Page 35 of Make My Heart Malt

“That’s hard to believe coming from you.”

“I know.” I sigh. “Everything involving Garrett is exhausting right now. I just want things to progress naturally. I mean, it’s still complicated with Tony being my ex and Garrett being Tony’s brother.”

“I’d imagine it would be weird to be with two brothers.” She laughs. “Maybe as long as it’s not at the same time.”

A rush of warmth spreads across my cheeks. “Yeah, definitely not that.” An image of both Tony and Garrett flashes before my eyes, but there’s only one I fixate on. I shake my head, forcing the image to disappear like an Etch-a-Sketch. “I know I want to establish the friendship with Garrett and then we can see where it goes from there.”

“Do you think that’ll be hard with you living here and him living on the West Coast?”

“Now you’re getting ahead of yourself. It’s only a friendship. Everything else isn’t something I need to concern myself with at this moment.”

“But you might eventually,” she sing-songs.

“I’ll deal with it then.” If the time comes. He’s only been back in my life for one week. In no way am I planning a long-lasting future with him.

Rylee’s phone chimes and she checks it. “Oh shit. I have to leave.”

“Okay. I should get ready anyway.”

“Let me know how everything goes.”

“Definitely.” I give Rylee a hug and walk her to the front door. After I close it behind her, I race upstairs.

I run my hand down the navy blue bohemian empire waist long-sleeve dress. A collection of necklaces sways back and forth as I rummage through them on the holder until I find the silver knotted pendant necklace. It will pair perfectly with the V-neckline of the dress. I clasp it at the nape of my neck and fluff my hair so it falls over my shoulders. Here goes nothing.

Luckily, the weather is cooperating, and the two-hour drive north goes by quickly. However, I have to question the person who thought it was a good idea to have a wedding in December in Minnesota. I shake my head. I can guarantee I’ll pick a warmer month for my wedding ornot have it in Minnesota. Shit. Why am I even thinking of getting married? I’m missing a very important key component in order for a wedding to take place. A fiancé. But first I need a boyfriend to turn into a fiancé. At this rate, I’ll be pushing fifty by the time I walk down the aisle.

When I’m fifteen minutes away from the venue, snowflakes flutter from the darkening sky. With every second that passes, the flakes grow bigger and fall faster. I ease up on the gas to slow my pace as snow accumulates on the pavement. My fingers grip the steering wheel as I glance at the clock. Shit. I’m going to be that person who walks into the wedding in the middle of the ceremony. As long as it’s not right at the “I dos” because that would be awkward as fuck.

The Three Moose Lodge sign comes into view, and I exhale a sigh of relief. Winter driving is not my favorite, even though I’ve been doing it since I got my driver’s license. At the first available spot in the parking lot, I stop and cut the engine. I still can’t believe I’m here. Why did I think this was a good idea? I debate turning over the engine and driving back to Harbor Highlands. But Nana’s here. And so is Garrett.

I push open the door and step out. My charcoal mid-calf high-heeled boot sinks into the freshly fallen snow. With every step to the front door of the lodge, my boots leave a breadcrumb imprint in the snow just in case I need to bolt out of here.

The property is comprised of a large timber frame main lodge with several hotel-style rooms, but there are also several cabins scattered throughout the woods for a more intimate getaway.

Once inside the lodge, I brush the snow off my shoulders and out of my hair. A large white poster board perched on an easel in the lobby directs me toward theceremony. My heart pounds in my chest, mimicking my footsteps. I'm unsure if I’m nervous or eager to see Garrett again. Both are a possibility. When I glance up, my breath catches in my throat and I come to a halt. My palms grow clammy as the world around me freezes. All the quiet chatter and soft music around me dissipates. My breath hitches. Standing between the open doors is Garrett, looking hot as sin in a sleek black tuxedo, complete with a vibrant red pocket square. All thoughts of maintaining only a friendship with Garrett are tossed out the window.

SIXTEEN

SAVE A DANCE FOR ME

Garrett

I slide the cuff of my suit jacket over my wrist and check my watch for the tenth time. The ceremony is about to start, and Dessa hasn’t arrived yet. She said she was coming. Maybe she’s changed her mind after all. Fuck. I was hoping to spend the evening with her arms draped over my shoulders, our bodies pressed together, as we slow dance through the night.

A middle-aged couple strolls to the doorway, pulling me away from my thoughts. I nod to Greg, the other usher who’s standing across from me, to let him know I got this one. I escort them to their seats. Elation surges through me when I turn around and she’s sauntering toward the entrance. Dark, loose curls cascade over her shoulders. A charcoal gray peacoat covers her navy dress. She looksabsolutely stunning. Like an angel descending from heaven. I jog to the doorway.

I turn to Greg. “She’s mine.” There’s no way in hell I’m going to let anyone else touch her.

Our eyes lock, and a fire ignites inside me, my smile widening with every step she gets closer.

When she approaches the entrance, I hold out my elbow for her. “Fancy seeing you here.”

She laughs. It’s soft and sweet. “Shut up. You knew I was coming.” She loops her arm through mine. “You don’t have to escort me to my seat.”

I lean in so only she can hear. “It’s my job as an usher to walk every guest to their seat, and one thing I always do is take any job I’m given seriously. Plus, it gives me an excuse to touch you.” I wink.

She peers at me through her lashes, a small smile on her lips. “I can’t believe they wrangled you into being an usher.”

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