Chapter 26
TWENTY-SIX
Brock
“To Paxton and Hartford,” Shepherd says, lifting his shot glass.
My brothers and I are standing at the bar, tossing back shots to celebrate the first of us to tie the knot.
The reception has been a blast so far. Plenty of dancing, drinking, and laughing.
When my arms haven’t been wrapped around Willow, I’ve been watching her from afar.
Partly because I want to make sure Lake doesn’t corner her again and partly because it’s impossible for me to not seek her out in a crowd.
Watching her sexy body move as she dances with her friends, turns me on.
Hearing her sweet laugh even through all the music and talking, makes me want her.
Seeing how happy she is and hoping like hell that I’m at least part of the reason why, fills my heart.
After we had sex in the closet, which I had to do because there was no way I would’ve been able to get through this reception with the fire of need I was feeling, I almost told her I wanted this fake relationship to be real.
There’s nothing fake about it anymore and I wanted to wait until we were back in the room but I was overwhelmed with feelings after and it almost came out.
But I was interrupted, which was obviously a sign that I should wait until it’s just us alone in the room tonight.
“Do you feel different?” Tripp asks Paxton.
“I’ve been married for a few hours and have been partying since, so no, not yet,” Paxton says, laughing.
“I can’t believe my little brother is married. I’m so happy for you and Hartford,” Callum says, wrapping his arm around Paxton.
“Yeah, you set the bar high for all of us,” I say with a wide grin.
“I have a baby and I’m living with Felicity, I think I set the bar kinda high too,” Shepherd replies.
“We’re all finding our way and it’s pretty damn amazing,” Paxton says back.
He’s right, we all are finding our way. He’s married. Shep is a father. Anya is living with Griffin. I’m in love with my fake girlfriend.
I chuckle and hold up my beer. “To growing up.”
We all laugh, but it’s true.
The music switches as the DJ says, “Grab your partner.”
My eyes meet Willow’s and I grin as I cross the room to her. “Let’s go, beautiful.”
‘To Make You Feel My Love’ by Garth Brooks begins as she places her hand on mine and I lead her onto the dance floor.
Just like every other slow song, our bodies fuse together as we slowly move to the music.
Her eyes lift to mine and we stare at each other as the lyrics wrap around us.
I couldn’t have picked a more perfect song and I want her to really pay attention because it’s everything I want to say to her.
I softly sing the words to her and she smiles at me. “Of course, you can sing too.”
I give her a wink as a grin. “Only for you, baby.”
Her eyes soften at my words, but I mean it. I’ve never sung for anyone before, but it’s different with her. She has to feel that. I don’t know how she couldn’t when it’s so clear to me.
We belong together.
I continue to sing to her as my hands move down her body, resting on her round ass. “To make you feel my love,” I whisper.
Our lips meet and we kiss as the song ends. I need to tell her, right now.
“Willow,” I softly say, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear.
“Willow, I need your help,” Hartford says, grabbing her arm. “Sorry, Brock, but dress emergency.”
“I’ll be right back,” Willow says with a laugh.
I nod, reluctantly letting her go. She rushes off with Hartford and Anya to the bathroom while I smile watching her go.
“Damn, you’ve got it bad,” Paxton says, slapping my back.
“Yeah, I do.”
“Nothing better,” he says.
“I’m seeing that.”
“The DJ said it’s almost time for my toast,” Callum says, tossing back another shot.
I chuckle glancing over at him. “Are you nervous?”
He looks around at the large crowd and shrugs. “I’m talking about love, which I know nothing personally about. If I was talking about the brewery, it would be easier.”
“You know what love is. You just haven’t found it yet,” Paxton says.
“Because he’s too busy working to look for it,” I add.
“Shut up,” he hisses, causing me to laugh.
Hartford comes back and heads straight for Paxton. They share a kiss and the room cheers with excitement.
“It’s time for the best man to give his speech. Please head to your tables,” the DJ announces.
I look around for Willow, but she and Anya must still be in the bathroom. So I hesitantly walk toward our table alone.
Callum steps up to the microphone, a mixture of nerves and nostalgia visible on his face as he looks at the newlyweds. He takes a deep breath, trying to relax himself.
“Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Callum, Paxton’s older brother and best man.” There are cheers and he chuckles, shaking his head.
I notice Willow and Anya walk back into the room, but they stand by the door, not wanting to distract from Callum’s speech.
“Paxton, growing up with you has been an adventure I wouldn’t trade for anything.
From building forts in the backyard to playing endless games of catch.
From the days when you used to follow me around, trying to keep up with my every move, to becoming the amazing man and beer rep you are today.
Growing up, Paxton was always the thoughtful one, the one who would go out of his way to help others, and that’s something I’ve always admired about him. ”
He smiles at the crowd, and then continues, “And then there’s Hartford.
You’ve been a part of our lives for so long that it’s hard to remember a time when you weren’t.
From the first day of kindergarten, when you and Paxton became instant best friends, to all the school projects, summer vacations, and countless sleepovers, you’ve been like a sister to me.
You’ve always been there for Paxton, through thick and thin, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be by his side. ”
My eyes find Willow’s and I smile at her. I’m rewarded with her gorgeous smile in return. I nod toward Callum, silently telling her I’m impressed with his speech so far. It’s amazing to me that she understands, nodding her head.
“Seeing your friendship blossom into love has been a beautiful journey to witness. You two complement each other perfectly. Paxton, you bring a sense of adventure and spontaneity into Hartford’s life, while Hartford, you ground Paxton with your kindness and wisdom.
You also put up with all the Atwood’s and that is a feat of strength in and of itself. ”
Callum gets a big laugh from that and continues with a smile on his face.
“Together, you’re an unstoppable team, and I’ve never seen either of you as happy as you are when you’re together.
Paxton, I’m so proud of the man you’ve become.
You’ve found someone who loves you for who you are, who understands you in ways only a lifelong friend can, and who will stand by your side through everything.
Hartford, thank you for loving my brother, for being his confidante, his partner, and now, his wife.
You’ve always been family, but today, it’s official. ”
Callum raises his glass, staring at Paxton and Hartford.
“So, let’s raise our glasses to the bride and groom.
Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and countless adventures.
May your days be filled with joy, your hearts with love, and your lives with endless happiness.
To Paxton and Hartford, congratulations! I love you both."
I’m beyond impressed and proud of Callum. That speech was so much more than I imagined it would be. Paxton and Hartford clearly feel the same, as she wipes her tears as they all hug.
I grin at Willow and take a step in that direction when the microphone buzzes loudly from someone tapping on it. Everyone looks over to see Lake standing there with a smug look on his face. He looks distraught and slightly disheveled as he grabs the microphone.
“What the fuck?” I whisper, looking around at all the confusion in the room.
The room falls silent as everyone stares at him.
“Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m Lake Spriggs, a friend of Paxton’s. I wasn’t planning to speak tonight, but there’s something I need to get off my chest. Something that everyone here deserves to know.”
Willow’s eyes are bouncing from Lake to me and an uneasy feeling creeps through my pores. I’m frozen in place, unsure what the hell is happening when Lake looks directly at Willow.
“Willow and I used to be together. And I know it might sound like I’m bitter or that I’m trying to stir up trouble, but that’s not it. What I’m about to say comes from a place of hurt and betrayal, not malice.”
The guests exchange nervous glances, whispers starting to circulate through the crowd. My eyes widen as I look at Willow who stares at Lake with tears shining in her eyes.
This son of a bitch.
“I found out that Willow and Brock’s relationship has been a lie.
They’ve been faking it. This whole thing has been an act to fool everyone.
I don’t know all the reasons behind it, but I know for a fact that it’s not real.
They’ve been pretending this entire time, making everyone believe in this perfect love story. But it’s all just a facade.”
He turns to Paxton, his voice softening. “Paxton, you’re my friend. You deserve to know the truth. Your brother is a liar and you took his side when he hit me over a woman he’s not even dating.”
Willow’s face pales, and I’m visibly tense. The guests are stunned, some looking at Willow and some looking at me in disbelief, others turning their attention to Paxton, waiting for his reaction. My mother is staring at me, shaking her head, hurt visible on her face.
“I’m sorry it had to come out this way,” Lake continues. “But I couldn’t stand here and watch this charade any longer. Everyone deserves the truth, especially on a day like this.”
He steps away from the microphone, the room buzzing with shocked murmurs and uncertain glances. The once joyous celebration has taken a dramatic and unforeseen turn, leaving everyone to grapple with the revelation and its implications.
“Brock, is it true?” Paxton asks.
I glance at Willow seeing the uncertainty on her face.
“Yes, it’s true. I’m so sorry,” she says through her tears. And then she’s gone. Anya chases after her, and I’m left shell shocked, unable to even move. .
“Fuck,” I say, running my hands through my hair.
Two things are certain. I need to talk to Willow and I need to kick Lake’s ass.