Chapter Sixteen
Kayson
I primped and fluffed every arrangement in the church until I almost messed one up. The entire time, I watched the door to the church like I was about to get married and Reid was my groom.
If only.
“He’s outside, love. Talking on the phone. Doesn’t sound good, whatever it is. But he’s here. Always good for a couple to go on a date to a wedding, I think. It’s like peering into the future.”
My aunt’s voice rolled over my tense emotions and settled them down. He was here. We were here. This was happening.
“Thanks, Aunt Viv. Henry?” She shrugged but looked at the door in that same hopeful way I had been most of the afternoon. “Aunt Viv?”
When she turned back to me, tiny tears were taking shape in the corners of her eyes. I pulled her close to me, and she rested her head on my shoulder. “What is it?”
She let out a sob while frantically pulling a silk scarf from her bag. A giggle burst from her mouth at how much fight that little hankie was giving her. “I think I’ve gone and done it, Kayson.”
“What? Did he break up with you? I’ll maul him.”
“No, you won’t. And no, he didn’t. I think...oh, it makes me a fool. But I think I love this one. He treats me like James once did. And there’s something in his eyes. You know what I’m talking about?”
I kissed her temple. “Like they’re breaking down all the layers with just one look.”
She nodded and dabbed the scarf on her eyes, making sure her mascara didn’t run.
“I got the cradle back, you know, in case you want to know where it is.”
The door to the church opened, and we turned to see who was coming in just as she mentioned the cradle. Reid stood in the entryway, looking around. My heart thumped once, loud and proud, knowing that, for me, Reid was it. If there was going to be a need for our family cradle, Reid would be the bearer of that fruit.
No one else would do.
“I knew he had you that first day he walked into the flower shop.”
Aunt Viv and I both watched Reid while we spoke.
“He had me at the coffee shop. But he hasn’t mentioned staying. He hasn’t said anything about living here or anything permanent. I think, after tonight, he’s going back home.”
Aunt Viv’s shoulders straightened. “I didn’t raise a quitter, Kayson Morris. Don’t let this one go. I know a keeper when I see one, and Reid is your omega, true as this church I’m standing in.”
Reid had seen us and smiled as he approached, looking better than the groomsmen, better than anyone had ever made a suit look in the history of suits.
“He’s coming. Hush, you.”
She laughed and squeezed me in a hug. “Don’t worry. He’s only got one thing on his mind. A smile like that? If he’s leaving, you’re getting one hell of a send-off. Hello, Reid.”
Aunt Viv changed tones and acted as though we were talking about sliced bread instead of my future with the man in front of me.
“Aunt Vivian, good to see you again. But without a date? I’m shocked.”
Aunt Viv flipped her hair. “Please, darling. As if. He’s meeting me here in case I find someone better. Oh...speaking of…”
She kissed us both on the cheek and shot me a wink before walking over to Henry, who had the same smile Reid wore when he came in.
“The flowers look gorgeous.” Reid stood too far away from me.
“Thanks. They turned out okay. Not what I would have at my wedding, but to each their own. You look incredible, by the way. Oh, and here, I got this for you. It is Valentine’s Day after all.”
I’d fretted over what card to buy for almost an hour before deciding on one with a classic rose on the front.
He blushed a little. I blushed a lot.
“Thanks. This pinstripe look really works for you.”
It was my best suit. Truth be told, if the possibility of Reid being here wasn’t great, this suit would still be hanging in the closet.
“Thanks. Should we sit?”
We chose a pew in the back of the church. His head rose, and I watched him as he followed Knox’s movements at the altar.
“You miss him?” Stupid question to ask. Everyone misses something about one of their exes, no matter the circumstances.
“Not as much as I thought I would. He’s just someone I used to know, which is strange. I thought coming here would be cathartic. Turns out, I’m simply indifferent.”
Indifferent and Reid didn’t exist together in my mind.