Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79800 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79800 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
“There was a time that I thought I would be. A dad, I mean. But that was a long time ago.”
Rowan’s eyes widen as if she can’t believe I gave her that information, and to be honest, I’m shocked, too.
“It’s not too late,” she tells me, recovering from her shock.
“Nah, I’m not that lucky. However, I know I’ll have lots of nieces and nephews to spoil rotten, like this one.” I bounce Camden in my arms, and his giggles have my lips tilting into a smile. He sits up, looks at me, and must decide I’m not going to budge, because he turns toward Rowan.
“Row, cake.” Camden reaches for Rowan, and she takes him out of my arms.
“It’s not time for cake,” she reminds him gently.
“Cam’s belly sad,” he says, and we both laugh, which of course makes him laugh.
“How about we go ask your mommy and daddy when we can get cake?” Rowan suggests.
“Unca Wandry,” he says, and we only laugh harder. This kid knows who can’t say no to snacks in this family.
“Nope. Mommy and Daddy.” Rowan holds firm and offers me a smile as they walk away, heading toward the bride and groom, only to detour when her husband calls her over. She’s going to need all the practice she can get being the one to stand firm. No way Landry is telling Camden no.
My eyes float across the room, taking in the moment.
Today I watched another one of my best friends marry the love of his life. I’ve been witness to the four of them falling hard and finding their path to forever. I’m happy for them, but fuck me, if I’m not jealous as hell.
A loud squeal fills the air, and I turn to see Reid, spinning his daughter, Coral, in his arms in the middle of the living room floor. They’re both laughing, and the sounds of her happiness fill the room. Looking over, I find Bellamy watching them with a soft smile on her lips.
Rowan stands with Landry, who is now holding Cam and whispering in his ear. No doubt, they’re about to slice up that cake before the bride and groom are ready. Rowan is giving Landry that look. You know the one that says, “Don’t you dare,” but it doesn’t look like he cares, if his smirk is any indication.
Knox has Alexander in one arm, while the other is wrapped around Corie. They’re doing this leaning-back-and-forth thing that I’m pretty sure is dancing. I imagine it’s a challenging feat with a baby in your arms, but Knox is making it work. Hell, I don’t think it would matter how many kids they have. Knox would find a way to hold his wife and all the kids. That’s his determined nature.
Amanda, Bellamy’s best friend, is standing off to the side, at the edge of the room, watching everyone with a sad expression on her face. Her husband, the one none of us have ever met—well, everyone, except for Bellamy—was supposed to be here today. I don’t know the full context, but I heard her say something about a big case. That seems to have been his excuse for every missed event. There’s a part of me that wants to shake some sense into him. Then again, only someone who has loved and lost would understand that you need to hold on with both hands.
As for the bride and groom, well, they’re the picture of wedded bliss. Baker has his arms wrapped around Sloane as they sway back and forth. They’re staring at each other with a look of pure love and devotion. This is their day, and it’s been incredible and intimate, with just those closest to them, which is exactly how they wanted it.
Their parents are sitting at one of the tables, all chatting and laughing, enjoying the moment. Everyone but me has someone, even if that someone didn’t show. As always, I’m the odd man out.
My heart squeezes in my chest. I need some air. Quietly, I turn and step outside onto the front porch. The air is crisp and cool, but it doesn’t bother me. Sitting down on one of the rocking chairs, I close my eyes and let my mind wander to a time when I thought my life would be different.
I have a good life. Great friends, who are my family, and a career I worked hard for, and I love every minute of. But even with all of that, it still feels as if something is missing. I’ve always known what the something is. Someone I can share it all with, but I lost my chance.
The door opens, and Baker steps outside. “The man of the hour,” I say, holding my fist out, and we bump knuckles before he takes the rocker next to mine.
He grins. “She’s officially mine.”