Page 153 of Pucking Rebound

“Are you sure the party is here?” he asks, slowing his steps.

“It’s in the ballroom. Down here,” Max says, leading the way.

“The ballroom? Fancy,” I say in a high-pitchedBridgerton-style voice.

“What if she tells me to fuck off?” Worry makes Wade’s voice crack.

“She might.” I smooth my hands over the fabric of my dress. “You’ve been a bit of a dick.”

“You’ve changed,” he mutters, but I know he’s joking.

“I’m your sister. I can call you whatever I want now.”

“Is that right?” he asks.

“Yes. Sister privileges.”

“We’re here. It’s through this door,” Max announces, drawing our attention back to why we are here.

“Let me give you a once over.” I grab Wade by the shoulders and brush any small fibers off his suit using the palm of my hand. “Very handsome.” I stand back and admire him. “I need to pee.” I don’t, but I have somewhere else I need to be.

“Again?”

“Yes. You go in, and I’ll come find you. Try and blend in. Max, can you show me where the bathroom is, please?”

And I run to where I need to be. The place that is not a bathroom, but in fact, is at the front of the aisle, standing next to Kali’s two other bridesmaids.

Because this isn’t a party.

It’s Wade and Kali’s wedding.

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

Jordy

I swear birds sing and the clouds part, revealing the sun, when Lola bursts through the side door smiling and announces, “He’s here,” at the same time as Wade walks through the main entrance.

And while everyone turns to watch his reaction to the surprise wedding, all I can do is stare at the girl standing opposite me, looking even more beautiful than I remember.

The girl who broke my heart four weeks ago and hasn’t replied to any of my texts.

I wish she would.

The only one she replied to was the photo I sent of the snowman we built together in Gold Bar Park from the day I went to repair him to keep himalivefor her.

The torment of her not replying ended momentarily that day, but made its reappearance when she didn’t reply the next day, making the gray gloom move back into my heart.

Lola catches me staring, so I look away quickly, shuffling my feet with nerves.

I’m Wade’s best man today. Well, I’m one of three because his two best friends are here too. So, while Ezra and Myles willdance the first dance with Kali’s bridesmaids, I apparently—according to the instructions I was given earlier—will be dancing with Lola.

Something I am equally dreading and excited about. Holding her in my arms but not having her in the way I want will be the worst type of torture.

I try to focus on the ceremony but find it difficult when all I want to do is talk to Lola.

Kali and Wade make their vows in front of a room full of friends and family as well as the entire team who are here today to show Wade our support.

It doesn’t matter who his father is. He’s one of us. An Eagle through and through.

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