Hunter is leaning against the railing on the boat dock, watching as Hayley and Alexa laugh about some private joke Alexa told. The two of them sway along the edge of the dance floor, not joining in, but keeping up with the rhythm of the music. I crack a smile because I’m pretty sure neither one of them realizes they’re doing it.

They’re both nursing glasses of champagne, and they’re softly lit by the stringed lights Alexa had me drape over anything that couldn’t move earlier this afternoon. I thought it was overkill then—and I’d teased her relentlessly about it—but I have to admit the effect is nice, especially on Alexa. I haven’t wanted to take my eyes off her all night.

Hunter is having the same issue, if the way he’s looking at his bride is any indication.

“How does it feel being a married man?” I ask as I walk up, then clap him on the shoulder.

He takes a sip of his beer, then grins. “It’s great. Better than I thought it could be,” he says, smiling at Hayley in a way that makes him look like a complete sap.

“The ceremony was beautiful.” I can count on one hand the number of weddings I’ve been to, but this one was by far the best.

“We have Alexa to thank for that,” he says, nodding in her direction. “Your girl did an amazing job.”

I know Alexa well enough to know that she’d bristle at someone calling her my girl, even if we were in a relationship. Hunter isn’t the kind of guy who would usually refer to her that way, so I figure he’s doing it to get a rise out of me.

Even so, I respond. “She’s not my girl.”

“We both know she’s your something,” he replies, looking way too pleased with himself as he tips back his beer.

I can’t argue with him there.

Hunter ran into Carlos and me at happy hour a few days ago, and Alexa came up in our conversation. Carlos was giving me shit about how much time I’ve been spending with her, and Hunter just sat there with a smug grin. He didn’t say anything at the time—he didn’t have to—but when he stood up and paid the tab he said, “It’s good to see you living again.”

“Just trying to get out more,” I’d replied, hoping he wouldn’t make a big deal out of it. I figured he was just acknowledging that I was working on the things he told me I needed to work on in order to get assigned back out in the field. Now? I’m not so sure.

“Hey Hubby!” Hayley calls, wearing a blissed-out smile. “Get over here and dance with your wife.”

“Who am I to deny a gorgeous woman?” As Hunter walks past me, he hands me his beer. “Life’s too short, man. Put your cards out on the table.”

I raise my brow, not sure what he’s getting at.

“Just some life advice from a happily married man.” He walks away, grinning like he knows some big secret.

One thing about working for Hunter is that he’s usually pretty generous with the life advice, and he’s been giving out twice as much since he got engaged. His love-makes-the-world-go-’round view on life these past few months has been annoying as hell, but maybe he has a point here.

Or maybe I’m just tired of waiting.

Alexa walks over and says a soft, “Hey.”

“Hey,” I say, looking down at her. She’s in this light blue dress, her messy curls falling down her back. She’s never been more gorgeous.

As we both look out at the dance floor she says, “Thanks for helping me out today.” She wraps her arms around the crook of my left elbow and rests her head on my bicep. The warmth of her seeps through my shirt.

“It was my pleasure,” I tell her. “I’m happy to be your knight in shining armor when it comes to battling those terrifying step ladders.”

“Jerk,” she says with a soft laugh, but there isn’t any anger in her eyes. Not like there would’ve been when we first saw each other a few weeks ago. So much has changed. “They are really terrifying though.”

I can’t help but laugh. She makes me happier than I ever thought I could be, and when she smiles at me I want things I never thought I’d deserve.

I place the bottles I’m holding on the railing, then reach for her hand.

She looks at it curiously for a few seconds, then finally takes it, and I lead us toward the dance floor.

“What are you doing?” she asks.

I’m putting my cards out on the table.