I turn back to face him. “How does it look?”
“Like it was made for you.” He cups my face and kisses me before I can respond.
Just like that, I forget we’re supposed to be at a wedding, with hundreds of people waiting on us. Everything goes blurry as the air hums around me.
More. This. Yes.
It’s only when I hear a delighted gasp that my eyes fly open to find Isabella, Rosa, and Elana standing at the corner of the carriage house, hands clasped to their chests like they’ve just witnessed a proposal.
“Mom?” Brendan steps back like we’re teenagers who’ve just been caught making out on the front porch.
“Oh, don’t let us interrupt!” Isabella waves her hand, beaming. “We can wait. Take all the time in the world. We just wanted to let you know that family pictures are next.”
“The entire family,” Rosa adds with a knowing smile. “Which means both of you.”
Brendan looks down at me. “To be continued?”
I touch the necklace around my neck. “Please.”
He brings my hand up, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. “Let’s go, before my mother decides to give a play-by-play commentary on our kissing.”
“I heard that!” Isabella calls after us.
THIRTY
Scarlett
After nearly a million pictures, we’re finally released for the reception. Dinner is a five-course affair served on the terrace, followed by dancing on the patio under strings of lights.
I slip away from Brendan, who’s deep in conversation with Brax about Sunday’s game, to refill my water. That’s when the DJ’s voice announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the wedding-party dance!”
The last time I tried to get Brendan to dance, at that sports bar in Charlotte, he was so hesitant he practically had to be dragged onto the floor against his will. And even then, he looked like he was suffering for me.
I turn around, already planning to tell him it’s okay if he wants to sit this one out—and nearly walk straight into him.
He’s standing there, hand extended, an intense look in his eyes. “Dance with me, Scarlett.”
It’s not him asking. He’s showing how much he loves me. Enough to set aside all his insecurities and put his heart on the line for me.
I stare at his hand, then up at his face. “Are you serious? I thought you hated dancing.”
“Oh, I don’t know.” He smirks. “I remember enjoying that night on the beach when we finally danced together.”
I take an unsteady breath. “But this is in front of everyone. Your entire family.” I narrow my eyes. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”
He chuckles. “Yes.” He threads his fingers through mine and leads me to the dance floor. “You’re mine for this dance, Scarlett. I want to make everyone here wish they were us.”
We take our place, and he pulls me against him as the music begins. His body is warm and solid as one hand wraps around my palm.
“I don’t understand,” I say. “You’re the guy who acts like dancing is as fun as airport security.”
His other hand anchors at the base of my spine, the heat of his palm sending a current through me. “Let’s just say, you’ve been a good influence on me.”
“What do you mean?”
His mouth curves. “I’ve been practicing.”
“Hold up.” I blink, barely able to get the words out. “You’ve been practicingthis?”