Page 70 of The Wedding Toast
He smiled when he spotted Ria and Russ talking to Walt and Elena.He couldn’t help wondering what his mom would make of that.He knew his dad would love it.
Glancing around, he spotted all four of the pilots.He wasn’t surprised to see Trick talking to Xander.Trick had served in the military when he was younger and had followed Xander’s career closely.It seemed to Jacob that Trick had been proud of his brother’s service, and also relieved when Xander got out.
Ollie and Elliott were talking, and Jacob frowned when he noticed the way they were looking over at Callie.Of course, it was none of his business, but he decided to check in with Becca to see how she – or more importantly, Callie – felt about any possible interest from the guys.
Reaves was talking to Willow and Slade.He’d always been close with Slade and Xander.Jacob had a feeling that if it weren’t for his father, Charles, and not wanting to leave him, Reaves would probably have gone off to join the military too.Although in his case, it no doubt would have been the Air Force.
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“Would I be wrong if I guessed that you’ve taken something of a shine to Becca’s bridesmaid, Callie?”
Ollie froze, feeling guilty.He recognized the voice behind him but wasn’t sure he wanted to turn to face her.He relaxed when he heard her laugh.It wasn’t a sound he was familiar with.
“Alexandria.”He greeted her with a wry smile when she stepped forward.“It’s good to see you.”
“And you, Oliver.”
He raised his eyebrows.“Now I feel like I’ve done something wrong.You only ever called me by my full name when I misbehaved.”
She laughed again.“I’m aware, but I thought it was only fair – if you insist on calling me Alexandria still…”
He smiled.“That’s right.I’m sorry.I forget – everyone calls you Ria these days, don’t they?”
“They do.And I wish you would, too.”
“I’ll try, but it’ll take some getting used to.”
“That’s understandable, I suppose.And by the way, are you avoiding the question?”
He shook his head with a smile.“You always were observant, weren’t you?”
“I prefer to think of it as taking an interest.Of course, I kept an eye on Bentley and the girls, and all their friends.”
Ollie nodded.“You didn’t just keep an eye on us; you always kept an eye outforus, and I appreciate it.”
She touched his arm.“I know, darling.How are you?”
“I’m doing well, thanks.And you?”
He glanced over to where Russ was talking to his daughter – Bentley’s fiancée, Alyssa.He loved the way Alexandria smiled when she said, “I can honestly tell you that I’ve never been this happy.Of course, I love that Bentley and Alyssa are planning their wedding.And honestly, being here like this for Jacob and Becca is making me wonder if Russ and I…”
“Wow.I wondered if you might, but I didn’t know.”
“Neither did I.But these days, I’m much more open to the possibility that life takes surprising turns.”
She looked pointedly over at where Callie was talking to Becca’s sister – or at least trying to.It didn’t look like the sister particularly wanted to be here.
“So, back to the question.And of course, you can tell me to mind my own business if you like.”
He chuckled.“Okay, I’ll admit it.I’m…” He didn’t know how to put it, so he borrowed her words.“Taken with Callie.She’s not what I expected.”
Alexandria lifted an eyebrow.
He shrugged.“All I knew was that I was going to collect a ceramicist from Fort Bragg,” he said by way of explanation.
She laughed.“Ah, I can see why you might have expected someone other than Callie.”
“You know her?”
