until we reach Dax and Skye. Dax spots us first, breaking into that wide, easy grin of his.
“Lola!” He pulls her into a bear hug. “You made it. It’s great to see you.”
“You too. Gorgeous wedding,” she says as she steps back.
Then Dax turns, arm sliding around the woman beside him. “That’s because of this one right here. Mywife.” He grins at Skye, and Lola and I both laugh. It does take some getting used to, seeing Dax so captivated. “Lola, this is Skye. Skye, Lola.”
Skye smiles, bright and genuine, extending her hand. She’s beautiful inside and out, and I couldn’t be happier for my friend.
“Hi,” she says warmly. “I’ve heard so much about you, Lola. All good, I promise.”
“Nice to finally meet you. Congratulations—everything has been so beautiful, and you look stunning.”
“Thank you.” She glances around and shakes her head, laughing. “I keep waiting for someone to tell me it’s time to wake up.”
Dax snorts. “She’s been saying that since I proposed. Likeshe’sthe lucky one.”
Skye elbows him lightly. “Iamthe lucky one.” She looks at Lola again, her hand moving to my date’s arm. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
We chat for a few more minutes about the menu. Skye insists the lobster rolls are life-changing. And then we move on to how Dax cried during the vows, which he good-naturedly laughs off. Before we turn to sit down, we agree with Skye that we’ll dance as soon as the floor opens up to everyone. Dax throws us a mock salute over his shoulder, and Lola and I find our seats.
