Page 16 of Burly and Obsessed

“So do you.” She steps back, admiring my dress.

We walk toward the seating area, June skipping ahead to where other children are gathering under a stained glass window.

“Everything looks perfect,” Olivia says, glancing around. “It’ll be your turn next.”

I laugh and shake my head. “I have to find a guy who Jax won’t chase off, first.”

My smile doesn’t reach my eyes. I can feel the strain in my cheeks, the effort of appearing fine when my heart feels bruised. Olivia doesn’t seem to notice, her attention divided between our conversation and keeping track of June.

“How’s Mark’s new route working out?” I ask, deliberately changing the subject.

“Exhausting.” She sighs. “He’s gone three weeks at a time now. That’s why we haven’t talked much lately. Single parenting is kicking my ass. It sucks he can’t be here today, but no matter what he offered, he couldn’t get anyone to cover for him.”

“I’m sorry.” I squeeze her arm. “I should have called more.”

“You’ve been busy with the wedding.” She waves off my apology. Then her expression turns sly. “What’s this I hear about you and Ace on wedding duty this past week?”

“Nothing to tell. We’re just friends.” I don’t want to say his name. I know he’s here today because he’s one of the groomsmen for my brother, but I still wish I wasn’t seeing him today, especially at a wedding.

My fingers find my bracelet, twisting it around my wrist. I focus on a floral arrangement instead of meeting her curious gaze.

“Just friends? Last time we talked, you were waxing poetic about how wonderful he is, aside from the part about our brother continually chasing him away whenever he’s in the same room as you.”

How can I explain that he kissed me and then wanted to hide it? That in one moment, he made me think he’d give me everything, and the next, he confirmed every fear I’ve had about him not being able to stand up to my brother.

“It’s complicated,” is all I manage.

The church fills with guests, and I spot familiar faces grouping together. Hanna and Jordan stand near the gift table, his arm draped casually around her waist as she laughs at something he’s said. Nearby, Lindy adjusts Cody’s tie with practiced intimacy. Ophelia and Rowan huddle close, sharing a private joke. They only got together this summer, but their love is so powerful it’s like staring at the sun. They’re perfect together.

Everywhere I look, I see happy couples ready to celebrate another happy couple. I’ve never felt more alone or single in my life.

“Andrea.” Hanna appears at my elbow, concern in her eyes. “You look like someone died. What’s going on?”

“Just wedding emotions.” I force brightness into my voice. “I’m fine.”

“Bull.” She guides me toward a quiet corner. “Haven’t you talked to Ace since yesterday?”

I shake my head, unwilling to dive into it here, of all places. “No. It’s fine. Really.”

Lindy and Ophelia join us, forming a protective semicircle around me. The concern in their eyes makes my throat tight.

“I’m here for you,” Hanna says quietly. “I know Ace runs hot and cold, but he has a good heart.”

Lindy nods. “Whatever happened, he’s been miserable too. Jordan said he drank himself stupid at the bachelor party last night.”

“That doesn’t make me feel better.” My voice catches, though a part of me feels some kind of…satisfaction that he’s having a hard time, too.

“We’re not saying forgive him,” Ophelia clarifies. “Just...keep an open mind?”

Unexpected tears sting my eyes. I blink them back, touched by their support and embarrassed by my transparency. Before I can respond, a ripple of movement near the side entrance draws our attention.

A commotion near the entrance distracts us. I turn and see the groomsmen and bridesmaids lined up by the door leading into the seating area. June is with them, her face crumpling like she’s about to have a meltdown. I’ve seen this before with my niece—it means she’s overwhelmed and overstimulated. I start moving toward my niece, but stop short when I see Ace crouch down beside her.

He crouches to June’s level, his expression gentle. I can’t hear what he’s saying, but his demeanor transforms—patient, kind, focused entirely on calming the distressed child. He produces a handkerchief from his pocket, offering it with exaggerated formality that makes June giggle through her tears.

My throat tightens watching him. I’ve seen flashes of this man before—the one beneath the jokes and deflection. The man I fell in love with years ago.

There’s the man I thought I knew. The one worth waiting for.

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