With the way he was smiling at me, I already knew the answer.
“Nah. I ran into Ari at the store the other day, and she filled me in on everything. I need to stop by Gunner’s place and see the baby. Speaking of…where are Ari and Luke today?”
Fucking dickwad. I’m just glad his ass is getting married.
Just then, I heard Luke calling out, “Dada. ”
My heart swelled at least ten times its normal size. I looked over to see Ari walking down to the barn with Luke in her arms. She was wearing a light jacket and jeans.
Thank fuck it’s chilly outside.
“Hey, Scott! How’s it going?” Ari asked. She glanced at me and smiled.
“Hey there, Ari. How is that adorable little man of yours?” Scott asked with a grin on his face.
“He’s good. He said ‘mama’ last night! And not the jabber mamamama…but the real mama. ”
“And dada! He said ‘dada,’ too. ” I walked up and took Luke out of Ari’s arms.
“So, how are the wedding plans coming along?” Ari asked.
Scott’s smile faded as he looked down toward the ground. “Uh…Chelsea called it off. She, um…broke up with me two weeks ago, so…yeah, there isn’t gonna be a wedding. ”
I almost felt sorry for the fucker—almost.
“Oh no, Scott! I’m so sorry. Is there anything we can do?”
What? What the fuck would we be able to do?
Scott let out a little laugh and looked at me.
Yeah, you better think before you talk.
“I’m just trying to stay busy. I haven’t been out in forever, so I might head into Austin this weekend. ”
“You know what? You should come to Luckenbach dance hall with us all on Saturday night. Everyone is going. Dewey and Aaron and Jenny will be there, too!”
I just looked at Ari. “I’m sure he would rather go to Austin, babe. Isn’t that right, Scott?”
That fucking bastard winked at me and shook his head as he turned back toward Ari.
“You know, I haven’t see Dewey and Aaron in so long. It would be fun to go out with my old high school buddies. Count me in!”
Fuck me.
“Awesome!” Ari took Luke back and turned to head to the barn. She looked over her shoulder and called out, “Feel free to bring a date!”
I smiled because I knew my girl did that one just for me.
“Holy hell!” Ari said as we pulled up and parked in Josh’s parents’ driveway. “When Elizabeth said she wanted to have a party for Josh, she wasn’t kidding. ” Ari looked over at me.
I let out a laugh. “I guess with the accident and all, she kind of felt like she had a little more to celebrate. ” I got out of the truck and jogged around to open Ari’s door.
She hopped out and smiled at me. “I’m so glad my mom and dad said they could watch Luke. I can’t wait to just let my hair down!”
“I hear ya, babe. Feel free to get tipsy. We can stop at a hotel for a quickie before we get to your parents’ house. ” I reached down and kissed her quickly.
“Oh, I, um…yeah, I don’t really want to drink anything. ” She was looking everywhere but at me.