Series: The Laws of Opposite Attract Series by Vi Keeland
Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
The sound of clapping rang out. It brought me immense relief that Colby was the one who’d had to get up there and give that speech. I couldn’t have done it half as well. Public speaking was never my thing.
I reached for Devyn’s hand. With our fingers threaded together, I brought her hand to my mouth and said, “Thank you for being my date today.”
“It’s my pleasure. Happiness is contagious, you know?”
“If this were before I met you, I’d be thrilled for Holden, of course, but probably a bit lonely. Weddings have a way of making you reflect on your own situation. It’s hard not to compare someone else’s joy with what might be lacking in your own life.”
She nodded. “I know exactly what you mean.”
I squeezed her hand. “Comparison is the thief of joy, right?”
“That saying is definitely true.”
“It’s why I plan to go out and buy a hundred baby gifts this week.” I exhaled.
“Don’t you dare. I told you, all I need is for you to keep being you. You give me your time and attention. That’s something Robert knows he could never give me. He tried to make up for a lot by bringing those gifts. But they mean nothing.”
I looked down at our hands. “As much as everything is up in the air right now, I feel fulfilled whenever I’m with you—in the moment. It’s why today is much better with you by my side. I’m enjoying just hanging out with you.”
Even if these days are all we have before reality crashes down on us.
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be than here with you right now, Owen. Weddings are normally tough for me, too. They used to remind me of what my life was missing. And that would lead to memories of my mom and the lack of love there. I think everyone just wants to be loved, you know?” She looked out toward the head table. “But I don’t need to compare my life to anyone else’s today. Because you make me happy. And that’s a good feeling.”
“I’m glad, beautiful.” I smiled. “Do you have to be home by a certain time tonight?”
“Heath and Hannah are spending the night at Heath’s friend Lucas’s house. He’s the one friend whose parents I know. I spoke to them and everything.”
“That’s great. I’m so glad we don’t have to rush back.”
“Hey, I’m headed to the bar,” Brayden interrupted. “What do you guys want?”
I looked over at Devyn, feeling badly that he’d put her on the spot.
“Just a seltzer with lime would be great,” she said.
“A seltzer with lime and tequila coming up.” He winked.
“No, really.” Devyn held out her palm. “Alcohol hasn’t been agreeing with me lately. So I’m taking a break.”
He laughed. “Seriously?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, that blows. Weddings are much more fun when you’re drunk.” He turned to me. “Seltzer for her. Beer for you?”
“Yeah. Any kind is fine. Thanks, man.”
Brayden patted me on the shoulder and headed for the bar.
Devyn sighed and spoke in a low voice, “How long can I get away with that excuse?”
“Don’t worry about it.” I rubbed her leg. “It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks.”
“I guess it will come out soon enough.” She rubbed her tummy. “I can only hide it for so long.”
“We can say you had too much Key lime pie…”
She chuckled.
The thought of Devyn’s belly swelling over the months to come gave me chills. I wondered how soon we’d be able to do a paternity test. She’d said she planned to discuss it with her doctor at her next appointment. I shook that thought from my head, because there was nothing to be done about it now.
After Brayden returned with our drinks, they served dinner. Devyn and I had both chosen steak, which was cooked to perfection.
Later, after watching Holden smash cake into Lala’s face during the cake cutting, I turned to my gorgeous date and held out my arm. “Shall we dance, Miss Marks?”
“I would love to, Mr. Dawson.” She flashed a huge smile. “Thank you for asking.”
Devyn followed me to the dance floor as “Love Shack” by the B-52s began. Her laugh was infectious as she bounced to the music. I’d never seen her so carefree. I didn’t know what was going on tonight, but I wanted to bottle it up. I clapped my hands as she shook her hips, and I couldn’t resist bringing her in for a kiss. I was crazy about this woman and didn’t care who witnessed that.
We danced to three more songs before she suddenly stopped and stumbled over to the edge of the dance floor.
My heart sank as I followed. “What’s wrong, Devyn?”
“I don’t know. My stomach started to hurt just now. A lot of cramping all of a sudden.” She held on to her abdomen. “I think I need to go to the restroom.”