"Can we go somewhere and talk?"
"You two are not talking tonight," Annie says from behind us, looping her arms through mine and Edie's.
"We’re going for drinks at the tavern. I’ve decreed that it’s karaoke night."
"No one wants to hear me sing,” I protest. “Take my word for it."
"No buts. You're coming to karaoke tonight, or you're not coming to the wedding tomorrow." Annie is laughing, but I sense the seriousness of a bride who knows exactly what she wants and expects everyone else to join in.
"Well, I think that settles it," Edie says with a look of relief.
"What's more," Annie continues, "I get to choose what everybody's singing.”
Edie and I groan.
When we get to the Spruce Ridge Tavern, Edie and I stay together by unspoken agreement, even if we aren't talking. The blonde from earlier spots me, and she scowls. I look away, not feeling the need to apologize or explain how I'm here when I said I wasn't going to be.
"Edie, can we step outside for a minute? Can we talk?"
Edie looks at me, then nods. We make our way out and find space on the edge of the fire pit, away from other people. The sounds of the lake reach us as the wind pushes waves against the shore.
"So," Edie says, drawing the word into several syllables. "What's up?"
"That's what I wanted to ask you, Edie. You've been quiet and avoiding me. Did I do something?"
"No." She looks away and then back at me. "You didn't do anything. It's… I've had a lot on my mind."
"You know you can talk to me, Edie, about anything." I hope she's not distracted because she's gotten a call from her ex-boyfriend, and he’s convinced her to take him back.
"There's something I've been needing to tell you," Edie says, an intense look in her eyes.
I can't get a read on what's happening. A breeze comes in off the lake, and Edie rubs her bare arms.
"Do you need my jacket?" I ask, already shrugging out of it and stepping forward to wrap it around her shoulders.
"No. It’s not your jacket I need. It’s this."
In a quick movement, she wraps her arms around me and tilts her face up to mine. Her kiss is warm and firm, taking me by surprise in the best possible way.
I wrap my arms around her and pull her close, kissing her deeply. I've dreamt about this for so long, and the reality of Edie in my arms, her soft curves pressing against my body, is better than I could have imagined. I run my hands up her back and weave my fingers through her hair, tilting her head back and deepening our kiss. She moans into my mouth, and I know we can’t stop at this kiss.
"Edie? Henry? Are you out here?"
The door to the bar opens, and laughter and music spill out as a woman stands there, her hand over her eyes. Edie and I pull apart, breathless.
"Yeah, we're here, Donna," Edie calls.
"Good. Okay. I can see you now. Annie sent me to look for you. They’re starting toasts soon."
Inwardly, I groan. I don’t care about toasts. I’ve waited years to kiss Edie – I don’t want this magical moment to end.
"Do you want to go in?" I ask Edie, hoping she'll say no.
"I think we have to," she murmurs, running her hand along my cheek and through my beard.
I press my face into her hand, smiling as she combs her fingers through my beard."If you insist." I kiss her lightly on the lips."But we're going to finish what we started."
She squeezes my hand. "I'm counting on it."