Page 112 of Meant to Be

“Where’s Kayla?” I didn’t bother waiting for anyone to respond. I stormed down the hallway toward the other end of the church where the women’s changing room was. I heard my brothers and father call my name behind me but I only had one purpose and that was to get to my wife.

“You can’t be in here!” Michelle screeched once she opened the door of the changing room after I’d pounded on it.

“I need to see my wife!” I looked over her head for a glimpse of Kay.

“Michelle’s right, Josh. You can’t be here. It’s bad luck,” Patience spoke up.

“Luck has nothing to do with this.”

“Son.” My mother finally got in the mix, folding her hands in front of her.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kay’s mom standing with the three other women. The men in my family would all try to kick my ass if I bum rushed their women to find mine but that was a risk I was willing to take at that moment.

“I just need to speak with her.”

“Close your eyes.”

I perked up at the sound of Kayla’s voice.

“Kay—”

“Do it, Joshua, or I’m not coming out,” she insisted.

I growled.

“Ladies, tell me when his eyes are closed.”

All four women gave me the stink eye.

“Fine.” I closed my eyes.

“They’re closed,” Patience called out.

“Move him to the bathroom door.”

“What the hell?” I groaned.

“Do it, Josh, or I’ll call this wedding off.”

“Yeah fucking right,” I growled.

I was moved until my back hit a wall.

“Okay, he’s there. We’re leaving now.”

I heard footsteps exit and a door close soon after. The room went quiet.

“Hold out your hand.”

I did as instructed and was met with Kay’s outstretched hand. I wrapped my fingers around hers. We were separated by a door. I couldn’t see her but we were touching. In that moment, it was enough.

“You got a letter from Chels, too?” she asked.

I swallowed. “You too, huh?”

“She’s reliable like that. Even showing up for our wedding day.”

I heard the thickness in Kay’s voice.