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I look her over the same way and whistle low and slow. “I don’t look half as sexy as you. Harold almost had to come sweep me up off the floor after I saw you in that dress.”

Instead of brushing off my compliment and rolling her eyes like she normally does … she blushes. A deep, pink blush that starts at her shoulders and goes all the way up to her bangs.

I decide I love seeing Molly blush, so I continue. “I mean, that dip in the fabric that shows off your back? And the way it clings to your very good butt?” I close my eyes and blow out a breath. “Lord have mercy.”

She leans toward me and whispers my name, “Brooks. We need to talk.”

Cocking my head to the side, I study her. Did I go too far with the compliments? She’s still blushing, but I thought that was a good sign.

“The cocktail hour has come to an end, and you’re welcome to continue the celebration in the reception area,” Harold announces from the doorway.

As the guests start shuffling toward the door, I notice Molly’s and Todd’s mothers glaring at me from the doorway.

Molly sighs in frustration. “I’m sorry, I have to get to the head table with the rest of the wedding party. I’ll find you as soon as I can, okay?”

Steadying myself, I try my hardest not to allow my shoulders to droop or give away my disappointment that she can’t spend more time with me. But today isn’t about me— it’s Preston and Mildred’s day.

“Sure, okay.” I grab her hand and squeeze it gently. She gives me a hesitant smile back and scurries off toward the door, seemingly ignoring the narrow-eyed glare her mother is giving her.

What did I miss today?

Chapter 27

Molly

Here I was, worried that Todd’s abrupt proposal would cause me to be distracted from the wedding. Well, I haven’t thought of my ex-boyfriend once. Nope. Instead, I was distracted throughout the ceremony—and more wedding photos—with a steady stream of memories. Analyzing my friendship with Brooks over the past six years. Wondering why he’d send those romantic notes along with the spoons. And contemplating if he meant them, or if they were just to give me a confidence boost when life was difficult.

And if he did mean them, if he’s had feelings for me all this time, what do I do with that information?

My head fills with thoughts of him being there for me, and never judging me when I needed to rant. Or when I listened to whatever music I enjoy, or bought the house I really wanted. He has supported me through it all. And believed in me enough to start a business together.

And then there’s the mysterious flutters that keep happening around him. Are those friendly flutters? Or more?

I know the answer to that one. Especially after my dream a few nights ago, featuring Brooks the sexy Viking fearlessly leading a ship through the Netherlands to conquer something. I don’t know if Vikings really used to sail shirtless, with rippling muscles and a gentle breeze blowing through their blonde locks, but that’s definitely how my dream represented them.

I sigh, wishing I could talk this out with Brooks. To sit next to him, inhaling his manly scent, watching the vein that pulses in his muscular neck, and enjoying his small, flirtatious touches that make my entire body sizzle.

I push my meal around my plate with a fork.

“Everything okay?” Mildred asks from where she’s sitting next to me.

Forcing a smile on my face, I sit up straighter. “Yeah, of course! Today went perfectly.”

She grins. “It really did! Isn’t it crazy how they transformed this room so fast?”

I look around the living room that went from ceremony to reception area in one hour flat. Impressive for sure. The room is now filled with round tables, red tablecloths, and gorgeous floral centerpieces. There’s even an awning at the entrance decorated from top to bottom with mistletoe.

“Yeah, I can’t believe they got this all done in an hour.”

Preston drapes his arm around my sister and leans in. “Where’d Brooks go?”

My head whips up and searches the room. He’s no longer seated at one of the round tables with the other guests. I was too busy with my own thoughts to notice that he left.

“I’m not sure?” I answer, shrugging and trying to look casual. But on the inside, I’m watching the clock and counting down the minutes until I can go find him.

The wedding planner comes over to our table and hands Todd a cordless microphone. I breathe a sigh of relief that it's finally time for the best man and maid of honor toasts.

After this, I can go in search of my date.