Page 114 of Somehow You Knew

“Well, he hasn’t said as much, and until he does, I’m not getting my hopes up.” I take another sip of my drink.

Astrid hums. “Oh no. That means she already has.”

I drop my glass by my side and lower my voice. “The truth is, I know what I feel and I’m pretty sure he feels the same, okay? But there are stilla lot of things we need to talk about, which we agreed to do after the wedding. So until then, I don’t have any answers for you, and trust me, it’s killing me too.”

Willow reaches out and rubs my arm. “I’m glad you two are planning to talk. I know you’re a grown woman and can make your own decisions, but we just want you to be happy, Hazel. That’s all.”

Astrid nods. “You’re our sister. We love you, and I can’t believe it, but Diane was right. You two belong together.” She taps the center of her chest. “I can feel it, we can see it, and you two just need to allow it.”

The last thing I wanted to do was cry tonight, but these two are doing their best to make that happen. Maybe it’s the wedding, maybe it’s my impending period, or maybe it’s the limbo I’m stuck in with Gage—but knowing I have these two women supporting me no matter what? That’s something I will never take for granted.

“I appreciate and love you both so much.”

“Sorry to interrupt, ladies.” Gage comes up behind me, placing his hand on the small of my back. “But I’m stealing my wife for a dance.”

Willow and Astrid exchange knowing smiles as I hand Astrid my glass of champagne and let Gage lead me to the dance floor. He guides me past the crowd of people until he finds a more secluded spot he deems perfect, spinning me into his chest. “Fuck. You look stunning, Spitfire. I couldn’t just stand by watching anymore.”

I breathe him in deeply as he begins to move. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

His hand tightens on my waist as he sways us back and forth to the music. “I can’t wait to pull this string at your waist later and unveil what’s hiding underneath this dress.”

“Who says I have anything on underneath this dress?” I tease him, nipping at his earlobe and drawing a growl from his lips.

“Fuck, Hazel. You have no idea what you do to me.”

I drag my nails through the hair at the back of his head. “I might have an idea.” He lifts his head and locks his eyes with mine. “This wedding turned out beautifully,” I say, moving to a safer subject.

Gage hums. “Not as beautiful as you.”

I roll my eyes. “Are you trying extra hard to get laid tonight, Mr. Kingston? You already know I’m a sure thing.”

He cups the side of my face. “I’ll never stop reminding you how badly I want you, Mrs. Kingston.”

Mrs. Kingston.

That’s the first time he’s ever called me by my married name, and the shiver it sends through me feels like recognition—like something clicking into place.

“God, I hate the way you look at me sometimes,” I whisper, not wanting to listen to these doubts that keep popping up when my heart is telling me to trust what it feels.

Gage’s brow furrows. “How do I look at you?”

Like you could love me if you’d only let yourself.

“Like there’s something you want to say, but you’re holding yourself back,” I say instead.

His mouth falls open. “Fuck, Spitfire.” He leans his forehead against mine but says nothing, and I don’t know if it’s silent confirmation that he does have something to say or that he doesn’t feel the way that I do.

Just then, a hummingbird comes flying into the tent, darting through the crowd. A few kids shriek in surprise, but I just stand there, mesmerized.

I watch the bird hover, its iridescent green and pink feathers catching the last rays of sunlight. It’s beautiful, weightless—a fleeting moment that somehow feels like a sign.

Gage pullsme closer, kissing my temple. “You okay, baby?”

I can hear my heartbeat in my ears as I close my eyes to fight off the tears. Then I smile, knowing my dad is with us today. “Yeah. I’m good.”

The song ends as Gage guides us to stop. “You want another drink?”

“Yes, please.”

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