Page 36 of Make My Heart Malt

“This is the most important job at a wedding. I dictate where everyone sits. One wrong placement could lead to an argument between enemies, or rivals, or even two scorned lovers.”

“Or ex-best friends.” She smirks.

“That one is more manageable.” I rest my hand on hers, loving the way her warm skin feels against mine. “Anyway, the best man position doesn’t deserve all the hype. You look gorgeous, by the way. The dress looks amazing on you.”

A small giggle escapes her. “You can’t even see the dress under this heavy-ass coat.”

“The bottom is visible, so I’m imagining what the top looks like, and it’s stunning on you.” I slow my pace, mostly so I can get a few extra seconds to talk with her. “What do you say? Since I’m wearing a suit and you’re wearing adress,” I nod to the front of the room where the wedding arch is located, “should we ask the pastor if he'll do a two-for-one wedding special?”

Her head jerks to mine, and I wiggle my eyebrows. “You’re so full of shit.”

“You shouldn’t say ‘shit’ in church.”

“This isn’t a church.”

“But God is present.” I lift my chin towards the pastor.

“Good try, but not happening.”

“I had to shoot my shot.” My grip around her arm tightens a little more. “I still can’t believe you didn’t want to be my date.”

“That would be so awkward. Girl comes to ex-boyfriend’s wedding as the date of his brother. People would whisper behind their hands about me.” Sarcasm laces her tone.

“Who gives a shit what they say?”

Her gaze flits to mine, indignation written all over her face. Dessa has always tried to maintain a proper front. She never wanted to be on anyone’s bad side and definitely didn’t want to be on top of the gossip pole.

“You shouldn’t say ‘shit.’ God is watching.” She repeats my action by nodding at the pastor.

A laugh bursts out of me, drawing the attention of a few guests. I pretend cough into my fist as we walk by. “Fair.”

“By the way, do you know what I did with my recipe notebook? I had it the night you were over, but now I can’t find it.”

Shit. Shit. Shit. “Uh. No. You must have misplaced it. You tend to do that a lot.” She can’t know I took it. That would ruin the surprise.

“Damn. Alcohol leads to bad decisions.”

“There were some good decisions made that night.” Igive her a flirty wink. She shakes her head but smiles at me.

Once we reach her seat, I reluctantly let her go. I love having her at my side. Before she sits, I bend and brush my lips across her cheek. “Save a dance for me.”

She glances up at me from the corner of her eyes. “I’ll see what I can do.”

I flash her a half smile. “I’ll see you at the reception.” Before she can respond, I’m strolling to the entrance with a little extra pep in my step.

The wedding planner informs us that the wedding is about to start and to take our seats.

Reaching into the inside suit jacket pocket, I pull out a pen. On a table next to the door, I find a wedding program and rip off a blank corner piece. I scribble a note before folding it into a small square. On my way to the front of the room to sit with the rest of my family, I drop the note in Dessa’s lap as I pass by. As soon as I take my seat, I glance over my shoulder. With her head bowed, she unfolds the piece of paper. A few seconds later, she lifts her head, and her eyes meet mine. Her eyebrows pinch together, but then a smile slowly graces her lips.

SEVENTEEN

THE TINGLES AGAIN

Dessa

As I enter the reception, the crimson fabric draped on the walls with shimmering strands of silver catches my attention. It’s exactly what you’d imagine for a winter wedding. Even though there are a lot of familiar faces, it doesn’t make being here any less awkward. Maybe I should’ve taken Garrett up on his offer to be his date. I could be with him right now. Instead, I’m alone in a room full of mostly strangers.

Two steps through the doorway, I hear my name called from the right. I turn that way and spot the only person I really wanted to see today. Smiling widely, I walk over to a table where Nana is seated.

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