Page 106 of Crazy In Love

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“Maybe later, when everyone has had a few drinks,” Fox quips. “Give them gloves and see what happens.”

“That’s how people get hurt.” I wrap my hand around her trim hips and pull her just a little closer. “Stop it.”

Smug, Tina looks from Fox to me, wiggling her finger back and forth. “This is cute. I like this dynamic. Most people assume couples like you will never work out, like challenging your partner and bickering is a bad thing. But I promise, I’ve witnessed some of the unlikeliest pairings create the most magical love story.”

“Love story? Oh!” Fox bounces out of my grip, nervously smoothing the side of her dress. “No. We’re just friends.”

Tina’s eyes swing to mine and narrow, holding like she knows the panic pounding in the back of my skull. The ache. The fucking devastation asjust friendsechoes in my brain. She tilts her head to the side, then looks to Fox and dips her chin. “So sorry. I misread the situation.”

Me too, Mrs. Kincaid. Me too.

“It’s fine.” Jittery, Fox grabs the woman’s wrist and starts through the doors. “You’ll stay here and welcome guests, won’t you, Chris? I’m gonna help Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid find theirseats.”

Anything to get away. Anything to escape.

“Sure.” I dig my hands into my pockets, if only to keep them from my aching heart, and drop my gaze. But fuck, I can’t ignore Cliff’s pointed stare burning the side of my face. “Shut up.”

“This is the final round, Coach. Either you win, or you go home empty-handed.” He pastes on a fake smile, shakes hands, and directs guests through the front doors. Then he brings his ire back to me. “If you let her go without telling her how you feel, then I’m never gonna respect you again.”

I swing a glare up at the guy I thought was my friend.

“Icouldhave gone out with her,” he growls. “I know I’d have had a helluva time. And I would’ve made sure she did, too. Some of us are out here willing to tell people when they matter. We know what’s on the line, and we’re not willing to lose them because we’re scared. But then there’s you,” he sneers. “Pussyfooting around and wasting everyone’s time.” He shakes his head. “I can’t respect that.”

ROUND TWENTY-SEVEN

FOX

My heart thunders, and my lungs, well, they chose today to be the day they stop working properly. On the verge of what I think is a panic attack—a feeling I haven’t experienced since that one time in eighth grade—I stalk into Tommy’s office and slam the door. I press my back to the thick wood and blink through the tears in my eyes until I’m met with Alana’s penetrating gaze.

She walks slow, calm laps of the office with Hazel latched to her nipple, a scene of serenity in a beautiful white gown and flawless makeup.

And I’m… a mess.

“You look beautiful.” I ignore the darkness inching across my vision. The sweat on my palms. Hell, I ignore the very real possibility that I might puke before this day is over.

Because being a good friend means tabling my problems instead of slinging them to the forefront of someone else’s special day.

“That dress looks fantastic on you, Lana.” A three-foot train follows her every step. A trailing, glittering veil hangs from her hair. Her blue eyes, brighter than the ocean on a warm spring day, glisten with emotion.

She’s perfect.

I swipe my cheeks and pretend my shuddering exhale is a reaction to her beauty—not my broken heart—and drawing a long, heaving breath, I push away from the door and toss my purse to Tommy’s desk. Instead, I scoop up a cloth and turn to the pair, knowing Hazel will need to beburped in a moment, and wedding dresses are notorious for highlighting even the tiniest stains.

“This has been the most fun, impromptu post-baby baby-shower-turned-birthday-party-turned-wedding I’ve ever helped plan.” I lay the cloth over my shoulder, dragging my hair out from beneath the fabric, and when Alana detaches the baby, I take her and prove we’re still a well-oiled co-parenting machine.

What we have was forged in the fire ten years ago. Our friendship, a balm that soothes my heart. Our love, a caress that heals the lashes on my soul.

“It’s kinda crazy how it all worked out, huh?” I massage Hazel’s back, pleased when bubbles roll along her throat. “Weddings can be complete nightmares to plan, but starting it out as a party and changing the dress code near the very end is basically genius.”

She fixes her dress, tucking her boob away and laying the strap of her gown on her shoulder. Then she brings big, bright eyes up to mine and exhales. “I’m getting married today.”

Finally, something to smile about. “I know!”

“I’ve dreamed of this since I was a kid. I wroteMrs. Alana Watkinsin every single notebook I’ve ever owned. I was practicing my new name before we’d even kissed for the first time.”

“And now it’s here.” I reach out and take her hand in mine, squeezing. “Is it everything you hoped it would be?”

“Mostly.” She inches closer, setting her hand on my hip and swaying with me and Hazel. “I’m here. And Tommy is here.”