Page 69 of The Final Draft

Cole Davidson, his future brother-in-law, plays for the New York Liberties organization on their AAA team in Nashville. During his offseason, he’s excelling as a breakout songwriter in the music industry. He met Ashleigh two years ago when she was an intern for the Savannah Pajamas, and she had assumed another identity, not wanting anyone to know she was Ashleigh Decker, daughter of the MLB team owner.

Matt Hartman is Cole’s best friend and dating Cole’s sister, Darcy. Matt plays for the Carolina Reapers, and they live in Charlotte now. Darcy and I became friends when she was working things out with Matt. I’d like to take some credit in their happily ever after, but Julian says his Team True Love made it happen. Whatever.

“When can we expect wedding bells for you and Darcy?” I ask.

Matt turns red and cuts his eyes at Cole.

“Um, we’re happy where we are right now. We’re good. Darcy is busy with remodeling our house, her design business is thriving, and I just wrapped up my first professional baseball season. We don’t need another big thing right now.” Matt and Darcy’s story is a happily for now, and it doesn’t sound so bad.

“That’s smart,” Julian adds. “But make sure she knows what she means to you and keep telling her. She’s a special girl.”

“That she is,” Cole adds.

“Am I witnessing a Team True Love meeting?” I ask. Julian and Chance consider themselves love gurus and pull a team together when someone needs some love guidance. They call their group Team True Love and, from what I’ve been told, they have a one-hundred percent success rate.

They all laugh at the ridiculous assumption. “Gorgeous, I do the best I can with these guys, but I’m focusing all my energieson you.” He puts his arm around my shoulders and kisses me on the temple. Excuse me, is it getting hot in here?

Matt and Cole deliver us to the apartment Julian keeps in Charlotte. It’s more glass and high-rise than his New York home, but when I notice it’s next door to Reaper Stadium, I understand.

Julian insists I relax while he gets us settled. I’m looking out over the city when his arms wrap around me, and I lean into his embrace. “Welcome to my family’s business. It’s peaceful in the offseason.”

“It’s nice to be back in the South.” I take another sip of my Chick-fil-a tea. We stopped for a quick bite of nuggets and tea to hold us over for dinner.

“Are you ready for our debut tonight?”

“I’m a little nervous. I don’t want to take one second of attention off Ashleigh. This is her weekend.”

“Don’t worry about that at all. This weekend is a celebration of love, and baby, I haven’t said those words yet, but you need to know, I love you.” He leans over my shoulder and kisses my cheek. “And I scored another one of your surprised looks. I’m on a roll.” He chuckles at his own comment and gives himself a fist pump in the air.

He loves me. He said those sacred, three little words. He loves me. I’m slightly shocked, but I need to pause and remind myself that I shouldn’t be. Is this new information? Not really. His actions scream love while his words whisper deep into my soul.

What do I say to that? I love you too. Seems too reflexive, reactive. No, I want to tell him in my way, in my time. But make no mistake. I love this man with every fiber of my being. I love his kind heart, caring spirit, and fun-loving outlook on life. And I absolutely adore his body. But it’s the inside of Julian that makes him so damn irresistible. He’s a good man, through and through.

“I need to take a shower and get ready.” His smile falters, revealing his disappointment. Probably because he’s waiting for a response. Oh, he’ll get one. Just not what he’s prepared for. “Joining me?”

His smile returns. “You don’t have to ask me twice. I’m feeling very dirty. Yep, definitely need a shower.” He takes me by the hand and tugs me toward the bedroom. Now I can check shower sex off my bucket list.

CHAPTER

FORTY-FIVE

JULIAN

I always get excited when my loved ones gather, and this celebration of Ashleigh and Cole might be the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. Ashleigh’s happiness fuels mine. Then, add Harper and BOOM, explosion of joy. I’m serious. She’ll have to keep me grounded because I’m too excited to control myself. Case in point, I told Harper that I love her. I do. And it’s important she knows that.

Then she didn’t say it back. Not that she has to. It’s not a requirement. Maybe she doesn’t feel as strongly as I do. Maybe she’s scared. Maybe, well, no. She’ll get there. I’m confident she will. Our story isn’t one of unrequited love. We’re a fucking happily ever after if I’ve ever seen one.

Harper and I enter the venue, and it’s like we walked into a floral explosion. There are garlands of white and blue flowers wrapped in white fairy lights everywhere. Almost reminds me of the wedding scene fromTwilightthat Ashleigh and I watched together when she was younger. It’s beautiful and romantic.When I cry over these flowers, Harper’s going to think I’m a total loser.

“This is incredible,” Harper says under her breath. Her phone vibrates in her bag, and her face fills with concern as she looks at the screen. “Sorry, do you mind if I step out and take this? It’s Zac, and he shouldn’t be calling me right now. I hope Noodle’s okay.”

“Sure, I’ll be right here.” I kiss her quickly as she puts the phone to her ear and walks back out the door.

I’m taking in the room’s beauty, scanning the occupants, and ticking off the guest list for tonight’s dinner. It’s a small group tonight. We'll only have a few extra guests tomorrow, primarily family and close friends. But this time together is about our tight-knit group. The Decker Connection.

“Darcy can add wedding planning to her list of talents.” I hug Cole in greeting. His sister is an exceptional designer who brings beauty and a touch of uniqueness to any space.

“Can’t breathe.” Cole wiggles out of my embrace.

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