He nods toward the stage.
Oh no.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Too late.”
Ten minutes later, I’m standing under the dim lights with a microphone in my hand and a lump in my throat.
Parker stands beside me, relaxed. Does he not realize this could end up on social media?
“I can’t sing. This is a terrible idea.”
“You said that about breakfast and look what a fantastic idea that was,” he mutters in my ear, then flashing his dimples.
The music starts. A classic that almosteveryone knows whether they’re from America or not. Parker doesn’t even glance at the screen. He knows every word.
Meanwhile, I’m a beat behind. Chasing lyrics like they’re running from me.
He bends down, his voice low and steady, carrying us both.
I catch up where I can. Miss where I can’t. Laughing through the whole song. And somehow it works. The last word of the song is forever. And the way he looks at me, it feels like he means every word he’s singing.
I’m breathless. Grinning. Alive in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.
And before I can process the applause, his hands are on me. Lifting me, strong and certain. My legs wrap around his waist on instinct, heels pressing into his back.
“Birdie’s right,” he smiles against my lips. “You need singing lessons.”
“Why are you so perfect?” I shoot back.
He answers by kissing me, proving once again—he’s perfect.
The evening races past us. It’s full of teasing, and stories of the O’Ryan brothers, including Matt. His family is the kind everyone dreams of. Do they argue? Yes. Do they tease each other? Yes, relentlessly.
Parker is right about Witt. He’s intense, quiet and his eyes have been on me all night. It seems like I still have one skeptic in the family and I don’t blame him. I wouldn’t trust me either.
“I need to use the bathroom before we go,” I tell Parker, slipping away before he can follow me.
“Don’t take too long,” he calls after me.
The bathroom is quiet.
Too quiet for the number of people here.
I grip the counter staring at my reflection.
Flushed cheeks.
Bright eyes shining with happiness.
I’m in love.
The door creaks open at the other end of the room. I don’t look up, but I feel the change in the air.
