Jace
I can see the moment everything changes for Rory. One minute, she’s smiling, and the next, she looks like someone socked her in the stomach.
I follow her stare to see the bride dancing with an older man. “Is that your dad?”
She nods slowly.
I’m not the most intuitive man, but I can connect the dots. And then I feel like shit. “I’m sorry you didn’t get to do this with your father,” I whisper, hating that I’m the reason she didn’t get this same memory.
She forces a smile, but her eyes are glassy. “It’s not a big deal.”
Bullshit. It’s a big fucking deal. Her father is dancing with twatty Taylor, who slept with Rory’s long-time boyfriend. I finally notice the groom, the turd himself, dancing off to the side with some woman. “Is your ex dancing with his mom?”
“Yes.”
The DJ invites guests to join the two couples on the dance floor, and I turn to her.
“Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a pretty decent dancer.
Wanna join me for a spin?” When she looks up at me with sad eyes, I kiss her.
“Might as well make our own memories, right? One day we can say, ‘Hey, remember that time we crashed your ex’s wedding and had a fucking blast?’ We should also get a giant piece of cake for our trouble. ”
She chuckles and wipes her eyes. “Jace Walker, no one told me you’d be so much fun.” She nods. “Let’s do this.”
“Of course I’m fun,” I mutter, making her laugh harder, as I take her hand. “Did you know I was voted class clown?”
“Shocking.”
“I know, right?” When we reach the dance floor, I pull her close.
I’m surprised no one notices her, but it’s dark in here.
As we sway to the music, I study the banquet table on the other side of the room.
The pretty candles on the tables and the enormous wedding cake.
All the gifts and well-wishers. Guilt swirls in my gut from all the things Rory didn’t get to enjoy when we tied the knot.
I’m almost afraid to ask the question, but I bite the bullet.
“Hypothetically speaking, is this the kind of wedding you’d want? ”
“Oh, I don’t know. Weddings are so expensive. Who has this kind of money?” She might be saying no, but I hear the longing in her voice. “What about you? Did you always envision a courthouse wedding?”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Honestly, I never thought I’d get hitched. But I’m not sure this is my style. I think I’d like something on the ranch. Maybe string up lights outside in a giant white tent. Listen to a live band and have lots of our favorite food.”
A wistful smile spreads on her lips. “That sounds really nice. You know, I once saw a mini-cow at a reception. It had a garland and a sign that said ‘Congrats to the couple.’ It was so sweet.”
“Mini-cows? Now you’re talking. And the kids could play horseshoes on the lawn or maybe cornhole.”
She snorts. “What’s cornhole?”
“Get your mind outta the gutter. It’s a respectable game where you toss beanbags into a hole.”
“Okay, but what about croquet? I’ve always wanted to play that.”
“Sounds kinda fancy, but I’m down.” I smile down at my pretty girl, wanting to do something special for her. “We should do it,” I blurt out.
Her brows knit together. “Do what?”
“Get married again and have a fancy reception at the ranch.” Jesus, did I really say that out loud? Fuck it, yes, I did. I might not have all my ducks in a row, but I’m starting to think Rory’s it for me.
Her expression goes blank as we stop dancing, and I get a sick feeling in my chest. “Jace, I don’t know—”
“Rory!” her annoying stepsister shouts. “You made it!” Then Taylor nearly tackles her to the ground in a hug. I manage to keep them both upright.
Rory gives her a curt smile. “Hey, Taylor.”
Her dad cuts through the crowd and holds out his arms. “Rory. Hi, honey.”
She lets him hug her, but she doesn’t look happy.
“Hi, Dad.” She pulls him off the dance floor, not bothering to say anything to Taylor or Hayden, who joins us.
The dumbass stares after her like she’s a ghost while his new bride makes eyes at me like a groupie.
Flirting with another man at your wedding? Classy.
I tap Hayden on the shoulder with my fist. “Yeah, you fumbled Aurora. Bet you feel pretty dumb right about now, but hey, your loss is my gain. Thanks, man. She’s one in a million.”
He opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. Except he doesn’t need to say anything to express his regret. It’s written all over his face. Especially when his new bride sidles up to me and grabs my arm. “Oh my God, are you that country singer?”
While I stare at Turdface, I remove his wife’s hand from my person. “Sorry, I need to catch up with my girlfriend.” I’d give anything to call her my wife right now.
I find Rory and her dad standing outside the ballroom. He’s grinning. “It’s so good to see you, honey. Can you stay a few days? We have a brunch tomorrow, and I know Taylor and Hayden would love for you to attend.”
An older woman with strawberry-blonde hair rushes up to Rory’s dad. “Oh, Karl, you never told me Rory was coming, so I don’t think there’s a place for her and her little friend.” I’m guessing this is Rory’s stepmother, who gives me the stink-eye.
Her dad frowns. “Camille, I’m sure we can get two more place settings if we call ahead to the restaurant.”
I’m guessing Rory has zero interest in attending anything with the bridal party. I scoot closer and hold out my hand to her father. “Hi, sir. I’m Rory’s boyfriend Jace. It’s nice to meet you.”
His eyes widen and he turns to his daughter as he shakes my hand. “I had no idea you were dating anyone.”
Rory’s expression darkens. “Well, the last time I dated someone, he hopped in bed with Taylor, and you condoned it, so”—she shrugs—“I figured, why bother?”
Shots fired.
Her father sputters. “That’s not what happened.”
Camille rolls her eyes. “Really, Rory? You’re going to dredge up old news on Taylor’s wedding day? See, Karl, this is why I told you not to invite her. She doesn’t want to be part of this family.”
I’ve had enough of this woman. I grab Rory’s hand and smile at her evil stepmother.
“Frankly, I’m tickled pink your daughter Taylor has no morals.
Otherwise, Rory probably would’ve married Shit-for-Brains over there, and I never would’ve met her.
” Camille gasps, but I’ve already turned to Karl.
“You had one job, sir. Protect Rory. While I would like for you and I to be friends, it should be said you have a shitty way of supporting your daughter, who’s amazing, by the way.
” I point to the groom, who’s standing a few feet away, twiddling his thumbs.
“That jackass would’ve been lucky to marry her. ”
“Jace.” Rory chuckles.
I lean over to kiss her. “Sorry if I went overboard.”
Her smile grows. “That was perfect.” She grabs my face and kisses me back before she turns to her dad. “Camille is right. I have no interest in being part of her family. But I miss you, Dad. Call me if we can ever meet up, just the two of us.”
He hangs his head but nods. “I’d like that, honey. And for the record, I’m sorry.”
Camille looks ready to burn down the hotel. “Really, Karl?”
Taylor runs up to us and hisses, “You can’t go yet, Rory. It’ll look bad.”
My wife chuckles and reaches over to grab a glass of champagne from a waiter who’s walking by with a tray of drinks. “That’s not really my problem.” As she stares at her stepsister, she takes a large drink and then hands the half-empty glass to Taylor. “Here. Since you seem to enjoy my leftovers.”
Taylor’s mouth gapes open as I laugh. “You’re gonna catch flies like that.” I turn to my wife. “You ready to blow this popsicle stand, gorgeous?”
“Yes, please get me out of here.”
We run out of the hotel lobby and into the humid night. Laughing, we stare at each other. “That was crazy,” I say. “Your ex looked like he wanted to cry.”
Her grin widens. “I’ve always heard that sometimes God answers prayers in ways you don’t realize. And when I looked at Hayden tonight, I was so glad I didn’t marry that spineless little weasel. Him cheating with Taylor was a blessing in disguise.”
I pull her into my arms and kiss her long enough for a car to honk ’cause we’re standing in the street.
We head toward our hotel. I’m just about to ask her if she wants to grab a bite to eat when her phone starts ringing. Her eyes widen when she sees the name. “It’s Frank.”
Damn. Guess my time is up. “Tell him I’m on my way.”
I only hear her end of the conversation. “Um. He’s not here anymore, Frank. He just left. He’s headed there now.” When she hangs up, she shoos me. “He’s pissed. Go. Hurry.”
“You’re not good at lying, huh?”
“I’m a terrible liar. Get back to rehearsal before everyone blames me for you not being there.” She points the wrong way.
“I’m walking you back to our hotel first. What kind of monster do you think I am? Like I’m gonna let my woman walk through the dark streets of Dallas by herself? Come on, now.” What if that psycho Cherry Smasher is hanging around? I’d never forgive myself if something happened to my sweet Aurora.
“Then let’s hurry.” She starts running in heels.
“Hold up, darlin’.” I scoop her up in my arms before she breaks an ankle and continue jogging down the street. “This is the advantage of dating a country boy. We’re sturdy as fuck.”
“Jace! Put me down! You could hurt yourself.”
“Nonsense. I’ve picked up two-hundred-pound calves, and you’re much lighter.” I smack her ass. “Cuter too.” When we reach our hotel, I set her down.
Laughing, she shakes her head and smooths down her dress before she runs her hand over my tie. “You must’ve been a menace as a child.”
I hold out my arms. “How’d you know?” Damn, I hate that I have to leave right now. “I’m sure I’ll be late tonight. I’ll text you if I find my phone. Otherwise, if you need anything, text Frank.”
She nods and gives me a sweet smile. “As horrible as tonight could have been, you made everything better. I actually had fun.”
I rub my nose against hers. “I had fun too, baby.” I pause. “There’s something I need to give you.” Patting my coat pockets, I find the little container and hand it to her. “Here’s some mace I got from a roadie. If anyone fucks with you, spray the asshole.”
Nodding, she tucks it into her purse. “Thanks for thinking of me.”
“Always.” I pull her into my arms.
“Good luck at your rehearsal.”
I’m about to kiss her goodbye when a familiar voice makes me freeze. “Jace!” Fucking Marlowe. “Isn’t it nice that we’re all staying at the same hotel? Are you headed to the studio too? Want to share my Uber?” She smiles innocently at Rory before she hooks her arm in mine.
I shake her off, like I’m stretching. “Nah. It’s okay.”
She shrugs. “Okay. See y’all later.” She waits for her ride near the curb.
Rory nudges me. “Go catch that Uber. It’ll be faster than whatever you’re planning.”
“Who says I have a plan?” I was gonna call an Uber, but I’d need my phone for that. The studio’s five blocks away.
She rolls her eyes and pushes me toward Marlowe. Pausing, I turn back to her. “Are you sure?”
Leaning up on her toes, she kisses me. “Go. Before Frank fires me.”
I caress her beautiful face, hoping I can prove that she’ll always be able to trust me. If she doesn’t care that I’m going with Marlowe, that feels like a win.
Walking backward, I shake my head. “Frank can’t fire you.”
Over my dead body.