Page 88 of Country Charm

Apparently, I don’t have to. Lynn wraps her arms tightly around me and gives me a long, gentle squeeze.

“I love you,” she says.

I start to cry a little but reel myself back in.

“I love you all more,” I say while I keep “and I’m sorry I suddenly feel so alone while I’m with all of you” to myself.

Georgie senses that I’m trying to gather myself and rubs my back.

“Pull your big girl pants on, you’ve got a speech to give, and you look like shit.”

“Kai would say otherwise,” I pander. That earns me a small smile and an eye roll from them both.

She’s right, I have a speech to give. I deliver my speech and bring Mary and Lynn to tears, which almost brings me to tears.

Kai makes everyone laugh, even me, now I am on my fourth drink since that glass of red wine I took from Georgie. I can feel that I am buzzed, but I have beenresponsibly drinking water, as well, in case Mary needs me.

The party is in full swing, and my heart is feeling the lightness I was missing just an hour ago. That heavy feeling in my chest is finally almost gone. The girls and I have been dancing and partying the way we always do, even though the three of them are now married.

Part of me feels comforted by how things haven’t changed in the three hours that have passed since Mary joined the crew of the wedded. They all have their happily ever after and I’m enjoying it with them.

We laugh and dance and play. Their smiles set my heart on fire, and everything seems so close to perfect. The moment passes with a slow song taking over and each of my beautiful people finds their significant other while I go to fetch a drink and a napkin to dab at the sweat on my face.

Just as I’m about to exit the dance floor a hand grasps my wrist, and my breath takes hold. Fingers slide into mine and I look over my shoulder.

I’m greeted with green eyes and a sweet smile. Kai pulls me back to him quickly and doesn’t disappoint by giving me a quick spin. I know why I held my breath, and the thought is frankly silly. I am too caught up in emotional thoughts from the whole day.

Kai leads me in our dance; everything is smooth, and my movements feel languid. I don’t feel a rush to get it over with, I just keep going as he pulls me in any direction. I don’t feel uncomfortable, and I don’t feel impassioned. I just feel like this is where I am right now, and when it’s over I’ll go back to whatever I was doing before Kai came along.

I look over and see each of my closest friends dancing with their other halves. Trent and Mary look lovingly into each other’s eyes, speaking lowly with soft smiles acrosstheir faces. Georgie and her husband are laughing lightly as he dances with her in a soft and silly manner, giving her extra dips and hip shakes where they are not needed. Lynn has her head laid on her spouse’s chest, his chin rests on her head as they sway slowly, and he makes small circles on her back. I can tell each of them has a home in the arms of their loved one. It brings more tears to my eyes.

“And they lived happily ever after.” Kai is looking over at Mary and Trent. He sees what I see. Love. Happiness. Comfort. A home. A home that isn’t a place, but a person.

“That, they do.” Kai pulls me close, sliding one hand up my back before bringing it back down to the low center.

“You next in the line of fairy tale endings?” he jokes.

“Yes,” I offer, and I mean it. “I will ride my own horse off into the sunset and start a new kingdom. I will take on any challenges that cross my path with a veracity that no one can match. I will build a castle with a great big library. I will dance under the sun to my own music.”

Kai smiles larger and stops dancing. “You’re your own knight in shining armor?”

“Damn right.” I beam. He gets it.

So did Hunter.An unwanted voice butts in.

“I like that. My older sister is a lot like you. Fierce, determined, passionate, and beautiful.” His compliment isn’t empty, and although he means it, he also has a motive to attempt to bed me tonight. If I was in a better head space, I would take him up on this offer.

This weekend isn’t about me finding a quick lay, it’s about celebrating Mary and Trent. So, instead of going back to Kai’s room, I’m going to go back to make sure I grab a few things from the reception to create keepsakes for Mary.

“Thank you,” I say just as the song finishes, I give his shoulders a squeeze as I pull myself away. Kaican tell I’m not interested in more. He’s mature enough to perceive my intended message.

I look up and see Mary looking over at me with concern in her eyes. I don’t want her to worry about anything today, so I flash her a big smile and a peace sign to assure her all is well. She smiles back and turns her attention back to her prince.

I do a quick scan and see everyone feeling true happiness in this moment with their better halves.

As for me, I’m alone.

Things are as they should be.

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