Page 120 of Choosing a Forever
He dips his chin, his alabaster skin splotching red at the attention. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, too. I’m happy to take pictures or sign autographs later if you’d like.”
Mack just nods.
Emma snaps her fingers. “Hellooooo. Details, Talmage. Details. We have fifteen minutes before the ceremony starts.”
“Dulzura,be patient,” Ben chides, but it holds no heat. He looks at Emma like she’s the sun. I’m glad to see they figured their stuff out. Last time they were in Utah, Emma wasn’t sure she wanted to give in to the feelings between them.
Hannah chuckles. “I’m in charge, so I can push it back. I’m dying to know. Emma, we’ll need an engagement story after.”
Emma’s cheeks turn pink. “Tal first.”
“Wait! I want to hear this, too!” A brunette comes barreling into the conversation. “Sorry. I’m Sage, Hannah’s best friend, and I like to know things.”
We introduce ourselves, then I say, “Mack and I were high school—well, junior high—sweethearts. We fell apart, and I thought I’d lost her for good, but by somemiracle, we reconnected. I knew I couldn't let her go again, so I convinced her to marry me the day after Valentine’s Day.”
The girls “awww,” and the men nod their heads like they get it. I’m sure they can relate.
“That’s so sweet. Very Mormon of you, Tal, getting married so fast.” Emma winks.
“One last act before I remove my records.” I chuckle. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, though.” I pull Mack into my side and place a kiss on her forehead.
“Ugh. Everyone’s so in love in your family, Hannah. Is it my turn yet?” Sage grumbles, but there’s a smile on her face.
“It’ll sneak up on you and happen when you least expect it.” Emma knocks her elbow into Sage’s.
“Emma would know. You’ll have to tell us all about your engagement after the vow ceremony. Come on, Butterfly. Let me declare my love for you in front of all our important people.” Morgan takes Hannah’s hand and drags her away.
We take a seat at the makeshift banquet table made up of a bunch of smaller tables mixed together and turn to give Morgan and Hannah our full attention.
Chapter 42
Mackenzie
26 years old…
With tears welling in my eyes, I throw myself on the bed.
Things have to get easier, right?
Two years should be enough time to get my shit together and get used to being the caretaker of two teenagers.
But I still feel like I’m drowning.
The chains of grief haven’t loosened at all, and at any moment, the shackles will tighten, and the weight of everything will drag me under completely.
The only reason I’ve stayed is because of the twins. They’ve already lost their parents, if I were to give in to the hopelessness, they’d be tossed around the system for the next five years, and I can’t do that to them.
As if she has a sixth sense for when everything’s too much and I need her, Lizzie texts me.
LIZZIE:I’m coming over with pizza and wine.
MACK:K. Door’s unlocked.
I wouldn’t survive without her—wouldn’tbe herewithout her. Even in the midst of her busy schedule, she always makes time to check in. She never pushes me, never tries to get me to talk about more than I’m willing to. She’s been my rock through this transition.
I feel like a shitty friend in comparison.
Wiping the tears that have surely smeared my makeup, I splash my face with cold water before I head back upstairs to wait for Lizzie.
