Alex

“Hey, how’s it going in here?”

In the mirror, I could see Meghan Reynolds’ face peeking through the bedroom door. She met my eyes and grinned.

“Is someone having a little case of the nerves?”

“No.” It was my knee-jerk reaction response. “Of course, not. Why would I be nervous about today? I’m marrying my best friend, the love of my life, the man who makes me happier than anyone ever has before.”

“Right. I get that. I felt the same the day Sam and I said I do.” She slipped into the room and closed the door behind her. “But it didn’t stop me from having some jitters.”

My shoulders slumped. “Okay, you got me. I’ve got some butterflies rumbling around my stomach.”

“That’s why I’m here.” Meghan’s pretty green dress swished around her knees as she sat down on the end of the bed. “You know, Alex has got Ali and Flynn both in with him, offering support and courage. Plus, here we are in his parents’ house, in his hometown, surrounded by the people Alex has known his whole life.”

“Yeah, well . . .” I shrugged, sinking into a chair. “This is important to Alex. He’s the one of us who has the welcoming, loving hometown and family. I don’t. Getting married here makes Alex happy, and making him happy makes me happy, so–” I tossed up my hands. “That’s all that matters.”

“I know that,” Meghan returned. “But I know what it’s like to be the one who doesn’t have a history in a place. I love Burton. I couldn’t have chosen a better adopted hometown–it’s only a close second to the Cove. But still. Sometimes when I’m in a crowd with Sam and all his friends, I feel like they’re speaking a language I never learned.”

I tilted my head. “Really? I never would have guessed that. You seem so at home here.”

“I am. Now. But it wasn’t always that way, and I still remember my earliest days here.” She tapped her finger on her silk-covered knee. “You don’t have a best man. Or a best woman.”

“No.” I shook my head. “I can only think of one person I might have asked, and she’s unavailable.” My lips twitched. “And she probably would’ve insisted on being a mother of a groom, anyway. Lucinda would’ve loved to have been here today.”

“Lucinda?” Meghan questioned. “Ohhhh . . . she was your boss at the art gallery, wasn’t she? I remember Alex telling us about her.” She leaned forward to lay a hand on my knee. “I’m so sorry she can’t be here today, Cal. From what Alex said, she was an incredible woman.”

“She was my family.” I was surprised to find that tears had filled my eyes. Lucinda had been gone for a couple of years now, but missing her still snuck up on me. “She gave me everything important in my life–including Alex. You know, she totally played matchmaker.”

“Now I really wish I’d known her.” Meghan smiled. “We do love a good matchmaker around here. And if she was responsible for bringing you and Alex together, then I’m grateful, not only on his behalf but also because I know my mom and Logan love having you in the Cove.”

“Yeah, well . . .” I fiddled with one of my cufflinks. “Alex and I love our life together there, too. We owe you for that, I know. If you hadn’t suggested that Jude and Logan consider us for managing the b and b, we might still be trying to keep the long distance thing going.”

“But you’re not. The two of you are rocking the host gig. And everyone in the Cove adores you both.” A ping came from the small purse she carried. Meghan withdrew her cell phone and glanced at the screen. “Well, it looks as though it’s time to get started. Is there anything I can do for you before we head downstairs?”

“Yes.” On impulse, I grabbed Meghan’s arm. “Meghan, would you–would you mind being my person today? Would you stand up with me when I marry Alex?”

“Oh, Cal.” Her eyes lit up, and she smiled. “I’d be honored. Thank you for asking me.” She paused. “Well, as your person, what do you need right now?”

“Just someone to walk me outside so I can get started on my happily ever after with the man I love.” I offered her my arm. “Shall we?”

Meghan slid her hand into the crook of my elbow. “Let’s go get you married, Cal.”

And we did.

Keep the Small Town Love Sizzling!

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