Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

She looks to him, clearly wanting more answers, but agrees with a smile. “Beauty, brains, talent, manners, and she can cook. I think that adds up nicely.”

Emotions clog my throat, and I swallow, trying to stop the stinging in my eyes. A sliver of guilt hits me hard.

“Poppy tends to cry when she’s happy. I love her happy but hate her tears. Can we change topics?”

“Yep.” Edward digs out another serving of my casserole. “I’m thinking about this trip to Vegas. Not a show man, but seeing that video, things have changed. You think you’ll give this old man a dance at the wedding?”

My emotions dry up and I flash him a smile. “You’re on.”

Chapter 17

Evin

“Told you she was a flawless flower child,” Scottie gloats. “You can thank me anytime.”

I grin into my glass and keep my eyes on my wife, who’s dancing with Devin in her arms and Cole spinning around.

“Thank you.”

“You’d be stupid not to go the distance.”

I don’t know if it’s the wedding vibe surrounding us, but I’m in a telling mood. “Who says I haven’t already?”

Scottie gasps and Billie clinks his glass to mine. “Nice. Knew you were wicked smart with numbers, but glad you have some common sense, too.”

“I-I-I… you… did you… are you saying?” Scottie stammers, his eyes wide and volleying to the dance floor and back.

“Poppy and I married last week,” I confirm, a rush of pride racing in my veins.

“Oh my God!” He bounces dramatically, fanning his face.

“Calm your ass down before you cause a scene. We haven’t told anyone yet.”

“Why not?” he gapes.

“Because Poppy is selfless and thoughtful. She wanted this weekend to be solely about Stephanie and Todd. We’re telling the family tomorrow night.”

“She lied to me! That ring!”

“She didn’t lie. It is an heirloom she inherited from her grandmother. It’s also the ring I slipped on her finger, knowing the woman she loved more than anything intended for it to be there forever.”

“I can’t believe this. You eloped?”

“Yeah, and I’d appreciate it if you could refrain from announcing it in the middle of this reception.”

“This is huge. Annie and Darby are going to be beside themselves. We have to plan a party.”

“Why don’t you enjoy this one that you already planned. Once we tell Mom, she’ll be calling you.”

“Scottie, you need to tone it down,” Billie orders. “Stephanie and Darby are eyeing you.”

He stills, draining his martini and turning back to the dance floor. “I’m happy for you, Evin.”

“Appreciate that.”

“Man, I hate to bring it up, but how is this going to work?”

“Right now and the foreseeable future, I’ll be traveling to her as often as possible. The distance and separation suck, but the rings on her finger help soothe that burn.”

The song ends and Devin lets out a baby squeal before planting his face in Poppy’s neck.

“I’m going to dance with my bride before my nephew tries to steal her.”

“The baby or the twelve-year-old?”

“Both.”

“Good call, Cole is one-hundred percent Pierce in every way. Which means he’s starting young. Try not to crush his heart.”

I hand off my glass to Billie and go to the dance floor. “My turn, buddy.”

“Thanks for the dance, Poppy.” Cole leans in for a quick hug then runs off.

Devin pumps out his baby fist but doesn’t make any move to leave her hold. I link my arms around her waist and pull them both close. “You seem to capture hearts of all ages.”

“I’m not sure about that.”

“Believe me, you are. And baby, you wanted today to be about Stephanie and Todd, but you’ve stolen the spotlight.”

“I think it’s more about the notorious bachelor having a date.”

My arms tighten. “The notorious bachelor dumped that title weeks ago.”

She smiles up at me, bringing her hand to my neck. “Today has been a big day.”

There’s something off in her voice and my instincts go on alert.

“The grand celebration, the splendor, the breathtaking backdrop of the ocean while two people you care about marry. It was beautiful to witness.”

“It was,” I agree cautiously.

“Do you regret not having all this?”

“Fuck no.” There’s no hesitation. “But the question is, do you?”

“No, as beautiful as it was, this is not me. Like most girls, I dreamed up my wedding in my head. It could have been the beach, the mountains, a magnificent garden with hundreds of twinkling lights—no matter what, it was small and intimate. You made my wishes come true without knowing that. It was perfect.”

“It’s the same for me, Poppy. You think Pierce, Miller, Todd, any man remembers all this shit? No, they remember the first sight of their bride, every step as she walked to him with glittering eyes and an expression meant for only him. The whispers of her promise to love him forever, and the feeling that scores through knowing she is yours. That first kiss after the ring slides on her finger making it official. That’s what a man remembers. The rest is nothing in comparison. I know because all that is burned in my brain until the day I die.”