Page 90 of Beg Me

Half the interior hosts round tables with pink chiffon tablecloths and candles burning in the centerpieces. A buffet lines the far wall, a DJ booth is arranged in the far back corner, and a bar is set up beside the cake table. The rest of the room is straight out of a romance movie with yards of pale pink chiffon draped over the rafters, creating a canopy effect.

It is spectacular, even if it took us up until three hours ago to get it finished. We barely had time to go home, shower, and get dressed before the ceremony. But today isn’t about us; it’s about Audrey. And the fact that we were able to make this happen on such short notice is pretty unbelievable.

“Yeah, but we had some help. Hartley got roped into bringing over ladders. Then he realized that we were going to climb them and was horrified.” I laugh at the memory of his face when Mira started to go up. “He had one of his farm guys come over and help him do the ceiling stuff. But, yeah, it was mostly us girls.”

“Are you trying to outshine all of us?” Gianna asks, grinning. She looks me up and down. “Damn, Markie. You are smokin’.”

I roll my eyes, my cheeks turning the same shade as the chiffon. “I’m just trying to keep up with you.”

“Oh, right.” She winks at me and then turns to Jory. “I’ve heard good things. I only wanna hear good things. Got it?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good boy.” She smiles. “I just saw Astrid make a signal that I think I’m supposed to understand.”

I laugh. “Was it her finger making a circle in the air?”

“That was it.”

“That means Audrey’s arrived, and we have ten minutes until we start.”

Gianna grins. “Glad someone listens.” Gianna blows me a kiss and takes off to find Drake.

“Where is the keyboard?” Jory asks, looking around.

“Behind the ferns.” I point to the area just off the arbor where the I do’s will take place. “The DJ did something over there this morning and connected it to a sound system … or something. He said you’d understand.”

He squeezes my hand. “I do. I’m going to head over there so I’m ready. Astrid sent me a very detailed set of instructions, and to be honest, I’m slightly terrified of her.”

I giggle.

“Save me a seat?” he asks.

“Of course.”

He kisses my cheek and then sets off toward the keyboard. I watch him move so gracefully through the crowd of people, shaking a couple of hands and laughing with Audrey’s dad like they’ve known each other for years. Everyone around him lights up when they interact with him, and I swear it seems like they’re drawn to him, too.

Heads turn as he stands behind the keyboard and inspects it. But how could they not? Dark charcoal trousers fit his muscled thighs. A plain white crewneck and tobacco-colored blazer stretch over his shoulders. He’s smart and casual yet polished at the same time.

And he’s here with me.

“Hey, Markie,” Alfie says. He’s owned the gym in town for as long as I can remember. The man has to be touching seventy-five years old by now. “I haven’t seen you around in ages.”

“I try to stay out of trouble.” I smile at him. “You look great. How have you been?”

“Kickin’ ass and takin’ names.”

I chuckle. “I’m sure you are.”

“You playin’ in the tournament this year?”

“Alfie.” I cock my head, making him laugh. “Come on. You know I am.”

“It wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t. Good luck. Not that you need it.”

“That’s right.”

We exchange a smile before he lowers himself into a seat in the back. I spot Nettie sitting on the other side of the aisle and join her.