Something Forever(44)

Max held my hand underneath the table. “It hurt me to see you like that. I wanted to take it away for you. And if I could have taken your place, I would have.”

I knew he would; that was the way my Max was. My wants and needs were always first. Giving him a warm smile was my reply to thank him. “Max, stop giving me your food. I’m not that hungry. You need to eat, too.”

Max chuckled. “Sorry. I can’t help it. You’re eating for two. I can’t wait to see your stomach grow.”

When Max had told me he would be there for me, I never knew to what extent. I’d had a glimpse of his promise in action when he was there for me during the hardest time of my morning sickness. Although I never doubted him, he confirmed his commitment at that moment, and continued to confirm it with every new experience and every roadblock. Actions were always louder than words, and Max’s actions were very loud.

After the father-daughter and mother-son dance, it was time for all of the groomsmen and bridesmaids to dance. Max growled softly when Andy took my hand.

“Have fun with Mandy,” Max whispered quickly before I was whisked away.

I looked over my shoulder and mouthed, “Be a good boy.”

Max gave me a shy, adorable grin.

That silly, funny, adorable, hot Max...how he turned me on.

Andy was a perfect gentleman the whole slow dance, but I would be too if I had someone staring at me the way Max was staring at Andy. I couldn’t help but smile. Every time I looked at Max, he would wink and blow me a kiss. I was just glad he didn’t come and cut in to exchange places with Andy.

The wedding and the reception went smoothly, without a hitch. The planning and organizing paid off. Nicole had done a fabulous job, along with her helpers, including myself. Being overly fatigued, I decided to leave earlier than I had planned. Since Kate promised to look after Becky and take her home, Max and I left the party.



Becky

I walked out of my bedroom and saw Jenna sitting on the sofa, folding her laundry. She had gone to Max’s place last night from the reception, so I figured she would stay today as well. “Jenna? You’re home.”

“I came home an hour ago,” she replied.

I headed toward her, wondering if she’d come home because of me or if she’d had a fight with Max.

“What did you do for lunch?” Jenna asked as she continued to fold her laundry. “I called to see if you wanted to have lunch with me, but you didn’t answer your phone, text, or email.”

“Oh.” I plopped down next to her on the coach. “I went out to eat.”

“With Matthew?” Jenna’s tone got a bit too excited. She even stopped to look at me.

“Nope. With Tanner.” I started folding a towel from her basket.

“Tanner?”

“You forgot his name already. Tanner, my groomsman partner.”

“Oh.” Jenna sounded very disappointed. “Did you have a nice lunch with him?”

“I did. He’s very sweet. I like him a lot. I like hanging out with him. He’s so funny, too. When I’m with him, he makes me forget my worries. Did you know he has a place in Paris? He told me that if I ever visited there, I could stay at his place.”

Jenna gave me a smile, but it was only half of it. “That’s great, but what about Matthew?”

“I told you that we’re done.” I took a deep breath to keep myself from tearing up. Changing the subject, like I always did whenever Matthew came up, I asked, “Nicole’s wedding was beautiful, wasn’t it?”

“Yes,” she agreed. “Did you stay till the end?”

“Yes, pretty much.”

I changed the subject again and hoped Jenna would stay off the topic of Matthew. “I can tell you’re feeling better. Your cheeks are glowing and you’re eating more. I’m so relieved for you.”

“Thank you.” Jenna picked up her phone to text. “Do you have plans for dinner tonight?”

“No.”

“Good.” Jenna texted again, then slid her phone to the side of her so I couldn’t see whom she was texting. “Dinner will be on me.” After closing her eyes, she opened them again. I knew when she opened her mouth many questions would be pouring out. She had every right to ask. This was going to affect our entire circle of friendship. I wasn’t ready to answer them a week ago, but now I was. “You’re going to be at my wedding, right? It’s a little over a month away.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” I smiled to reassure her.

“Matthew will be there.”

“I know.” I looked away. “Don’t worry. I’m sure by then Matthew will have moved on, if not already, and we will all be fine.”