Chapter Four
CHAPTER FOUR
NATALIE
“And this room is where we would host the reception,” the Lovers Lodge wedding planner says as we walk into a large room already set up for a wedding this evening. It’s clear that the tables, the dance floor, and the stage were made for this room to hold significant events.
“It’s great. I love the flow it has moving from the ceremony to the reception. I think the guests are going to love this,” Griffin says, really laying his joy on thick.
It’s beautiful, by all means, but maybe a little big.
“Do we have enough guests to fill this room?” I ask.
“All our friends could fit at one table,” Tobias says behind us, and I laugh at his accuracy.
Griffin glares at us and clears his throat.
Tobias walks off to join Cassie, who is moving the plates around on one of the tables.
“I don't think the guest size matters,” Griffin finally adds, smiling at the wedding planner. “This place is beautiful.”
“Ooh, we could practice dancing. See if the floor is ready to go,” Cassie cheers from behind us. She reaches for Tobias. He flinches, jerking his hands from her reach, but he doesn't move his feet.
I do feel bad for putting him in this position today, but Cassie has been so distracted by him that it’s been me, Griffin, and the wedding planner most of the time we have been here. The only suggestions today, even if they have been opposite of what I’d have liked, have been mine and my fiancé’s. Not his mom’s or his sister’s.
My goal here has been accomplished.
I owe Tobias big.
Like helping him find a solution to his writing problem, big. I wish he’d share more with me, but I think that’s a writer thing. They don’t always like to share when they feel like they are failing.
Still, Tobias used to share every detail of his life with me.
Shoot, I know everything about him.
Right now, I know he wants to bail—run out of here and happily pay a stranger to drive him back to Wind Valley. He hates situations where he doesn’t call the shots or has people obsess over him like he’s a prince or something. It’s why he stopped doing book signings last year. He’s not a fan of attention.
Still, he’s doing it for me, and I love him even more for that.
Cassie tries to do some kind of twirl move, resulting in her kneeing Tobias in the groin, and I have to look away. If we make eye contact, he will murder me with his gaze.
“How cool would it be if Tobias and Cassie hit it off?” Griffin leans in to whisper in my ear.
I snort out a laugh, and he glares at me. “Oh, you were serious?”
He nods.
“I don’t think Tobias is the commitment type. I’ve told you this. I wouldn't want him breaking her heart.”
It’s all true. Mostly. It's true, I’ve never seen him in a real relationship, but I think it’s just because he doesn’t want one. The breaking her heart part is extra accurate.
Griffin nods. “Cassie likes just to have fun, too. I think they’d hit it off. She looks like his type.”
“His type?”
“Yeah. Look at her.”
And I do. I see long blonde hair, a small waist, lean legs, and breasts that are probably four times the size of mine.
Is that his type?
“If you think that’s his type, then why do you constantly ask me if he likes me? I look nothing like your sister.”
Griffin pauses to stare at me. “That’s a Good point. Not to mention, they’re both wild and fun. Now that I think of it, you really aren’t his type.”
“Are you saying I’m not fun?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“It sounded like it.”
Griffin glances between me and Tobias and then turns his focus back to the wedding planner.
“Stop,” I say. “I know what you’re thinking.”
“I’m not thinking that. I’m thinking that maybe I’ve been too harsh in accusing you two of being more than you are. For that, I am sorry.”
“Really?” I press up to my toes to kiss him, but he turns his cheek.
“We’re in public, Natalie.”
I swallow and nod.
“I know, but it’s just us and them.” I point to his sister and Tobias.
Of course, Tobias is watching us with a scowl. He’s probably ready to get the hell out of here, and after the moment Griffin and I just had, so am I.
“And the wedding planner,” Griffin whispers.
Before I can respond, he turns to her and asks, “What options do we have for flowers and dining? We should probably check this all off now so that we can book it before it’s too late.”
My attention falls back on the dancing duo behind me.
They look like they are having fun.
Fun.
Cassie and Tobias, that’s absurd. How could Griffin even think of that?
“Hello, hello!” A familiar voice floats through the room, putting a smile back on my face and pulling me to the entrance like a magnet.
“Grandma Betty!” I pull her into a hug. She squeezes me tight and then looks around the room.
“This place is so beautiful, Natalie.”
I hear the hesitation in her voice.
“But …” I encourage her.
“Doesn’t it feel a bit big?”
“That's what I said.”
“Natalie,” Griffin calls. “Hi, Betty.”
“Griffin, it’s lovely to see you.”
“Hi, Grandma,” Tobias comes up and hugs her as I drift back to where I’m needed.
“Here is the menu and the flier for the local bakery and flower shop,” he says, handing them to me. “I’m going to go look at our options for room blocks.”
“Okay,” I say to his retreating back. I glance down at the pamphlets; the pictures of the cake alone are making me hungry.
Cassie starts to follow her brother, leaving me, Tobias, and Grandma Betty alone in the room.
“Don’t you need to go with them?” Tobias asks.
I glance at the entrance doors.
“Nope. I’m good right here,” I say, walking back to chat more with Grandma Betty.
“Are you okay?” Tobias asks softly.
“I’m good.”
But really, I’m not so sure I am. I should be running out behind Griffin to pick out all the wedding things, right?
Instead, I'd rather stay right here.
Listening to Grandma Betty scold Tobias for his untucked shirt and listening to him laugh when she teases him.
Will I still get moments like this after I’m married?
* * *
The afternoon in Lovers ran longer than expected, but I think I can speak for most of us in the car and say that the sight of Cassie asleep has been the best part of the day.
“Are you happy with the venue?” Griffin whispers.
I almost laugh—even he doesn't want to wake his sister.
I nod. “Are you sure it’s not too big?”
“It’s perfect. Plus, we will be so busy enjoying the day that we won’t notice the size of the room. Just the people in it.”
“Us.” I smile.
“And our families, friends, and colleagues.”
Right, the colleagues.
I gaze over my shoulder at Tobias, who is clearly watching me, but he quickly looks away.
“Thank you for coming.”
“Of course.”
I quickly look between him and Griffin, hoping he will pick up on my hint.
His eye roll says that he does.
“So, Griffin,” he starts, sitting forward in the car as far as his seat belt will let him go. “How long are you in town for?”
“I leave tomorrow.”
“Oh.”
His gaze drifts to me.
I widen my eyes. Go on.
“I was thinking we should get a drink sometime and hang out.”
I bite my lip, my eyes on Tobias for a moment before I look at Griffin.
He doesn’t give anything away with his expression.
“Okay. I’ll reach out when I get back.”
“Great.”
I do a little cheer inside and grab my phone to text Tobias.
Natalie
Thank you.
Tobias
Anything for you.
And then I let out a breath.
Tobias and Griffin are going to become friends, and all will be right in my world.
I’ll still get them both.
For the first time since the night at Tobias’s house, where he said he’d try, I feel like I can breathe again.
Lose my best friend because I’m getting married.
Ha.
That will never happen.