“Get married again and have a fancy reception at the ranch.” Jesus, did I really say that out loud? Fuck it, yes, I did. I might not have all my ducks in a row, but I’m starting to think Rory’s it for me.
Her expression goes blank as we stop dancing, and I get a sick feeling in my chest. “Jace, I don’t know?—”
“Rory!” her annoying stepsister shouts. “You made it!” Then Taylor nearly tackles her to the ground in a hug. I manage to keep them both upright.
Rory gives her a curt smile. “Hey, Taylor.”
Her dad cuts through the crowd and holds out his arms. “Rory. Hi, honey.”
She lets him hug her, but she doesn’t look happy. “Hi, Dad.” She pulls him off the dance floor, not bothering to say anything to Taylor or Hayden, who joins us. The dumbass stares after her like she’s a ghost while his new bride makes eyes at me like a groupie. Flirting with another man at your wedding? Classy.
I tap Hayden on the shoulder with my fist. “Yeah, you fumbled Aurora. Bet you feel pretty dumb right about now, but hey, your loss is my gain. Thanks, man. She’s one in a million.”
He opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. Except he doesn’t need to say anything to express his regret. It’s written all over his face. Especially when his new bride sidles up to me and grabs my arm. “Oh my God, are you that country singer?”
While I stare at Turdface, I remove his wife’s hand from my person. “Sorry, I need to catch up with my girlfriend.” I’d give anything to call her my wife right now.
I find Rory and her dad standing outside the ballroom. He’s grinning. “It’s so good to see you, honey. Can you stay a few days? We have a brunch tomorrow, and I know Taylor and Hayden would love for you to attend.”
An older woman with strawberry-blonde hair rushes up to Rory’s dad. “Oh, Karl, you never told me Rory was coming, so I don’t think there’s a place for her and her little friend.” I’m guessing this is Rory’s stepmother, who gives me the stink-eye.
Her dad frowns. “Camille, I’m sure we can get two more place settings if we call ahead to the restaurant.”
I’m guessing Rory has zero interest in attending anything with the bridal party. I scoot closer and hold out my hand to her father. “Hi, sir. I’m Rory’s boyfriend Jace. It’s nice to meet you.”
His eyes widen and he turns to his daughter as he shakes my hand. “I had no idea you were dating anyone.”
Rory’s expression darkens. “Well, the last time I dated someone, he hopped in bed with Taylor, and you condoned it, so”—she shrugs—“I figured, why bother?”
Shots fired.
Her father sputters. “That’s not what happened.”
Camille rolls her eyes. “Really, Rory? You’re going to dredge up old news on Taylor’s wedding day? See, Karl, this is why I told you not to invite her. She doesn’t want to be part of this family.”
I’ve had enough of this woman. I grab Rory’s hand and smile at her evil stepmother. “Frankly, I’m tickled pink your daughter Taylor has no morals. Otherwise, Rory probably would’ve married Shit-for-Brains over there, and I never would’ve met her.” Camille gasps, but I’ve already turned to Karl. “You had one job, sir. Protect Rory. While I would like for you and I to be friends, it should be said you have a shitty way of supportingyour daughter, who’s amazing, by the way.” I point to the groom, who’s standing a few feet away, twiddling his thumbs. “That jackass would’ve been lucky to marry her.”
“Jace.” Rory chuckles.
I lean over to kiss her. “Sorry if I went overboard.”
Her smile grows. “That was perfect.” She grabs my face and kisses me back before she turns to her dad. “Camille is right. I have no interest in being part of her family. But I miss you, Dad. Call me if we can ever meet up, just the two of us.”
He hangs his head but nods. “I’d like that, honey. And for the record, I’m sorry.”
Camille looks ready to burn down the hotel. “Really, Karl?”
Taylor runs up to us and hisses, “You can’t go yet, Rory. It’ll look bad.”
My wife chuckles and reaches over to grab a glass of champagne from a waiter who’s walking by with a tray of drinks. “That’s not really my problem.” As she stares at her stepsister, she takes a large drink and then hands the half-empty glass to Taylor. “Here. Since you seem to enjoy my leftovers.”
Taylor’s mouth gapes open as I laugh. “You’re gonna catch flies like that.” I turn to my wife. “You ready to blow this popsicle stand, gorgeous?”
“Yes, please get me out of here.”
We run out of the hotel lobby and into the humid night. Laughing, we stare at each other. “That was crazy,” I say. “Your ex looked like he wanted to cry.”
Her grin widens. “I’ve always heard that sometimes God answers prayers in ways you don’t realize. And when I looked at Hayden tonight, I was so glad I didn’t marry that spineless little weasel. Him cheating with Taylor was a blessing in disguise.”
