Page 45 of One Pucking Heart

“You know, it’s not good form to arrive at a wedding looking better than the bride.” Beckett moves my hair to the side and presses his lips against my shoulder.

I playfully swat him away. “I will not look better than the bride. Your sister will be stunning.”

“Yeah, she will. She always is.”

I run my fingers through my curled locks to break up the strands and give more of a beach wave look. “Your family sure has great genes.”

He stands behind me, looking dapper in his suit, and circles his arms around my waist. He stares into the mirror, his reflection supplying me with his classic smirk. “Are you saying I’m hot?”

“Stop digging for compliments.” I attempt to remove his hands from my middle so I can finish getting ready. “Let go. I need to finish my makeup.”

“Answer the question.”

With a roll of my eyes, I say, “Yes, Beckett… you are hot. Now move.”

Releasing his hold on me, he takes a step back. “It wouldn’t hurt if you acknowledged my rugged, handsome good looks a little more often, you know?”

“You’re ridiculous.” I chuckle. “And if you don’t let me finish my makeup, we’re going to be late.”

He raises his hands, palms out. “Fine. Go ahead. I’ll leave you alone.” He takes a seat on the bed and watches me.

An amused sigh escapes. “You are way too clingy, Mr. Feldmore.”

“I can’t help it. You’re too beautiful.”

“Anyway.” I ignore his compliment. “Are you sure I should be going to this? You can say I’m sick. I feel weird going to such an important event in your family’s life.”

“Of course you should go. The whole team is invited. You’d be there anyway.”

“Yeah, but not as your wife. I don’t think your family has opened up to the idea, not that I can blame them.” I swipe the bronzing brush over my cheeks.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry so much. You’re the team doctor. You need to be there. Plus, I want you there with me.”

I apply lip gloss and slide into my heels. “Okay, let’s do this.”

Iris and Cade’s wedding is being held in her parents’ backyard. The stunning house sits on beautiful grounds. It’s about as fancy of a home as one could have before it’d be considered gaudy and pretentious like the one I grew up in. Beckett tells me that Iris planned every detail of the wedding, and while they could’ve gotten married anywhere, they chose this backyard wedding so it didn’t interrupt the guys' training schedule.

But this is no ordinary backyard wedding. The space has been transformed into an elegant, whimsical place full of pink flowers and twinkling lights. I’ve only seen locations this beautiful on Pinterest, for the ten minutes I thought I had time to be crafty several years ago.

Iris walks down the aisle on the arm of her father. She looks stunning and so very happy. The Cranes players wait at the end of the aisle, half on Cade’s side and the other half on Iris’s. There isn’t a bridesmaid in sight, just a sea of handsome men in suits. It’s quite sweet, really—a visual representation of how close this team is and how much Iris and Cade mean to them all.

The sight brings a pang of sadness because I can’t help thinking about the wedding Beckett and I shared, just the two of us—none of his friends. If we’d gotten married for real, I imagine the event would look similar to this. There’s no question he’s the heart of the team. And while he may get his team-filled wedding someday, it will always be his second. I carry the guilt of tainting this future experience for him. He’s reassured me many times that he doesn’t see it that way, but that’s only because he would never say anything to make me feel bad. But the fact remains.

I have to remain focused on all the good I’ll do with the money. It’s the only thing that keeps me from drowning in guilt for my actions and all the lies.

The ceremony wraps up, and Beckett hurries over. Grabbing my hands in his, he leans in for a kiss. “You doing okay?”

“Great.”

“Awesome. So a few magazines are here for pictures. I’m going to oversee that ordeal and kick ’em out when they’ve overstayed their welcome. It shouldn’t take too long.”

A smile tugs at my lips. “You need to stop worrying about me. I’m a grown woman, Beck. I can handle myself for a few minutes.” I smooth my hands along the sleeves of his suit jacket.

He supplies another kiss. It’s short and sweet, and despite my earlier declaration, it brings a calmness to me. “I’m not saying you can’t handle yourself. I’m just giving you an update on where I’ll be. Have you ever thought that I’m the one who can’t wait to get back to you?”

“Uh-huh.” I fuss with his tie, which is perfect as is, but it gives me a reason to touch him. “So that’s how it is?”

He grins. “You know I’m obsessed.” He nods toward the tent with the tables of food. “Go hang out with the guys. They’ll make the time go faster.”

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