As Tyler repeated his vows to Sadie it looked as if Gage was saying those same vows to me.

Why? Why would he do this to me?

Leaning over so I was close to Leigha’s ear I whispered, “I can’t do this, Le. As soon as they say ‘I do’ I’m outta here.”

Leigha slowly shook her head and simply said, “No.”

Using all my strength I forced myself to look away from Gage. Looking at Sadie and Tyler I could see how in love they were. With four little girls they had everything in life. Everything I would never have. When the pastor gave Tyler the okay to kiss his bride he grabbed Sadie around the neck, dipping her down and kissing her hard. The perfect, romantic kiss. The cherry on top of my ‘poor Annie’ sundae.


Everyone stood and clapped as Tyler and Sadie walked back down the aisle hand in hand.

“Trent said cocktails would be served in the bar while they got pictures then we can come back down to the tent for the reception.” Leigha pointed passed me to a giant white tent, lined with candles.

“I really don’t want to do this, Le. Just looking at him makes my stomach hurt.”

“You miss him. It’s expected. Love isn’t easy. Dumbass is a fuck up. But, you can’t help who you love. Have a drink and don’t let Gage ruin your night. Let’s have fun.”

“I’m trying. I was doing okay until I saw him. I can’t be around him. Not yet.”

“I’ll tell Trent to keep him away. Trent can be like your body guard.”

Raising an eyebrow I asked, “Nothing going on with you two, huh? Just friends, my ass. You two can stop sneaking around. It’s not just a hookup when y’all can’t breathe without each other.”

Leigha’s cheeks pinked and her smile covered her face. “Like I said, you can’t help who you love. Now let’s have a drink.”

Shaking my head I followed Leigha up the steps and into the bar. I hadn’t been in here since I left Gage almost three weeks ago. Bittersweet.

Walking up to the bar I used to work behind I saw Barker lining glasses on the wooden top. “Hey girl. Didn’t expect to see you in here again.”

“What? Why not? It’s a free country. My friends got married and it just so happens their wedding was here.”

Barker smirked and filled the glasses with ice. He said, “I heard about you and owner man. He’s been in here a few times since you left. He’s miserable. He’s an ass. He really needs to get a piece of ass.” Barker laughed at his own joke.

“Yeah, well not my problem. Not, anymore.” I rolled my eyes and grabbed a glass. Scooting it in front of Barker I said, “Hurricane, please.”

“My pleasure, sweetheart.”

Barker was cute in his own rebel without a cause sorta way. He always had his shoulder length black hair held back with a hair tie. His light green eyes gave away his true innocent personality. All his tattoos didn’t do anything for his badboy persona. The guy was a big ol’ softie.

“Here you go, darlin’. Enjoy.” Barker slid the full glass towards me.

“Thank you.” I smiled and walked over to where Leigha was standing.

“Trent just text me and said we can start making our way to the tent.”

“Ready when you are. Got my liquid courage.” I held up my glass and gave it a little shake, careful as not to spill it. Bringing it to my lips I took a big drink and followed Leigha back down the steps and into the large white tent.

Thankfully Sadie had made the seating chart and put Leigha and I at the same table. The DJ’s voice filled the tent, “Ladies and gentlemen, I have been told it’s time to get this party started. And, here to get things going is the wedding party. Tonight we have Ms. Megan Thompson escorted by Mr. Jensen Daniels. Ms. Tara Hampton excorted by Mr. Seth Quinn. Ms. Taylor Hampton escorted by Mr. Trent Carver. Mrs. Jenna Nayler escorted by Mr. Larkin Nayler. Maid of honor Ms. Libby Harte escorted by the best man Mr. Gage Tucker.” Seeing another girl on Gage’s arm had my stomach in knots. The DJ then hit his laptop and You Shook Me All Night Long started playing.”It is with great pleasure I introduce to you, for the very first time Mr. and Mrs. Tyler and Sadie Hampton.” Tyler and Sadie came dancing through their wedding party, stopping at the end only to give their guests another show stopping kiss.

Hearing clinking of glass I looked to the head table where the wedding party had taken their seats. Gage sat his wine glass and spoon down. “Good evening. I’m Gage, Tyler’s best man. One of my many duties was throwing a kick ass bachelor party, but on top of that I have to give a mushy gushy speech. I have known Ty since our freshman year of college. I was lucky enough to have this oversized teddy bear protecting me on the field. But, over the years he has protected me off the field, too. I could tell some crazy stories and make jokes but in all honesty I love this guy like a brother. He and Sadie have something special. And clearly that leads to the bedroom as well. It only took four beautiful little girls before they made it official.” Gage’s eyes scanned the tent until he found me. Dropping his paper on the table he shut his eyes, raking his hand over his face. Opening his eyes, he locked with mine and said more to me than the other guests, “Ty and Sadie have a love that I have known. I had that something special once, then I was stupid and lost it. I regret it every minute of every day. I hope that one day I will get that something back and Ty can stand up here telling funny stories at my wedding.” Gage turned, dropping eye contact to look at Tyler and Sadie. “Here’s to having a love so special that you never stop fighting. Love you guys.” Sadie and Tyler both stood, hugging Gage.

Feeling a tear escape and slide down my cheek I hurried and wiped it away before anyone noticed. Libby gave a speech I didn’t hear a word of. Everything Gage had said was still ringing in my head. A waiter came by dropping off our food. My stomach turned. I couldn’t eat. Not after the speech Gage just gave. Pushing my food around my plate I forced a few bites down.

Sadie and Tyler had hired Phoenix Rising as their band. They were staged at the front of the tent and started playing as plates were gathered from the tables. Letting my elbows rest on the table, I played with the seashell that was made into a placecard. A light tap on my shoulder had me turning to look behind me. When my eyes met with those amazing blue eyes I felt my heart rate pick up.

Gage reached for my hand, “May I?”

Hesitating, I searched his face. “Why? Why now, Gage?”

“Please just dance with me.” His face was blank but his voice was pleading. Placing my hand in his I let him lead me to the dance floor. Once we were in the middle of everyone he whirled me around to face him. He pulled me in close, one hand on my lower back, his thumb rubbing slowly up and down, the way I loved. And he knew it. “I may not be perfect. I may not be your first date, your first kiss, or your fist love. I don’t care about that. All I care about is that I’m your last.

His bright blue eyes were shining under the twinkling light. I could see the pain and the hurt in them. I wanted to know what he was thinking. “Gage, why?”

Looking over my shoulder he asked, “Why not?”

I tried to pull away but he tightened his grip. “I’m not playing games. I’m done with that. I want anwers. Why now?” Gage kissed my forehead. That small spot his lips touched was on fire. Sending tingles all over my body. “Please. I at least deserve an answer.”

Lowering his head he lightly kissed my temple. Causing me to shiver. His lips whispering against my skin he said, “Because, Annie, I believe God sent you into my life when I needed you the most. He sent you to give me something to fight for. To show me that there was still love in this world. To give me hope and to bring me happiness. I guess you are proof that when you finally let go of the past something better, something magical comes along.” He paused, taking a deep breath. “I’m so afraid that one day you will realize what an ass I am and I will lose you for good, if I haven’t already. I need you. I need you to be mine. My life has been shit until you came crashing into it. Nothing has made since until you. Until us. I don’t want to lose this. Lose you. Us. I want this forever. “I love you and its fuckin’ killing me. Every day, every night, every fuckin’ moment…I miss you. I miss us. The way it used to be. I miss our family. I want it back. Please, just tell me what I have to do.”

My eyes were filled with tears. The words I wanted to hear weeks ago. I was in love with this man. I rested my head on his firm chest. “Gage, I am a giant mess. Probably the last thing you need in your life, but I love you. I am yours. Totally and completely. I have been since the day we met. Can’t you see that? I loved you at that darkest point of your life and I’ve never stopped.”

Placing his fist under my chin he pulled my face up to his. “I am in love with you, Annie. With everything I have. I am yours.”

He’s in love with me. He. Is. In. Love. With. Me.

Covering my mouth with his he slowly kissed me. Just as he started kissing me the band started playing I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz.

The perfect song. Our song.

Gage