Page 113 of Somehow You Knew

I swallow roughly, nodding. But inside, hope is unfurling.

Everything in my body is telling me that this man wants the same future that I do, that we really are on the same page.

But you know what I’m beginning to realize about hope?

My life is just a graveyard full of hopes I’ve had to bury, and this could be one of the most painful losses yet.

Chapter twenty-one

Hazel

“Cashlynn, I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you, but I’m so grateful I’ve earned the right to spend the rest of my life with you. You have made me a better man, a better brother, and I promise to be the best husband to you that I can be…as long as you promise to never unplug the appliances in our house ever again.”

I fight back my laughter, reaching up to wipe the tear from my cheek with my free hand, the other holding my bouquet. I’m standing beside my new sister-in-law as one of her bridesmaids, so incredibly proud of my brother and everything he has overcome to get to this moment with the woman who is perfect for him. The look on his face can only be described as pure joy, the kind of joy that makes you want to be infected by it as well.

The sun is setting over the ocean in the distance as the ceremony comes to a close on the beach just outside the main cove in our town. Cashlynn insisted they get married by the water, and I can’t blame her. Staring at the water on our coast never gets old.

“Parker, you helped make my dreams come true before you ever really knew me.” Cashlynn dabs under her eyes with a tissue. “Your generous heart, your strength and intelligence, and your unconditional love are the reasons I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you…even if you iron your socks.”

My brothers shake their heads across the aisle as everyone chuckles yet again. I look out at Gage who’s grinning from ear to ear. When his eyes find mine, his smile softens to a look of adoration in his eyes as he stares at me so close, yet so far away.

The pastor says a few more words then Parker and Cashlynn seal their union with a kiss, officially making them husband and wife.

As I walk down the aisle in the procession, I find Gage looking at me yet again, undressing me with his eyes this time. Ever since he saw me earlier in my light blue bridesmaid dress, I could tell where his thoughts were—that he couldn’t wait to strip me out of it. Believe me, I’m looking forward to that too.

After the ceremony, everyone drives over to our parents’ house for the reception under a white tent, complete with a DJ, catering, and black-tie waitstaff.

“God, he can’t take his eyes off you,” Astrid says in my ear as we pose for pictures in the backyard. Gage watches from the side, his hands in the pockets of his blacks slacks. In true fashion, my husband is dressed in all black, but those piercing green eyes are the sexiest part of him that I can’t look away from.

“I was about to say the same thing,” Willow adds. “When Dallas looks at me like that, I swear, I could get pregnant from a glance alone.”

My ovaries jump at that thought, but then I remember what Gage said about having kids.

Shit. Add that to the list of things we need to talk about this week.

Asthe weekend winds down, my anxiety is only building. Next week I’ll know where my husband of convenience and I stand—if this marriage that started out as a business arrangement might have transformed into something real.

“Is that why you’re already expecting baby number two?” Astrid teases as she bumps her shoulder with Willow’s.

Willow rubs her belly where her new baby is growing. “Yup. This was from one of those looks.”

“Well, not to burst your bubble, but Gage and I are nowhere near that stage.” I smile as the photographer asks us to pose. After this last shot, it’s the boys’ turn for photos. I’m glad I have the night off from that responsibility for once.

Astrid, Willow, and I head over to the side where a waiter comes by with a tray of champagne. Astrid and I take one, and Willow asks for a glass of water.

The sun bathes the sky in a golden hue, but the heat still lingers—especially the heat in Gage’s eyes.

“So, you two have discussed kids?” Astrid asks.

I take a sip from my glass. “No, not really.”

“Well, what if you end up pregnant, Hazel? You should probably know how he’d feel about that.”

“I’m still trying to figure out how he feels aboutme, Astrid.”

She huffs out a laugh. “I can’t believe you’re questioning it. Anyone with eyes can tell that the man is in love with you.”

Willow nods. “It’s true.”