Page 10 of Risking the Pucking Defense

There’s movement by the entrance as the final guests are ushered into the room, ready for the bride and groom’s arrival.

But Hailee isn’t one of them.

Leaning toward Bea, I whisper, “Where’s Hailee?”

“She had to take a call,” Bea explains.

“What did Rett do this time?” The sound of her laughter makes me feel a little lighter and gives me just a hint of hope that deep beneath all this pain and grief, the old me might still be there.

“Nothing that I’m aware of, but who knows.”

I sit back, watching the open doors as discreetly as I can. Every time I see movement, my heart lurches.

I want to see her, but also, after what she saw, maybe I don’t.

I don’t need the empathy that was written all over her face when she looked at me earlier to be noticed by anyone else around the table.

Everyone else takes their seats, the volume in the room increasing along with the anticipation.

Just when I think she’s going to miss it, someone bursts into the room, stealing everyone’s attention.

She lifts her hand, trying to hide herself as she rushes to the only empty seat—well, aside from the bride and groom’s—and drops into it.

“I’m so sorry,” she breathes, quickly getting herself settled. “I thought I was going to miss it.” I watch her as she takes a sip of her prosecco and then smooths her hair down.

Sensing my attention, she turns to look at me.

“Ah, you made it. Good to see you, Hayden.” She gives me a supportive smile, and I swear I see a little pride in her eyes.

“Of course he turns up just before the food is about to be served,” Cole points out. “Only reason we're all here.”

“Don’t let Parker hear you say that,” Kodie mutters.

“I’d rather tell Linc to his face than Parker,” Cole deadpans. “That woman knows how to cause pain.”

Agreement rings out across the table before someone softly clears their throat at the entrance to the room, stealing everyone’s attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please stand up and put your hands together for your bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Storm.”

Everyone around me claps, but my hands don’t move from my sides. I might have watched the ceremony earlier, but seeing them together, the smiles on their faces and the happiness in their eyes…it hits me in the chest like a fucking sledgehammer.

I want that.

I want to have someone standing beside me who owns my heart and soul.

I guess having a twin has given me a taste of what it’s like to have someone always on your side. And now that I've lost the connection I had with Rylee, I want to find my girl more than ever.

I watch some of the guys hooking up with the bunnies, and sure, it looks like a whole lot of fun. For a while, I convinced myself that living that kind of lifestyle would fulfill me the way it does them. But after a few nights out, dancing with bunnies who only wanted me for my name and status…well, let’s just say it quickly lost its appeal.

I want more than to be a bit of fun for the night.

I want what Kodie and Casey have, Linc and Parker, Cole and Freya, and now Bea and Rett.

I want to find my person and plan the rest of our lives together.

I want the wedding, the babies, and the forever.

But right now, I feel further away from finding it than ever.