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“You look preoccupied, Carolina. Something on your mind? You know I’m walking you back up the aisle after the ceremony, so you have nothing to worry about.”

“That’s sweet, Lance.” We had done a quick run-through at the church, and I was glad to know the groomsman who was my escort. “I’m just in one of those thinking moods.” I wasn’t about to tell him it had all to do about weddings and whether Cole was the man at the end of the aisle for me. Lance and I had worked through enough awkwardness for one friendship.

“Ah, I get it. Weddings, the beach. It’s enough to make anyone think.” He tipped back his beer. Ok, I had pegged him all wrong. He was more astute than I realized.

“Something like that.” I smiled. “Tell me what’s going on with you. Are you bringing a date tomorrow?”

“Sure am.”

“Lance, who?” I hadn’t heard he was dating anyone.

His crooked teeth peeked out. “Girl I met in class. You’ll see her tomorrow. She’s pretty and smart.”

“I bet. I can’t wait to meet her.” Love was in the air.

Cole appeared with two bottled waters. “Here you go, darlin’.” He handed me a cold water. “Hey, Lance. Good time last night.”

“Sure was.” They exchanged a knowing look.

I imagined there was some element of male bonding that happened during bachelor parties, similar to what I experienced with the girls. I twisted the cap off my water. As much fun as I was having, I was ready to go. My feet were sore from my new shoes, and I had an entire day ahead of me in heels. I leaned toward Cole’s ear.

“Do you think we could go in a few minutes?” I asked.

He nodded, sweeping a hand around my waist.

“See you tomorrow, man. Good luck at the altar.”

“Thanks. See you tomorrow. Goodnight, Kaitlyn.”

“Goodnight.”

We left Lance standing at the railing alone.

“Was that rude?” I looked at Cole. I hadn’t meant for him to whisk me away that quickly.

“No, I was ready to leave the second we got here. We’ll say good-bye to all the parents, and then we’re out of here. Deal?”

I laughed. “Deal.”

I assured Sasha’s parents I would be at the house on time and I’d be ready to help with anything they needed. They had had a few glasses of wine and were giving hugs that lasted for minutes at a time. Cole managed to peel us both out of their grip before steering me toward the door.

Cole slid behind the wheel of his truck after making sure I was in my side of the car. The way he always opened doors for me hadn’t gotten old. I wasn’t sure it ever could.

“Did you have a good time?” I asked as he cranked the engine.

“Yeah. It was a good party.” His eyes were on the rearview mirror while the truck lurched backward.

“You sure we didn’t leave too early?”

“Darlin’, it’s fine. I’m worried about you and the baby. No one else in there matters.”

I wanted to bring up the conversation we had started during cocktail hour. What exactly was he implying by asking me about my wedding expectations? As the hotels and restaurants rolled past us, I lost my courage. I’d have to wait until he mentioned it again.

Cole pulled into the driveway and parked under the cottage next to my car. It was quiet in the cab. He turned to me. “You looked beautiful tonight.”

I blushed. “Thank you. And you look pretty hot yourself. No brace. No crutches.”

“I could list twenty reasons I’m glad to be rid of those damn things.” He opened the door and walked to my side. He held my hand to help me down. It wasn’t as easy as it looked in high heels.