Page 52 of The Boyfriend Gamble

A laugh escaped my chest.

He kissed my knuckles. “But I also have zero regrets.”

“Then, let’s go.” And with more bravado than I felt, I leaned over and gave him another of those toe-curling kisses.

We exited the truck, headed into his parents’ house, and chaos ensued. But a good chaos. The kind where everyone pretended they’d known this was going to happen all along. The kind where our moms embraced us with hugs and tears. The kind where Wally took me aside and asked if this was really what I wanted and where Jacob’s dad, not so quietly, gave him the lecture about how to be a good husband.

Several hours later, Jacob drove me home.

In silence.

Because, really, what was there to say?

We didn’t make out, as I’d hoped. Instead, Jacob gave me a peck on the lips and a promise we’dmake up for itnext weekend. After the wedding.

That promise, along with the panic over my upcoming nuptials, kept me prowling my house the entire week. Although I spoke to Jacob every night, we didn’t actually manage to see each other. I couldn’t decide if this was some nefarious plan to give me blue balls, or if, as he said, he was busy finishing off a project so he could take time off with me after our wedding.

I believed him when he said that. Because Jacob didn’t lie to me. Hadn’t ever, really. Despite the fact I kept questioning his love for me, deep inside, I knew he wouldn’t lie about that either. He was a good man. Despite Josette’s machinations, if he hadn’t wanted to tie himself to me for the rest of his life, then he wouldn’t have. He’d have found a way to let me down gently.

Instead, each night, he talked about our future. About the trees we were going to plant. About the garden he wanted to build for me. One the deer couldn’t get into. About the kids we were going to have.

Oh, and the dog. I wasn’t allowed to forget the dog. We had plans, once we were home from our honeymoon, to visit the animal shelter. And we’d keep visiting until we found the perfect companion. Or two, Jacob said. Because we worked all day, the pooches would need company.

I should’ve been overwhelmed. Everything was happening so damn fast. Except everything also felt so damn right.

Saturday morning dawned bright, with pink streaking across the sky and puffy white clouds meandering along. The meteorologist predicted sunny skies with only a hint of wind. Given how tightly Josette and our mothers had tied down the arch, I didn’t figure the thing was going anywhere.

Jacob had built it, of course, weeks ago. Thinking he’d be standing off to the side while watching his sister marry me. Instead, he’d be front and center with Wally by his side and Josette by me.

Somehow, the champagne-colored silk gown she’d chosen was appropriate for a maid of honor. Not really suited for a bride at all.

More proof that had never been her plan.

A knock sounded on my bedroom door. “Come in.” I continued to struggle with my tie.

Wally stepped behind me.

Our gazes caught in the mirror.

“Turn around.”

I did, pinkening a little that I couldn’t even tie a bow tie.

In mere moments, Wally had it straight. “Mom and Christie are holding court downstairs. You should probably consider coming down, though.”

I bit my lower lip. “Is Jacob here yet?”

Wally snickered. “Josie’s decided it’s bad luck for you to see each other before he walks down the aisle. I don’t understand this whole walking down the aisle thing myself.”

“When you meet the right woman, you’ll want her to walk down the aisle to meet you as well. To pledge herself to you.”

“You’re worried he’s not going to show.”

“Of course not.”Yes. So that.“He said he’d be here. Jacob’s never let me down. Plus, I think Josette would kill him—given how much work she’s put into this.”

My brother chuckled. “Yeah. And I’d probably kill him too. For breaking your heart.” He feathered my hair. “You really want this?”

“Yeah, I do.”

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