He gets in the shower and I quickly dry off so I can slip on my skinny jeans and green top. Before he even gets out of the shower, my makeup is on and I’m drying my hair. There’s only eight minutes left at this point and I know I can’t get my hair completely dried and flat ironed in time. Instead, I dry it most of the way and braid it. Simple enough.
By the time Kellan is dressed in his khaki pants and blue polo shirt, there’s one-minute left to spare and I’m at the door, ready to go. “You did it,” he says, pulling me into his arms. He kisses me on the lips and then presses one to my forehead. Why does he have to be so sweet? Makes it even harder to leave. “Come on before we’re late. Everyone will be talking.”
I snort. “They already have been.”
He opens the door and we walk hand in hand down the hall to the elevator. Everyone is already in the lobby waiting when we get off. There are stares and hidden smiles, but nobody says anything to us about being together. Kellan and I spent all last night at the wedding explaining it to everyone, even if it was a lie. It’s crazy how it all came out so smoothly. Makes me wonder if something would’ve started sooner between us if we did have that email mishap.
Hallie rushes over to me and hugs me as Stewart and everyone else head toward the hotel restaurant. “I want to give you a hug before breakfast. Stu and I don’t have much time.”
I hug her hard. “Be safe on your honeymoon. I hope you guys have a great time.”
“We will.” She lets me go and hugs Kellan. “You have no idea how happy I am that you two are together.”
Kellan hugs her back and smiles. “Thanks. I’m happy too.”
She hurries off back to Stewart and sits down with him at the large table. The other groomsmen and bridesmaids hover around them so all that’s left is the opposite end of the table with Hannah. She smiles and waves for us to join her.
We sit down across from her and Kellan places a hand on my leg under the table. Hannah grins wide. “You two have a good night last night?”
I can feel the heat rush to my cheeks. “We did.”
Kellan squeezes my thigh. “What about you Hannah? Where’s your boyfriend?”
“Well,” she says, blowing out a sigh, “he wasn’t exactly invited to this little breakfast. Looks like I’m going to have to smack both him and Stu in the head to knock some sense into them.”
Kellan laughs. “They’ve been on opposite sides of the courtroom many times now. Stewart just doesn’t think he’s good enough for you.”
She rolls her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”
Kellan kisses me on the cheek. “I’ll be right back. I want to talk to Stewart for a minute.”
He gets up and leaves, but Hannah keeps her eyes on me, grinning mischievously. “What?” I ask. “Why are you smiling like that?”
She shrugs. “No reason. I just think you two look cute together is all.” My eyes instantly go to him. He’s kneeling beside Stewart with a serious expression on his face as they talk quietly. Makes me wonder what they’re talking about.
“I really like him, Hannah,” I confess, turning my attention back to her.
Her gaze narrows. “Then why do I get the feeling this isn’t going to end well?”
The ache in my chest comes back with a vengeance. Leaning toward her, I lower my voice. “What am I going to do? I care about him and I’m leaving today. When will I see him again?”
She throws her hands in the air. “Seriously? If you like him, you’ll make it work. Kellan isn’t a guy who’ll stay single for long. Any woman would be lucky to have him, just like any man would be lucky to have you.” She grabs my hands, her expression serious. “I have never seen Kellan this happy before. He’s in love with you.”
The thought gives me hope, but I shake my head. “No, he’s not. This whole thing was a sham to get my mom off my back. We’re not really together.”
She smiles. “I had a feeling something was up.”
“So, you see,” I say, shrugging, “I just gave my heart away for nothing.”
“No, you didn’t. Talk to him, Hope. Tell him how you feel. You might be surprised what he says in return.” I look over at Kellan and he’s already finished with Stewart and heading back toward us. Am I ready to take that risk? I just don’t know yet.
After breakfast, Kellan and I say our goodbyes to everyone. We stop at my parents’ house and I grab the rest of my things while my mother fawns all over him. Even my dad was happy to see him. Now, we’re on our way to the airport. With the traffic, I should have at least twenty more minutes with him.