“Dexter Michaels,” I clarify. “He’s Bridger’s best friend. But fair warning. He’ll take it as a personal challenge to get you up onstage at the microphone doing karaoke.”
“I don’t think so,” Bridger says, finally weighing in.
“What are you talking about?” I give his arm a gentle punch. “Dex loves karaoke. And he’s the most more-the-merrier kind of guy I’ve ever met. He won’t mind if your mom comes.”
“Yeah. You’re probably right.”
He drags a hand through his bedhead hair, and I flash back to waking up in his arms. Soft sunlight seeped through the curtains. A small smile played across his lips. His skin was so warm, and his beautiful eyes were so drowsy. My cheeks heat again, and I’m already looking forward to waking up tomorrow.
Good morning, wife.
Good morning, husband.
“Now that we have that established.” Margaret rises from the table, her posture regal like a queen. “I suppose I’d better get ready for our big day.”
“No toast?” I ask.
Her mouth twitches. “I think I’ll wait for the donuts.”
Bridger watches her float out of the room, then he slides his gaze back to mine. His eyes traverse my face like he’s taking stock, so I do a quick mental inventory of exactly what he’s seeing.
Pajamas and robe.
No makeup.
Hair twisted into a loose clip.
I block my mouth with a napkin while my tongue probes for loose food. “Do I have bell pepper in my teeth?”
“I don’t think so.”
Huh. I blink at him, bewildered. “Umm … I either have food in my teeth or not.”
“I’m talking about Dex,” he says. “You told my mom he’s my best friend. But … I don't think so.”
Wait. What? My lips part. “Oh.”
“Don’t get me wrong,” he says. “I love Dex. He’s family to me. The brother I never had. Just … well, you know.”
I pause before responding. “I don’t know, actually. And I have to say, I’m a little shocked. Is there some friend from college you’ve been hiding until now?”
“No.” He exhales. “You.”
“Me, what?”
“You’re my best friend, Loren.”
Whoa.
“I mean, think about it.” His eyes go soft, and his mouth goes crooked. “You’ve experienced my morning breath and yoga sweat more than once, but you stick around. What could be closer than that?”
“Good point.” I let out a tiny laugh, but my teeth dig into my lip.
I’mhis best friend.
“Seriously, though.” His voice comes out rough, like it’s been dragged over rocks. “At this point, I’ve shared more with you than with any other person. And I’ve entrusted my entire future to you.” He reaches for my hand. “My whole life is wrapped around your finger.”
Our wedding bands touch, and my heart squeezes. For a moment, I’m too breathless to speak.