Page 42 of Players Like Us (Reunion Gap #7)

M cLean, VA

Eight weeks later

Dominic would knock on the office door any minute to signal it was time to start.

Neal glanced at the letter he’d written last night while Rachel slept.

When had he ever not known what to say or how to say it?

But this was big and he had to get it right.

After so many years of screwing up and getting it wrong, this had to be right.

“Neal?” His soon-to-be-wife slid the paper from his fingers.

“Thank you all for coming to our rehearsal dinner. It’s a huge ‘ask’ for you to travel here, take time away from work and family commitments, and we truly appreciate it.

McLean is where Rachel and I wanted to exchange our vows because this is where we really got to know each other and where we plan to make our home.

We hope you’ll visit more often and we definitely plan to make it back to Reunion Gap more than once a decade.

I’ve screwed up too many times, but I’ve learned a few very valuable lessons lately:

One: Family is important. And family isn’t always just about blood. Good friends, communities, they can be family, too.

Two: Follow your own path, not the one other people choose for you. If you aren’t true to yourself, you’re in for a lot of misery. Trust me on that one.

Three: Accept our differences and stop making excuses. My brother taught me that one.

Four: Find the right partner, like I’ve found in the woman I’m marrying tomorrow. That can make every part of your life better, brighter, worthwhile. Oh, and don’t be afraid to show her who you really are, because she already knows and loves you anyway.

Rachel folded the paper and handed it back to him, eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Neal.”

It was one thing to spill his guts on paper, but to share it?

He was still getting used to the whole “sharing your soft and vulnerable side” with Rachel, but he was getting better.

This sharing stuff was all part of the relationship and marriage gig and he was not screwing this up.

“Too much touchy-feely? Should I tame it down a bit? I can take out a few lines or—”

“It’s perfect. Beautiful.” She sniffed again, leaned on tiptoe and placed a soft kiss on his mouth.

For a response like that, he’d write a friggin’ letter every day. “You sure?”

“As sure as I am about marrying you tomorrow... As sure as I am about the love in my heart… As sure as I am about wanting to spend the rest of my life with you. Only you, my mystery man.” Another kiss, this one softer.

“Who would have thought you would be the biggest and the best mystery of all? I love it and I love you.”

Rachel knew how to relax him and he trusted her.

If she thought spilling his guts in front of their families was perfect and beautiful, then he’d do it.

“What do you think if I ad lib a bit and congratulate Meredith and Daniel on the pregnancy and mention I’m the one who suggested the test?

” His future brother-in-law was growing on him, but that didn’t mean Neal wouldn’t miss an opportunity to antagonize him—in a good way.

“You might want to do that in private.” Her lips pulled into the faintest smile. “I’m not sure you and Daniel are at a point where you can torment each other in public.”

“Okay, I’ll save it for the kid’s first birthday.”

She laughed, gave him one more kiss and said, “That sounds about right.”

Neal thought of the people waiting for them in the restaurant, mostly family. “What do you think your mother will say when I tell her we’ve adopted her strawberry shortcake recipe to our dessert menu?”

She raised a brow, pointed a finger at him. “I think she’ll elevate you to a high status, and if Daniel tries to pick on you, she’ll become your defender. Well played, Mr. Alexander.”

He grinned, stuffed the letter into his pocket. “You know me, always working on a plan.”

“As long as that plan includes me, I’m all-in.”

He stroked her cheek. “I like the sound of that. All-in.”

The knock disrupted another kiss, followed by Dominic’s “It’s time.”

“Thanks.” Neal clasped Rachel’s hand, wondered what she would think when he told her about the new restaurant he and Dominic were planning.

Relaxing, down-to-earth, inviting... And he already had a name for it.

Rachel’s. He couldn’t wait to tell her, thought it might elevate him a notch or two in the husband category.

Her brother wasn’t the only one who knew how to make a statement about the woman he loved.

Rachel touched his arm. “Ready?”

Neal smiled at her, opened the door, and walked hand-in-hand toward their future, one filled with love, hope, acceptance, and family.

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