So Into You

Chapter 27

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Britt beamed as Justin moved Savannah’s veil from her face and sweetly kissed her. She felt Hunter’s hand close over hers

as they sat behind the bride’s family. After the pastor pronounced them husband and wife, she waved as the happy couple passed

by them. When Savannah blew her a kiss, Britt’s eyes filled.

Hunter pulled out a handkerchief. “Here,” he said, handing it to her.

“Thanks.” She dabbed at her eyes, not wanting to mess up her minimal makeup. Right after she’d left Hunter to finish his shift—and

after his mind-blowing kiss—she went straight to Savannah’s and apologized. Her friend was surprised and forgiving.

“I promise I’ll never keep another secret from you again,” Britt had said. And she meant it.

Savannah hugged her. “I’ve already asked Trudy to be my maid of honor.”

“It’s okay. I understand. Can I still come to the wedding?”

“Of course. I couldn’t get married without you being there.” They sat down on her parents’ plush white leather sofa. “Now,

I want all the deets about this Hunter guy.”

Britt had given her the “deets,” and two days later, she and Hunter met Savannah and Justin for breakfast at Yo Jo’s. Hunter

and Justin hit it off right away, and Savannah gave her an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

She had also put her channel back up, and started making videos again, with even more enthusiasm than before. Although it did take her a while to clean up her DMs.

“Britt.” Hunter tapped her on the shoulder, pulling her out of her reverie. “Time to go.”

She got up from the pew and stepped into the aisle. Mom and Dad were sitting right behind them. Dad winked at her, and Mom

gave her a little wave as she blew her nose. Her parents had been spending more and more time together lately, with Dad dropping

by the house after work at least three times a week for supper. They still fought occasionally, but more about differences

of opinion than anything serious, and they weren’t vicious to each other anymore. Britt didn’t know what all of it meant,

other than it felt like she had a complete family again, and it was wonderful.

Half an hour later she and Hunter walked into the Elegance Ballroom for the reception. Britt had helped with the last-minute

decorations, including hand-lettering all the table cards, adding two tiny, entwined gold-leaf wedding rings at the right-hand

corner of each one. “Everything looks beautiful,” she gushed as more guests filtered into the room.

Hunter agreed, taking her hand. “Do you want to sit down? Or circulate?”

“You know the answer to that.” While she had come a long way in overcoming her social anxiety, she would never be a mix-and-mingler.

They found their seats while the hall filled. Finally, Savannah and Justin showed up, and the reception was in full swing.

The bridal party didn’t dance, but the DJ hollered for everyone to hit the dance floor. Hunter leaned close to Britt. “Remember

our first dance?”

She grinned. “How could I forget?”

He stood and held out his hand to her. “Dance with me. It’s been a while since I showed you my sixth-grade moves.”

Britt laughed and slipped her hand in his. He led her to the floor, and she easily melted into his arms. Suddenly there was

a tap on Hunter’s shoulder. He turned around.

Dad was standing there. “May I cut in?”

Hunter nodded and smiled at Britt. “She’s all yours.”

“I hope I didn’t interrupt anything,” Dad said, taking her hand as ABBA’s “Take A Chance On Me” started to play.

“I can dance with him later.”

“True. I don’t think he’s going anywhere.”

“He better not.” She smiled. The song was too up-tempo for a slow dance, so they just made up the steps as they went along.

Dad cocked his head. “I haven’t heard this song in years,” he said above the music.

“I heard it yesterday.”

“Where?”

“On my yacht rock playlist.” She grinned. “I can share it with you sometime.”

They finished up the song, and another slow dance started to play. “I guess I better turn you over to Hunter,” Dad said.

“Wait.” Britt grabbed his hand, then pulled him into a hug. “I love you, Dad.”

He hugged her back, and she thought she heard him sniff. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

As if on cue, Hunter appeared, and Dad stepped away.

He drew Britt into his arms. “Everything okay?” he asked.

She watched her father walk to her mother, motioning for her to come with him. Mom smiled and nodded. Britt looked up at Hunter

and kissed him. Then she pulled away. “Definitely.”

***

“Daniel Branch, where are you taking me?” Amy half resisted him grabbing her hand and leading her from the table. Not to the

dance floor but, of all places, to the janitor’s closet.

He shut the door and turned on the light. “May I have this dance?”

Muted music wafted through the closed door as she looked at the shelves of cleaning supplies and the bucket and mop on the

other side of the small space. “How did you find this room?”

“I scoped it out.”

“You planned this?” She shook her head, chuckling. “We could just dance on, like, the dance floor.”

“But it wouldn’t be private.” He moved closer to her. “We haven’t danced together since our wedding.”

Over the past several weeks, they had decided to rekindle the friendship they’d had in high school before they’d fallen in

love. It was also a chance for him to earn her trust and for her to give it, although that remained unspoken between them.

So far, it was all working out, and her favorite moments were their family dinners, something that had been few and far between

when they were married.

She’d also made amends with Max, using Laura as a buffer. She invited both of them and Daniel over for dinner one night, and

after apologizing to Max, she made sure he and Laura sat next to each other. When Max walked with her out the door, Laura

turned around and mouthed an excited, “Thank you!” The two of them had been dating ever since. Even Daniel congratulated her

on a successful match.

But now she and Daniel were alone in the confining closet, and she couldn’t deny she was deeply attracted to him. More so now than when she was younger, and raging hormones had taken control. Now her middle-aged hormones were creating all sorts of other havoc, but that had nothing to do with how her heart was galloping in her chest or her fluttery stomach. Even her toes were curling in her sensible silver low-heeled pumps.

“You didn’t answer me.” He took one step closer. He’d let his curly hair grow out a bit, and now it was a thick mass of black-and-silver

locks that looked oh so good on him. Not to mention his gunmetal gray suit, which happened to go so well with her pale-yellow

cotton sundress.

“I didn’t?” She moved forward a little, smiling as she looked into his eyes.

“Nope.”

Her breath caught as he lightly put his hand on her waist. Then his fingers brushed over her hips until he was touching her

lower back.

“Daniel,” she whispered.

“Yes?” he answered, his voice husky, low, and sweetly shiver inducing.

She put her arms around his neck. “We could just skip the dance and go on to the fun part.”

He grinned, drawing her against him. “Which is?”

The door flew open, jerking them apart. “Oh, excuse me ,” Maude said, fluttering her eyelashes in faux innocence. “I thought this was the little girl’s room.”

“It clearly says Maintenance on the door,” Daniel groused.

Her eyes widened. “It does? I guess I misread it. I forgot my reading glasses at home.”

Amy smirked. “They’re hanging around your neck, Maude.”

She glanced down. “Silly me.”

“You saw us come in here, didn’t you?” Amy tried to hide her laughter.

“Perhaps.”

“Wait,” Amy said. “I didn’t know you knew Savannah.”

“Any friend of Britt’s is a friend of mine and X’s. She’s a charming young woman who is now learning how to make FIMO beads

in my jewelry class.” She turned to Daniel. “By the way, no one touches my megaphone and gets away with it.”

“So sorry,” he said as he started to close the door on her.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

Click. Daniel faced Amy again. “I’m thinking that’s a really short list.”

“Like maybe three things.”

He took Amy in his arms again, angling his head toward hers. “Now, where were we?”

Her hand shot up between their faces, and his lips landed on her palm.

“Huh?” he said against her skin.

She removed her hand. “I need to tell you something first. Remember when we were at the movies?”

“How could I forget Wrong Way, Cupid ?”

“Hey, I made up for it,” she said. “We saw that Jack Bluebird movie.”

“Robin. But go ahead.”

Growing serious, she said, “You asked me why I never remarried, and I never answered because I couldn’t admit it to myself

at the time. I always used Britt or work as an excuse not to start dating again.” She touched the collar of his shirt, then

moved her fingertips to the side of his neck, playing with the curls resting against it. “But the truth is... you were

always the one for me, Daniel. Despite everything, you still had my heart.”

He took her hand and pressed it against his chest. “And you always had mine. It’s why I never remarried either, even after I quit drinking.” He kissed her hand. “I love you, Amy. I always have... and I always will.”

Her heart sang. She’d never thought she’d feel this way again, and she wouldn’t have with anyone else. “I love you too.”

He kissed her until she was weak. And they didn’t leave the closet for a long, long time.

***

Seven months later

Camera? Check.

Lights? Check.

Sound? Check.

Britt took a deep breath and started her video.

“Hi, friends. Welcome back to my channel, and thanks for watching. Today is a different kind of video because it won’t be

about art. In fact, it’s my last video for the foreseeable future.” She shifted in her chair, keeping her eyes on the camera.

“Last year I made a video about taking risks and making changes. I took my own advice, and I’m happy to announce that I’m

teaching art classes in person at K&B Art Supplies in Plano, Texas.”

“My turn yet?”

She glanced at Hunter, who was sitting next to her in a wheeled chair, his foot tapping on the floor.

Looking back at the camera, she said, “I also want to introduce you to my boyfriend, Hun—”

“Hunter Pickett,” he said, sliding into the frame, a gorgeous smile on his face. “I’m the assistant manager at K&Bs, and if you stop in and say ‘Britt Branch is the cutest artist ever—’”

“Hunter!”

“—you’ll get 30 percent off your total purchase.”

Her face blooming with heat, she shoved him out of the camera’s eye. “Uh, so that’s Hunter—”

He leaned over and pecked her cheek, then waved at the camera again. “Bye, y’all.” Then he wheeled away from the desk.

She glanced at him, unable to stop laughing. “He’s a mess.”

“I’m your mess,” he hollered off camera.

Britt continued the video, explaining a little bit more about her new job and how all the videos would be archived and available.

Before she signed off for the last time, she said, “The last thing I want to say to all of you is thank you. This channel

wasn’t just a job, it was a passion. Thank you for being by my side through it all.”

She turned off the camera and looked at him. “The end of an era,” she said, a little lump in her throat.

“Yeah.” He touched her hand. “You ended it perfectly.”

Not wanting to get too emotional—she’d already gone through the gamut of feelings when she had decided to take Maude’s offer

and realized she had to end her channel—she smirked at him. “Do X and Maude know about your ‘discount,’” she said, using air

quotes.

“They will soon.” He wheeled over and faced her, bringing himself close. “They adore me and love you, so they’ll be fine with

it.”

He studied for a quiz in his business class while she prepared the video for upload. Before hitting the button, she looked

at him. “Get ready,” she said.

His eyebrow lifted. “For what?”

“You’ll see.”

In less than ten minutes, her notifications blew up. They watched as the comments rolled in.

That’s your boyfriend, Britt? He’s so dreamy!

Where can I find me one of those?

He can give me a discount any time.

Hunter fidgeted in his chair. “This is embarrassing.”

“I can take down the video,” she said, not wanting him to be uncomfortable. “It won’t be a big deal to reshoot it.”

“No, it’s okay.” He read a few more. “So far nothing about my job,” he muttered.

Before meeting him, she would never have guessed that he found his looks more of an irritant than a benefit. That hadn’t been

the case when he was younger, but now he wanted people to take his mind and talents seriously, not just his appearance. Being

an assistant manager and getting his business degree was helping, and he genuinely enjoyed learning about the art business

and retail. But there were times when he was more mortified by the compliments than appreciative.

Another one came in.

I don’t believe that’s her boyfriend. She’s never said anything about him until now. Maybe he’s a friend or a cousin, and

she’s pretending she’s got a hot guy for clout. I’m so disappointed. I would never have thought Britt would stoop to lying

to her fans. Unsubscribed.

Hunter slid the keyboard toward him on the desk and started typing.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Responding.” He scowled, banging on the keys. “She can’t call you a liar and get away with it.”

Britt put her hand over his, stopping him, then took the keyboard away. “Lesson number one—don’t respond to comments you disagree

with.”

“It’s not a disagreement. It’s the truth.”

She logged off the site and turned off the computer just as her mother called for them to come downstairs and eat.

“You’re not upset?” he said as they left her studio.

“Nope.” She stopped at the top of the stairs and turned to him, standing on her tiptoes. “You and I know it’s real. That’s

all that matters.” She kissed him, intending it to be a sweet peck like he’d given her on the cheek, but it immediately turned

into something more.

“Ahem.”

They parted and looked at her mother, who was staring up at them with slight disapproval.

Britt’s cheeks heated, and they hurried to the kitchen. Dad was there, off from work, and plates of meatloaf, mashed potatoes,

and green beans were in the center of the table. They said grace, and her mother picked up the meatloaf platter.

“Daniel,” Hunter said.

“Britt,” Daniel said at the same time. The men looked at each other, and he said, “You go first, Hunter.”

Hunter’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down, his expression suddenly anxious. “Mr. Branch—”

“Daniel,” he said, frowning. “You’ve always called me by my first name.”

“I want to do this right.” He glanced at Britt, who was confused. Then he gulped. “Mr. Branch, I love your daughter. I’d like

to ask for her hand in marriage.”

Britt froze. They’d jokingly talked about getting married, but she thought it was just banter. But now he was looking at her, and she could see he was serious. “You’re doing this over meatloaf?”

“Uh, yeah,” he said, more doubt entering his eyes. “Is there a rule against that?”

“No.” Britt bit her bottom lip. “I’m just shocked.”

“Honestly, I was going to do this later, but I can’t think of a better time than now.” He fiddled with his jean’s pocket and

pulled out a small ring case.

“Oh!” Mom gasped.

“Is that what I think it is?” Dad said.

Hunter opened the box. A gold ring with a tiny, round diamond solitaire winked under the kitchen lights.

“You’re proposing over meatloaf ?” Mom exclaimed.

“Marry me, Britt,” Hunter said.

Daniel cleared his throat.

“If it’s okay with you, Mr. Branch,” Hunter quickly added.

“ Daniel ,” he repeated.

“Daniel.”

Dad turned to Britt and nodded. So did her mother.

Britt’s eyes filled. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”

His grin almost took her breath away and he slid the ring on her finger. It was a little loose, but she’d get it sized later.

He leaned toward her as though he was going to give her a full kiss, then glanced at her parents. He kissed her cheek instead.

It would do... for now.

“Well,” Mom said, getting up from the table, still looking surprised. “I wasn’t expecting that tonight. But welcome to the

family, Hunter.”

He stood, and Britt’s heart filled as they embraced. Then he shook Dad’s hand.

“Congratulations... son.” He smiled.

They all sat down, and Britt didn’t think she could be happier. Seeing her parents getting along so well, getting engaged,

it all seemed like a dream.

Mom said, “Now that the surprises are over, who wants mashed potatoes—”

“Amy.”

Everyone looked at Daniel, who was tugging on his collar and looking a little nervous. Then he started to dig into his pants

pocket.

Britt drew in a sharp breath. Was her father going to propose? She looked at her mother, who was holding a serving spoon full

of potatoes over her dish.

“Daniel,” she said, her eyes wide. “Surely not—”

He took out a tissue and blew his nose. When he saw everyone staring at him, he said, “What? Did you think I was going to

do this?” He moved the handkerchief and revealed a familiar diamond ring.

The potatoes hit the dish. “Oh, Daniel,” she said, taking the ring from him. “How did you get my old engagement ring?”

“I had a little help.”

Britt beamed. Her father had asked her two weeks ago if she knew if her mother had kept her wedding rings. After a little

snooping in her jewelry box while Mom was out running errands, she’d found it. “I didn’t think you were proposing tonight,

though,” she said.

“Hunter inspired me.” He looked at Mom. “I don’t want to wait either. Will you marry me, Amy? Again?”

She threw her arms around Dad. “Yes! Of course I will!”

After lots of wedding talk as they finished supper, Britt put on her coat and walked Hunter to his bike. He had a car now, a used one he bought two months ago with her father’s guidance, but he rode the bike as often as he could. “You know, my mom will probably want us to have the reception at their house,” he said.

“That would be wonderful.” She’d gotten to know Hunter’s family. His parents weren’t the snobs she’d expected them to be,

and she chastised herself for jumping to that conclusion. Then a thought occurred. “Would it be too weird to have a double

wedding with my parents?”

He straightened the purple-and-red scarf tied around her neck and took her in his arms as a chilly March breeze ruffled his

hair. “Probably. But I’m fine with it if they are. We can get married anytime, anywhere, with anyone you want. On one condition.”

“What’s that?”

He glanced at his bike. “Ride with me.”

“Hunter—”

He walked over to the bike and pulled two helmets out of the saddlebag. He held the smaller one out to her.

“Anywhere?” she said, walking toward him. She trusted him enough to marry him, to be with him for the rest of her life. It

was time to get over her fear of his bike. He would keep them safe.

“Yep.” When she took the helmet from him, he grinned. “I would have proposed a long time ago if that would have gotten you

to ride with me.”

“Don’t push it.”

He lifted her onto the back of the seat and moved to sit in front of her. He put on his helmet, reached behind her and grabbed

her arms, then wrapped them around him. “Hang on tight,” he said, revving the engine.

She locked her fingers together, leaned her cheek against his back, and they took off. I’m never letting go.