But as sad as I was for the way things had panned out for me and my life plans, I was happy for my friends. Truly.
Still… I couldn’t help wondering if I’d ever get my turn again. If it was unrealistic to hope lightning might strike twice in my life. To believe I might get a second great love story after everything that had happened.
I sure hoped it wasn’t just a delusional dream. Not just formy sake, but for Charlotte, too. She deserved to have a dadanda mom who both loved her. Maybe even a sibling or two.
I scanned the yard, suddenly remembering what Romeo had texted me earlier this afternoon. That he and Lia were hoping to introduce me to someone tonight.
A single mom named Amanda.
Is she here yet?
I let my gaze drift casually around the yard, wondering what she might look like. Then my gaze snagged on someone I hadn’t expected to see here.
Nora.Chatting with Miles on the patio.
Tonight was a “men’s book club” and their significant other’s thing, so did this mean that Miles had brought her here as his date?
They did look pretty cozy on the patio furniture, his arm resting casually around her shoulders as they seemed to conspire about something.
Curiosity piqued, I excused myself from the happy couples and wandered over to see what Nora and Miles were whispering about.
“Hey, what’s going on with you two over here?” I asked, my tone light as I stepped in front of them.
Nora turned to me, looking up with an easy smile. “Oh, just a little harmless plotting.”
“What might you be plotting now?” I arched an eyebrow, even more curious now.
“Just some plans for Ian and Maddie’s wedding,” Miles said, giving Nora a playful glint before looking back to me. “You’re going, right?”
“Yep,” I said, sinking down into the chair across from them. “Just need to figure out if I’m bringing anyone.”
“Ah yes, the plus-one problem.” Miles nodded knowingly. “That’s something I was just figuring out myself.”
“It’s always a bit of a conundrum when you’re single,” I said.
Especially since I previously thought I’d found my plus-one for life.
I sighed, pushing the thought away. “But I’ve got a couple of weeks to figure it out, right?”
“Just under that.” Miles chuckled. “So, no pressure, right?”
“Right.” I looked at Nora again. “What about you? Are you going to the wedding?”
“Actually…” Nora said, exchanging a quick look with the football player. “Miles just asked me to be his date.”
“Nice,” I said, taking in their close positions. “Are you guys a thing now, then?”
Was I the only single guy here tonight?
“I’m not sure what we are.” Nora laughed, checking Miles’s face for reassurance. “I guess you could say we’re just enjoying each other’s company tonight. But who knows what the future may bring. Weddings always make things interesting, don’t they?”
“That they do,” Miles agreed, pulling her closer.
They were cute together. And Miles was a few years younger than me so the age gap between the two of them shouldn’t raise too many eyebrows now that she was out of college.
Before I could follow that thought any further, a sharp cry cut through the hum of conversation.
Charlotte.