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When the words leave my mouth, her face softens.
“Hello. It’s so lovely to meet you both. Congratulations on the engagement. The venue is gorgeous. You two look great together.”
Samuel’s eyes meet mine, and he nods like it’s an approval.
Lexi and Heather quickly fall into a conversation about the flowers and her dress. No matter where Lexi goes, she makes everyone feel like they’re her bestie. She’s genuine, and it radiates from her like sunshine.
Samuel turns to me. “I’m trying to recall the last time you brought someone around I didn’t immediately dislike.”
“Never,” I admit. “But it’s different this time.”
“I can tell.”
As I cross my arms over my chest, I grow concerned because this is too simple. “What do you mean?”
“The way you look at her, it’s different.”
“Huh?” Now, I’m confused.
“You look at her like you found what you’d been searching a lifetime for,” he says.
My mouth slightly parts. This plan is working too well, almost like Weston told everyone and they’re in on the joke.
“You mean that?” I ask, knowing he wouldn’t lie.
“Yes,” he says. “When you know, you know. And so does everyone else.”
I search his face, and as soon as I open my mouth to say something else, Heather walks over, laughing.
“You’d better marry her,” she says, and Lexi moves next to me.
“I think I might.” I look directly at Lexi, who beams, and I love to fucking see it.
As other people walk over to chat with the happy couple, we move to the side.
“Would you like to dance?”
“Thought you’d never ask,” she says as we get lost in the crowd.
She wraps her arms around my neck and I place my hands firmly on her waist. My eyes wander around the room, and I spot different friends and colleagues chatting.
“Well?” she asks in a whisper.
“This is effortless,” I tell her, aware people are watching us.
“What do you mean?” She creates enough space so she can look up into my eyes.
“You might’ve broken my record,” I tell her. “They love you.”
Somehow, I knew they would though.
She laughs. “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”
“Yes. But it’ssuspicious.”
“Maybe they don’t want to have thedrop that hoconvo while I’m around? I’ll grab some champagne and mingle. Maybe they’re being polite since you’re being a helicopterboyfriend?”
My brows furrow. “What does that mean?”