Page 36

Chapter thirty-four

Rebecca

It’s the day of Coach Thompson’s wedding, and I’ve spent most of the morning getting ready. I’ve never been to a professional athlete’s—albeit retired—wedding, and I’m hoping I’m dressed appropriately.

I liked this dress because it’s mid-calf, so I won’t trip on the hem, but it’s also long enough that I don’t have to worry about accidentally mooning someone if I bend over, or a breeze kicks up.

I love that the front covers everything—so, again, I don’t have to worry about accidentally flashing another guest—but it’s backless.

Serious in the front, party in the back? Or however the saying goes.

I sent Sutton, Madison, and Hadley pictures of it when I was trying it on, and they all said it was perfect for the wedding. I hope they’re right.

I give myself one last once-over in the mirror before heading into my bedroom and grabbing my clutch and sweater.

It’s early February, and some days, like today, are warm enough to go without a jacket, but it does still get chilly at night.

I hope I’ll be warm enough. If I’m not, it’ll give me an excuse to be close to Holt, who I know will gladly keep me warm. Not that I need an excuse.

“Do I look okay?” I ask Holt when I step into the living room.

He sets his phone down, his eyes raking over me.

“You look amazing. If it wasn’t Brody getting married, I’d suggest we stay home.” He winks .

“Thank you.” I smooth down the hem of my navy-blue dress. “But we can’t skip it.”

He gets to his feet, adjusting the cuffs of his suit jacket.

Why is that so hot?

“I know. Come on. Let’s go.”

“Is Hadley riding with us?” I ask when we step into the hallway.

“No, she already left. She volunteered to drop Hazel off at Jenna and Caleb’s house. Jenna’s sister is in town, and she’s babysitting their kids and offered to take Hazel, too.”

“That was sweet of her,” I say as we step into the elevator.

Twenty minutes later, we’re pulling up in front of Brody and Aubrey’s house down the street from the one we saw a few weeks ago. The one he’s moving into soon. He signed the paperwork a few days ago. He puts his truck into park before getting out and coming around to my side to help me out.

“Let’s go around back.”

He leads me down the sidewalk and through a gate, then picks his way across the grass to where everyone is gathered. I’m grateful I went with flats. There’s no way I would have been able to navigate the grass in heels.

“Hey, Holt.” A woman I don’t recognize greets him before turning to me. “Hi, I’m Jenna. Caleb’s wife. I don’t think we’ve met.”

“Rebecca.” I put my hand out, and she shakes it.

“Take your seats. Wherever you want.” She gestures over her shoulder to where chairs are arranged on two sides of an aisle.

We thank her, and she steps away to greet other guests. Hadley and Sutton walk over to us before we’ve gotten far.

“Hey, big brother. Hi, Rebecca.” Hadley pulls me into a hug.

“Hi guys,” Sutton says.

Holt leans closer to me. “Will you be okay without me for a few minutes? The guys want to have a toast with the groom before the wedding.”

“Go, I’ll be fine.” I wave him away.

“Save me a seat.” He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before turning and heading toward the house where Wes is standing .

“Hello, ladies.” Sebastian strides toward us, his hands tucked into the pockets of his black slacks.

He’s not wearing a tie or a jacket, and his long-sleeve maroon dress shirt is unbuttoned at the top. I glance between him and Sutton, who is dressed in a gorgeous knee-length maroon dress.

There’s no way he did that on purpose, right? How would he have known?

“Sebastian.” Sutton greets him with a curt nod.

“Sutton, as beautiful as ever.” He turns to me and Hadley. “Hi, Rebecca. Nice to see you again, Hadley.”

“Come on,” Sutton says, linking one of her arms through mine and the other through Hadley’s. “Let’s find seats.”

“I saved a bunch,” Hadley says. “I’ll show you.”

“Room for one more?” Sebastian calls after us.

“We’ll have to see,” Hadley says over her shoulder.

“This is us.” She comes to a halt next to a row of chairs. “I think there’s enough for everyone.”

We take our seats and I glance around. There’s not a lot of attendees, maybe fifty or sixty. It’s a very intimate wedding.

“Aubrey and Brody wanted to keep it small and low key,” Sutton says, leaning over. “Neither of them wanted anything extravagant.”

I spot Ansley and wave her over.

“Hey, Rebecca. Sutton. Can I join you?” she asks when she reaches us.

“I think so.” I glance over at Hadley, who points to seats on the other side of her. “Have you met Hadley, Holt’s little sister?” I ask, gesturing to Hadley. “Hadley, this is Ansley, our rinkside reporter.”

Hadley and Ansley greet each other as Ansley takes a seat, and they start to chat. Sutton pulls out her phone, and I contemplate getting mine out and scrolling too, but instead, I decide to simply enjoy the beautiful weather and my friends’ company before the wedding starts.

I tilt my face to the sun, soaking it all in.

I could get used to this—being part of this team that’s starting to feel more like family. I really hope it’s not too good to be true.