I Plan on Forever (I Never 2.50)

She looks up, beaming. “Yep, but it’s a good thing we leave for our honeymoon tomorrow.”

I kiss the tip of her nose. “I love the way you think.”

She wraps her arms around my waist as we watch the shitshow unfold. Bennett dances his way to where Kate sits. I’ve got to hand it to the guy; he’s got some moves. By the time he makes it over to Kate, the sour look has left her face and she is actually smiling and giggling. He slides the garter slowly up her leg, and I must say I’m a little disappointed when she doesn’t slap him. He is even ballsy enough that he leans up and kisses her cheek.

Kyler and I are making our rounds around the room when a man approaches. He is just as tall as Kyler with wavy dark brown hair.

“Kyler Lawson, a married man. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Ky and this mystery man do one of those manly hugs with the slapping that I don’t understand. I watch their interactions. They act as if they have known each other for years, but I have no idea who he is. I think back to the Lawson family functions I have attended and can’t recall ever seeing him. I clear my throat, breaking up their bromance reunion.

“Oh shit, sorry. Finn, meet my beautiful wife, Dani. Dani, this is Finn Reynolds. He’s…” Ky pauses and looks at Finn with a strange look on his face as if he’s trying to figure out who he really is. “An old family friend.”

Finn nods, but there is something about the way that he looks, almost as if he’s disappointed in what Kyler said.

I reach out to shake his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“What the hell are you even doing here? I never thought I’d see you back on the East Coast.”

With his hands in his pockets, Finn responds.

“I’m my mom’s plus one. You know, after…” He looks down and bites his cheek nervously.

Ky grips Finn’s

arm. “I’m really sorry about…”

Finn cuts him off. Clearly, whatever Ky was apologizing for, he didn’t want to talk about it.

“Yeah, thanks. Congratulations. It was a beautiful wedding.” He turns to me. “You’ve got a good one here, Dani. I’ve watched this kid grow up, and the Lawsons are a wonderful family.”

I wrap my arms around my husband and squeeze his waist. I am lucky, aren’t I? I smile at Finn. Why has no one ever brought this guy up before? He seems to act like he knows the Lawsons pretty well.

“We’ll have to catch up soon. What’s it been, ten years?”

Kyler nods. “How long are you in town for? We leave for our honeymoon tomorrow.”

Kyler searches the room, and I look around trying to figure out what or who he is looking for, but come up empty-handed. I do catch my brother and his daughter dancing on the dance floor. My heart warms at the beautiful sight in front of me.

“I’m back for good. Taking over things with Dad’s company,” Finn says.

“Oh shit. Does Lauren know?”

That catches my attention. I turn back to the conversation, trying to hide my confusion. Lauren? Why would Lauren need to know?

“No.” A simple one-word answer, but I can see so many unsaid words written across his face.

Kyler puts his hands in his pockets and just nods, giving no expression away either. What is the deal with these two? I am ready to burst with so many questions.

I watch as Finn’s eyes wander around the room just like Ky’s had previously. Is he looking for Lauren? I know they land on his target when I see the slightest smile greet his lips. I try to see who is in his view, but there’s no way I can do it without being obvious. But if I had to guess, it would be my sister-in-law Lauren.

“If you two will excuse me.” Finn straightens his jacket.

“Yeah, I’ll see you around,” my husband responds.

“Congrats, and it was a pleasure meeting you, Dani,” Finn says, and he disappears before I can say “you, too” back.

Kyler and I turn to watch him slowly approach the bar.