He frowned, reaching for her, trying to process what he’d heard. She loved him? She loved him, and he was staring at her like an idiot.
She answered her phone. “Hey, Lucy.”
He wasn’t prepared for the anxious look in her eyes. Or the uncertainty on her face. “He’s here,” she said. “His key doesn’t work.” She paused. “I’ll send him down.”
Did she seriously doubt how he felt? Because he’d be happy to fix that—now.
He waited as she hung up the phone.
“Your mother needs you now,” she said, brushing past him into her bathroom. “Don’t forget to have your key fixed.”
“Tatum—”
“Tonight is about Patton and Cady,” she murmured.
“You can’t seriously expect me to leave now?” he asked, putting his hand on the bathroom door. And ignoring the persistent ring of his phone.
She grinned. “I’d like to stay on your family’s good side. And my bath is getting cold.”
She shut the bathroom door in his face. He stood there, staring at the door. He pressed a hand against the door. “I can wash your back,” he offered.
“Go, Spencer,” she called back, laughing. “We can talk after. When I’m dressed and you’re thinking straight.”
He was reeling. She loved him. The ache that filled his chest didn’t compare with the ache of his body. He wanted Tatum, there was no denying that—to the point of addiction. But he loved her beyond that.
He knew his life was risky. But life was risky. He’d rather face any adversity with her at his side than without her.
And he wanted her to know that—wanted everyone to know that.
His phone rang, making him cuss under his breath. He glanced at the screen before tucking it into his pocket. Once the wedding was over, he’d make sure Tatum knew exactly how he felt. And how damn good their future was going to be—together.
16
TATUM WATCHED CADY and Patton move around the dance floor. It had been a gorgeous wedding. And, considering how firmly Patton insisted he wasn’t a fan of weddings, he seemed to be enjoying himself. Or maybe he was just happy to be married.
“You look gorgeous,” Lucy said, sitting beside her.
“So do you.” It was true. The Ryans were a good-looking family.
“Dean’s been checking you out,” Celeste added.
“Dean’s checking all the single ladies out,” Tatum argued.
“Anyway, Spencer wins. He’s almost walked into a wall twice. I’d say you two might finally be making progress?” Lucy asked.
Finally. He loved her—even if he hadn’t said as much yet. She glanced at the dance floor. Spencer was dancing with his mother. He was laughing, his head thrown back—looking so gorgeous her heart hurt. They made their way to the front of the room, to join Cady and Patton.
“Looks like speech time,” Celeste said, reaching for her champagne.
Cady went first. She was sassy and funny, making everyone laugh. But when she hugged her new husband, the tenderness on her face said it all.
“Cady showed me what it meant to live. Now all I want is to live every day with her.” Patton’s speech was short, but—from him—was truly touching.
Then Spencer took the microphone. “If my father were here, he’d say this toast. But, as he’s not, I will. May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live. May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need most. May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night. And the road downhill all the way to your door.” Spencer paused. “My brothers are amazing men. Good sons, good husbands. They work hard, keep their word, are unwaveringly loyal, and when they fall in love—it’s forever.” He paused, his gaze finding and holding hers. He waited until everyone in the room knew he was looking at her before he continued, “I’d like to think I’ve learned from the best. Patton, Cady, congratulations.”
Tatum stared at him, stunned. Her heart was tripping over itself.
When they fall in love—it’s forever.