Page 43 of Big Rucking Disaster

“Uh, Johnnie…?”

“Yep.” He grinned.

Because he knew exactly he was doing.

And he was daring me to question him about it.

“How do you like your eggs? Because donuts don’t have enough protein for a professional athlete.”

He continued grinning. “Over easy—like me.”

An hour later, Hugo left—after having secured a promise from Johnnie that he’d be my plus-one at the intimate ceremony to be held six days from then.

I couldn’t believe it.

How is this my life?

Chapter Twelve

Johnnie

Axel and Hugo’s wedding wasn’t at all what I expected.

First, the hesitant Hugo was completely absent. When he was told he couldkiss the groom,he pulled Axel into a massive bear hug and kissed him until Ed finally tapped Axel on the shoulder and whispered something.

The lead bassist from Grindstone had his hair in dreads and a huge grin on his face as he interrupted the sucking of face.

Axel, after hearing whatever his best man whispered, pressed a kiss to Hugo’s cheek, then turned the two of them to the small crowd gathered.

A cheer went up, which I participated in enthusiastically.

Hugo’s niece and nephews sauntered over to him. His eldest niece and nephew offered hugs, while the younger middle child headed for Axel and clearly demanded a hug.

Hugo’s sister, Leonora, was speaking to her husband when their little girl, Mia, headed for the melee.

Yardley swooped in to save her from being trampled and hoisted her into the air.

She giggled.

Her mother pivoted and smiled. “Thank you.”

Four kids. What an insane brood.

I’d kill for just one. I’d be grateful for just one.

One felt like asking too much, though, in that moment.

Yardley caught my gaze. His smile was wistful.

I nodded, understanding. We were both in our thirties—me early and he later—with no prospects of becoming fathers. Yet we both wanted to be.

Big Mac and Meg, two members of Grindstone, approached Axel. Big Mac held a baby in his arms.

So many kids. Because of my rawness—after having shared my pain with Yardley last week—I was seeing children everywhere.

“You’re holding up well.”

A smooth voice caught my attention, and I pivoted to find a stunning woman watching me. “I’m sorry?”

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