Lucky Baby (Crescent Cove 11)

As if she’d hit the music herself, a New Agey version of the wedding march begun as she flicked a look at her brother. “I’ll deal with you later.”

“That sounds positive,” I muttered to Rhett before he slunk into the nearest pew.

“That’s Ging. Hey, did you really just propose to her?”

“Ask me later. Still working on it.” I dropped my coat in Rhett’s pew and walked toward the front of the chapel toward Caleb, who only now looked the slightest bit nervous.

I decided to do him a solid and make him feel less antsy as I took my place at his side.

“Tish is pregnant,” I said under my breath as a look of pure astonishment replaced his worried expression. “You didn’t hear it from me.”

Twenty-One

As the music swelled louder, Caleb jammed his fingers in my ribs. “I’ll get you for that later,” he whispered, “but wow, congrats, man.”

“Thanks. You, too. Don’t tell anyone. Secret.”

Also, not confirmed, except by afternoon sickness. Whatever. I was excited. I wanted to tell people.

Maybe possibly I also wanted to see what Ruby’s style of punishment consisted of. Either or.

I caught the eye of Caleb’s parents and Caleb’s little sister, Ivy, and her husband, Rory, and gave them a quick salute.

The bridesmaids finally began filing out at just about the same moment Luna’s bestie, Ryan, appeared with Preston. Ryan was dressed in a red, official-looking robe, though she was currently kissing her guy in a way that didn’t belong in a chapel. But hey, I couldn’t exactly talk since I’d just done the same.

After Ryan joined Caleb and I, I leaned in close. “Hey, officiant, can I marry you and the suit? I’ll take notes today. Unless there’s some kind of course I can take.”

She choked, flushing the same color as her robe.

Caleb started laughing. “Same way I reacted when he said he was going to be my kid’s godfather.”

At my sharp look, he cleared his throat. “From joy, I mean.”

The short parade of bridesmaids swept to the side of the front of the chapel, and Tish walked out, tugging at the front of her dress as if she had an itch. Then she realized all eyes were on her and straightened up to her full height, moving slowly and regally down the aisle.

Our gazes connected. For once, she didn’t shoot mental darts at me. If anything, she almost looked…tender. Her cheeks were rosy with an internal glow, and her smile felt like it was just for me.

And when she took her place on the opposite side of Caleb and I, I almost forgot I was at my buddy’s wedding. It felt like this was ours. Like I could open my mouth and say I do and it would be real and last forever. How could it not when I was so utterly mad for her?

But then Luna appeared at the head of the aisle, and gasps sounded around us. I was pretty sure even I did, and I know Caleb did. She was glittering, her gray dress glinting with faceted crystals that shot off light with every step she took. Her hair was swept back from her face and topped with a circlet of flowers and more crystals. But her wet blue eyes were all for Caleb, as his were solely focused on her.

When she joined him, he pressed his forehead to hers, whispering something that made her giggle and a tear to slip out of the corner of her eye. Then he lightly touched the swell of her belly and she gripped his fingers, holding him there as she turned her teary face toward her best friend. Ryan was crying openly too, and I was shocked to find my throat was too tight to swallow.

On the other side of Luna, my girl stood tall and proud, but her dark eyes were damp as well.

Ryan let out a sniffly laugh and started to speak about the bonds of love. I kept my gaze on my Ruby the entire time.

Luna and Caleb each had written vows for each other, and laughter and tears flowed in equal measure. Rings were exchanged after they both said, “I do”, and then it was time for the big celebratory kiss before officiant Ryan pronounced them married “as hell.”

Whatever worked.

Caleb lifted his bride to spin her around, but the minute he put her down, I gave him a big hug and a smacking kiss that made everyone laugh. Then I aimed for Tish, who must’ve sensed my next move and was already backing away.

“Lucky,” she warned, waving her finger. “Haven’t we created enough of a spectacle for one day?”

“Have we?” I pretended to think before I bum-rushed her off her feet and tipped her over my shoulder. “Nope. Guess not,” I said cheerfully as she laughed and pounded on my back.

But I didn’t leave her suspended for long. With a laugh, I let her slide down my body to the floor, fully expecting her to make me pay for my hasty decision.