Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

He turns in his seat and cups my face. His blue eyes are misty with tears. “I love you.” He kisses me softly.

That’s how we spend the rest of the night, his arm around my shoulders, holding me close. We laugh and talk with our friends, but not once does he let me go. The night ends early as the bride and groom have a big day tomorrow, so we say our goodbyes and head back to his place. He leads me to the bedroom and we don’t make love, just strip down to nothing and cuddle close. We hold each other, not willing to let go. Not willing to say what we’re both thinking.

Time is moving too fast. It’s too soon. We need more time. His love has changed me, and I’ll never be the same.

Eventually his breathing evens out and I allow myself to drift off to sleep.

Today’s the day. Whit and Aaron are getting married in just a few hours. I’m excited for my best friend and this new chapter in her life, but I’m sad for the one closing in mine.

Mike and I are both quiet this morning as we get ready. He woke me up with kisses to my bare shoulder. I rolled over to say good morning and the haunted look in his eyes almost broke me. We made love without saying a word, as none were needed. We’re both broken. We’re down to mere hours before I have to leave him. This time tomorrow I’ll be on the road, back to Chicago. Back to my life before Mike.

“Ready, beautiful?” he asks when I enter the living room.

“Yes.”

He stands to greet me and pulls me into a hug. “You’re gorgeous, Jamie.”

“You clean up pretty well yourself,” I try for humor, but neither of us is feeling it.

He guides me out the door to his truck. He drives us everywhere; my car is still parked in the garage where he put it the day after I arrived.

When we reach the farm, there are only a few cars, just like Whit wanted. Other than me and my parents, Aaron’s family, and the friends she’s made here are all she has.

Shit, I forgot my parents are going to be here today. I’ve been so wrapped up in Mike and the thought of leaving him that I didn’t call and tell them about the job. Guilt hits me hard.

“What’s wrong?” Mike asks.

He knows me so well. “I forgot that my parents are going to be here today.”

“O-kay?” he asks.

“They don’t know about the job. They know my plan was to come home tomorrow, but I’ve not talked to them to tell them about the job.”

He nods. “So we don’t tell them. We’ll be us today, and we won’t think about tomorrow or the fact that you’re going back to Chicago. Today we’re Mike and Jamie, madly in love and witnessing two of our closest friends commit their lives to each other. Stay there, I’ll help you out.” With that, he climbs out of the truck and walks to my side. I take deep, even breaths to fight back the tears.

He opens my door and holds out his hand. “Watch your step,” he says. Seeing my heels, he rethinks our situation and places his hands on my hips, lifting me from the seat and setting my feet on the ground with little effort.

I wrap my arms around him, holding him close. “I love you.” My voice is muffled against his chest, but I know he hears me.

“You are my heart, Jamie.” He kisses just below my ear and eases his hold on me.

We make our way to the backyard and I see my parents, taking a seat next to them. We say hello, Mike shaking Dad’s hand and kissing Mom on the cheek. There are less than fifty people who were invited, and it looks like most are here. Mike puts his arm around me and holds my hand that rests on his lap.

When the music starts, the crowd “awws” at Lex as she prances down the aisle throwing flowers. She?

??s grinning at the attention as she takes her spot up front, standing tall, swinging her empty flower basket back and forth.

The wedding march starts and Whit appears with Mike’s dad who’s walking her down the aisle. I can’t help but think about how our wedding would be if Mike and I were able to work this out and be together. I’ve never really thought much about my wedding but today, that’s what’s on my mind. Destination, I think, somewhere tropical.

Shaking out of my thoughts, I focus on my best friend who’s glowing, wearing a smile that lights up the already sunshine-filled day. She’s beautiful, and my heart is so full for her.

The ceremony is quick. Whit didn’t want anything elaborate, just wanted to marry Aaron. Today she got her wish. The reception is underway, the DJ is playing music and people are dancing. Mike and I are sitting at a table with my parents.

“So what have you kids been up to?” Mom asks.

“Spending a lot of time with Whit getting ready for the big day,” I answer.

“You know, your father and I were talking about that on the drive down. Things always seem to happen for a reason. I think it was meant for you to be here with her during this time.”