Page 87 of Four Weddings to Fall in Love
“I don’t want to interfere in your relationship,” Lynne says, “but I’d like to get to know you better, yes?And not at some painful dinner that Gladys has arranged.”
I fail to hold back an inelegant snort.
Just as I’m about to speak, there’s some commotion in the hallway.To be honest, I’m surprised it took so long.
“Lynne!”Gladys barks from the door to the room.“What are you doing here?”
“Kim and I are just chatting,” Lynne replies.
“Have you seen Yvonne?Was she here?”
“No.I have no idea where she went.”
Gladys hurries off.
“You know,” Lynne says to me, “I wouldn’t have tried to find Yvonne if her bridesmaids had followed her.I hardly know her.But they’re her bridesmaids!Whose side are they on?”She struggles to get up from the very low chair, and I jump to my feet and help her.“Thank you.I hope it works out between you and my son—”
“We haven’t been together for long.”
“I know, but I can see the way he looks at you.I wouldn’t be surprised if he asks you to marry him one day.”
I can’t help the curl of warmth inside me.It honestlydelightsme that he might propose someday, and isn’t that a strange feeling for someone who was against long-term relationships not long ago?
We exit the room together.Upstairs, it’s pandemonium, and Lynne and I get separated.I search for Max, suddenly desperate to find him, to feel his arms around me.
When I don’t see him, I head outside.Less than an hour has passed since we got here, but it feels like it’s been much, much longer.
And there he is, standing in the garden.
Chapter 33
Max
Kimrunstowardme.When she left, it felt like she was leaving me, like Yvonne hurrying away from Carl.I knew I was probably worrying needlessly, but I couldn’t help it.Even if she didn’t leave me today, I kept thinking about her doing it in the future.
But now, she throws her arms around me.
“Where did you go?”I ask.
“We found Yvonne downstairs, and your mother told her not to get married if she didn’t want to, then handed over her car keys.”
I can’t help chuckling.
“The two of us talked a bit afterward, and I decided…”
My heart hammers as I wait for her to finish.I brush a lock of hair away from her face; my hand is shaking.
“I’m all in,” she says.“When we met, I wasn’t interested in anything serious, but that’s changed.You’ve opened my eyes to what a relationship can be.”
My face splits into a grin.“What happened in the church basement?”
It’s her turn to chuckle.“I realized just how different it is with you.Before, I hoped it could be different, but I struggled to believe that was truly possible.Now, I’m confident in us.Navigating a life with you won’t make me feel like I’m compromising myself—”
“I’d never want you to do that,” I murmur, holding her close.
“I know.I trust you, Max.And I’m on your side, no matter what.”
She stands on her toes, and just as our lips are about to meet, I hear a most unwelcome voice.
