by Nicole Dykes
He rolls his eyes, “Smartass.”
Our brother, Michael, snickers, “He’s thinking about Hannah.”
Jesus, am I that fucking obvious? “No, I’m not. I mean, I hope that she makes it here safely with the way Brooke drives.”
Dylan punches me in the arm, “She’s a great driver.”
“Wow, love really does make you blind.”
Jax, who is fully dressed in his tux, chuckles at that, “That’s for damn sure.”
He looks a little ridiculous in a suit. He’s just a fucking massive guy covered in tattoos, but he doesn’t seem to mind it.
Dylan checks his phone, “Well they’re here, so you don’t have to worry. But, we’re to stay in our tent until it’s time to line up at the altar.”
We peak through the tent and see guests arriving and being seated and finally, Dylan gets orders for the men to line up at the front.
“Alright, everyone, line up.” Dylan turns to me, “Luke, hang here for just a second.”
Jax has a knowing grin as they all file out of the tent.
“What’s up, Dylan?”
He walks over to me and adjusts my tie, “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Of course, I’m here. You’re my brother.”
“Yeah, I know, but it can’t be easy with everything you are going through.”
Shit. I’ve become really fucking pathetic. “I’m not going through anything, and even if I were, I’m not a fucking chick. I can handle being at a wedding.”
“Yeah, yeah. Look, I’m just fucking happy to have you back in my life, alright? I was a shitty brother for a few years, and I’m glad I have you all back and at my wedding.”
I hate thinking about those years, especially the year where I didn’t have Dylan or Hannah in my life. “You aren’t going to cry, are you?”
He half-laughs at that, “Fuck you, I haven’t cried since I was in diapers.”
I laugh at that and quickly adjust his tie. I’m glad he’s back in my life too, but he has to be a little sad that our father isn’t here to give him advice. Although with our father, it probably would have just been, “Don’t fuck it up.”
“You upset dad isn’t here, even though you guys had a rough patch?”
“Yeah, of course, although he would probably hate this for one reason or another.”
I smile, “I don’t think so. I think he’d he be proud of you.”
He laughs at that, “Yeah I don’t think so.” His face grows serious, “He was a great man, but you can’t live your life for him.”
First, the Hannah conversation, now the dad conversation. Fucking great. “I’m not.”
“Bullshit. I went to a lot of your high school games, man. You fucking loved every minute of it. You worked the crowd, and you ate that shit up. I’ve been to every college game and I haven’t seen that one time.”
“What’s your point, Dylan?”
“My point, little brother, is that you can’t live your life for someone else. It’s a shitty feeling, no matter if it has a specific date to end or not. Believe me I know, I did it for fucking years, and when I finally made the decision to live my dream, it was the most freeing thing I had ever done. Don’t make my mistakes.”
“But you lost dad and us.”
“Maybe, and I regret losing you guys because I didn’t have to, but the rest of it, I don’t regret for a second. It led me here. And there is nowhere else I would rather be.”
I don’t know what to say to all of this shit. People have to stop making it feel okay to give up on my dad’s dream and follow my own. That’s not okay.
“Go get fucking married already.”
He ruffles my hair, and I swat him away. Then he quickly pulls me into a tight hug before we walk out to the altar.
Jax is the best man, so he’s standing directly by Dylan and I’m next to Jax. I see Hannah shuffling to find a seat.
Fuck me. Alex did a number on her, and she looks stunning in a light purple dress with her hair pulled up. She’s so fucking perfect in every way.
When she’s seated, she shyly waves up at me. I subtly nod my head at her.
The wedding procession finally starts with a chick I don’t know, but I think she works with Brooke, then my little sister Gabby, Cassie, Alex, and finally Brooke.
The look of pure joy on my tough as nails, big brother Dylan’s face is one I will never forget.
He’s finally getting his dream, a dream he didn’t even know he had for a long time.
One he may have never gotten if he hadn’t stopped living for other people and gone on his own path.
Chapter 35
Hannah
After the ceremony, I find my seat at the reception. The Monroe family, Alex, and Jackson will all be seated at the big table up front, but they are still outside having their pictures taken. I’m seated with Hunter, Cameron, and Cameron’s date, Vanessa, so at least I’m not alone.
Apparently, Cameron and Vanessa started dating after the night we all watched a movie in Hunter and Luke’s room. It’s a new relationship, but they are pretty cute together. It’s funny because Cameron was a total player a couple weeks ago, but now I think he’s hooked.
I felt an odd connection with Vanessa that day, so I’m glad she’s here.
She looks over at me, “So, Miss Hannah, how were finals?”
“I did pretty well. How were they for you?”
“Okay. Not too terrible.”
“So, are you off for the summer?”
I shake my head, “No, I’m actually taking summer classes.”
“Oh, that’s awesome! Me too! We’ll have to hang out.”
I smile. The only female friend I’ve had for the past 4 years has been Rachel. “That sounds great.”
Everyone from the front table files into the tent and takes their seats up front, except for Brooke and Dylan.
I catch Luke’s eye as he sits down. God, he looks good in a tux.
The lead singer of the band announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Monroe!”
Everyone stands and claps as Brooke and Dylan walk into the huge party tent, and they make their way over to their table.
After that, we are all served dinner, and I have fun listening to Cameron give Hunter a hard time about how many pretty women are here, and how he should take a chance. I also take the time to chit chat with Vanessa about things we could do this summer.
Then, Brooke and Dylan share their first dance as man and wife and look so blissfully happy. I find myself wondering if I will ever find that type of happiness.
Then, everyone is invited to join them on the dance floor. Jackson cuts in and steals Brooke, while Alex joins Dylan for a dance. Cameron and Vanessa file out to the dance floor, and I see Luke make his way out also, with his little sister Gabby in tow.
It’s pretty cute watching him let her dance, standing on his feet.
Hunter and I are left at the table, and he stands up. Almost begrudgingly, he holds out his hand to me and with Oklahoma charm says, “Let’s go.”
I wave him off, graciously, “Oh no, I really hate to dance.”
He laughs, “Yeah me too, but we look kinda pathetic over here by ourselves.”
I can’t argue with that and take his hand as he leads me to dance with him, standing at a respectable distance. It’s like dancing with one of my brothers and it’s very sweet.
My eyes are glued on Luke and Hunter says softly, “He’ll come around.”
My gaze shoots back to Hunter, and I say for what feels like the millionth time, “We’re friends.”
“Right. Have you two ever been just friends?”
“Well, we’ve known each other since we were five, so yeah.”
“Okay, but since the hormones kicked in?” I don’t answer that and he just nods, knowingly, not making me say it. “Like I said, he’ll come around, but Luke is a stubborn son of a bitch.”
A laugh escapes me, “Oh that’s so true.”
“You
know, I’ve only known him for about a year, but I’ve gotten to know him pretty damn well. He’s tough on the outside, and he’s not someone I would ever want to get into a brawl with for damn sure, but he’s kind of a pansy when it comes to things that really matter.”
I laugh again, “He’s been through a lot.”
“Yeah, he has. A whole hell of a lot and I’m sure a lot more than I even know. But, I will say this, there was something missing when I first met him, it was obvious. Then when you came back into his life, it was like something clicked with him.”
“That’s insightful.”
“Well, I’m not just a big, dumb jock.”
“I never thought you were, and you are a great friend to have around.”
“Well, don’t forget that if you ever need anything. I really do hope that you and Luke can figure this out, whether you guys get over this shit and admit your love for each other or if you are truly just friends.”
The people that have come into my life since I reconnected with Lucas are people I really hope I can hold onto, including Hunter. Of course at the end of the day, their loyalty is with Luke, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I just hope I can keep them all in my life, too.
After the dance ends, Luke walks over with a big smile on his face. Dylan has taken over with Gabby, “You wanna dance with me?”
Hunter backs up, “I’m gonna go get something to drink, and try to get Cam and Vanessa to leave soon.”
Luke nods to where Cameron and Vanessa are holding onto each other tight, “Doesn’t look like that’s happening anytime soon.”
Hunter groans, “Great.”
He walks over to the refreshment table, and Luke takes my hand and pulls me to him, swaying to the music. His cologne is intoxicating, and I need to get a grip. He doesn’t want anything more than to be friends with me.
Maybe talking will help, “It was a beautiful wedding.”
“Yeah, they know how to throw a party.”
“In the middle of a field, I love it. So simple, but so perfect.”
He laughs, “Yeah. It was a good day.” He holds the small of my back in his right hand, pulling me tight and I lean my head down on his shoulder, “We can leave whenever you need to. My groomsmen duties are pretty much over.”
“You know, if you want to stay you can. I can ride with Vanessa and the guys.”
I feel his head moving from side to side, “No I’ll take you back. I enjoyed our trip here.”
I lift my head, “That was the most awkward trip I’ve ever been on.”
He laughs at that, “Yeah I know, but I still enjoyed it.”
I know what he means. Things are so weird and messed up between us, but I still want to be near him as often as I can.
We dance in silence after that until Brooke and Dylan make their way over to us. We pull away from each other and Brooke gives me a big hug, “I’m so glad you came. You fit so perfectly into our crazy family.”
I smile and pat her back during the intense hug, “Thank you for inviting me, I had a great time.”
Luke and Dylan shake hands, “You guys out of here?”
Dylan nods, “Yep, we have a suite waiting for us and then we leave for a week. I guess I’ll see you around the time we get back.”
“Yep, I’ll be back for a bit.”
We switch and Dylan gives me a quick hug and thanks me for coming, while Brooke gives Luke a big hug, “Be safe driving back to Manhattan.”
“Yes, mom.”
She pulls back, “Actually, it’s sister now.”
He laughs, “We’ll be fine, you guys be safe on your trip.”
A collective, “We will,” from them and then they’re gone.
After they leave, Luke dances with Gabby again, and Vanessa bounces over to me excitedly, “Let’s dance.”
“Oh, I only dance to slow songs.”
“Well, okay, but we’ll look really silly slow dancing to this song.”
I laugh at that, and she pulls me to an open space and starts dancing, “Come on, Hannah, I’m sure you have some great moves.”
“I really don’t.”
She shows me a couple of simple moves, and I follow her lead, “Where did Cameron go?”
“Bathroom.”
“Oh good, so I’ll be free from this torment soon?”
She shakes her head, laughing, “Hell no, we’re having fun.”
I actually am, as bad as I am at dancing, “You guys seem good together. How did that even happen, though?”
“I don’t know what the hell I was thinking. I mean, he’s a total player. Hell, he’s slept with half the girls on my team, but he actually has a really sweet side. And it helps that’s he really hot.”
I smile, “Yeah, I think he’s pretty smitten with you.”
“I just hope it lasts. He cheats on me and his balls are mine.”
I laugh at that and then she nods her head behind me, “Who is that girl that Hunter is dancing with?”
I turn to look, “Oh, that’s Cassie, Luke’s younger sister.”
“Oh wow, I do see the resemblance. The Monroes have a really good gene pool.”
I nod at that, “Yeah, well their parents were both really good-looking too.”
“Were?”
Oh duh, Luke doesn’t talk about his parent’s accident.
Luckily, Luke and Cameron make their way back over.
Cameron laughs, pointing over at Hunter, who is seemingly having a good time talking and laughing with Cassie, “Uh-oh, looks like Choir Boy’s moved on with your sister.”
Luke nudges Cameron, “Please, I’m not worried about Hunter.”
Luke nods over at me, “You ready to get on the road? It’s getting late.”
I look at my watch, “Oh yeah, we better get going.” I turn to Vanessa, “Are you guys staying?”
“Well I thought Hunter wanted to get going soon, but it sure looks like he’s having fun now, so I don’t know.”
“Well, you guys get back safely.”
“You too and call me sometime. We’ll go out without the boys.”
I smile at that. I actually can’t wait to do something with Vanessa. She’s a lot of fun.
We say our goodbyes and then walk over to where Cassie and Hunter are dancing. Luke clears his throat to get their attention, “We’re leaving, you heading out soon?”
Hunter noticeably puts a little more distance between him and Cassie, “Yeah, should be leaving soon.”
“Cool, see ya later then.” He turns to Cassie, “See ya next week.”
She just rolls her eyes at him, still clearly angry at him, “Yeah, yeah.”
We tell a few more people goodbye before heading to opposite tents to change and grab our bags before we leave to go back to Manhattan.
Another two hours of trying to be just friends.
Chapter 36
Luke
For most of the drive back to Manhattan, it’s totally quiet. I’m driving on auto pilot, reflecting on the events of this weekend and the past couple of months, really.
I find myself missing my parents, wishing they would have been at Dylan’s wedding, wishing they could be at all of the future events in our lives. My mom would have been so happy today, bouncing around with Brooke, trying to keep her calm.
I wonder what she would think about this thing with Hannah?
I shake that off quickly because I know exactly what she would think about it.
When we are about fifteen minutes from Manhattan, I look over at Hannah, who is in her own world, lost in her thoughts.
One thing has bothered me since she told me the truth about why she didn’t talk to me for so long, and it’s not like things can get much more uncomfortable between us.
“Hannah, can I ask you a question?”
She turns to face me in the dark car, staying close against the passenger door and uneasily says, “Sure.”
“Why didn’t you talk to me for the two weeks before you knew you were pregnant? I mean,
I tried to call you the day you got back to Texas, and you ignored that too.”
She shrinks further into her seat, “I was ashamed.”
Of course, she was. She was ashamed of what we did. And maybe even who she did it with. “Oh.”
“Lucas, I hadn’t seen you for two years and then I just jumped you out of nowhere. I was embarrassed and thought you would think I was a slut.”
“I knew you were a virgin. Why would I think you were a slut? And, you weren’t the only one there.”
“I know, but it was my idea to go to the barn. I kissed you first.”
I still would have kissed her if she wouldn’t have kissed me first. I had missed her so damn much. “I gladly followed, Hannah. You have nothing to be embarrassed about, maybe it went too far because we were so young, but we both wanted it.”
She wipes a tear from her cheek, and every part of me wants to grab her hand and comfort her, but I can’t touch her. “I just missed you so much. I always thought we would go to high school together and never be apart. So that night, I guess I was just trying to fit the next three years into one night.”
God, things would have been so different in both of our lives if her parents hadn't moved her away.
“I missed you too.”
She looks down at her lap, “I didn’t want you to think that I moved that fast with everyone. I know I was wild at the time.”
“It never crossed my mind that you were like that with anyone else. There has always been something strong between us.”
She looks up at me, “You really believe that?”
Is she that surprised? “Of course, you’re the only girl I’ve ever cared about losing before. I just wanted my friend back.”
She goes from looking happy back to disappointed when I say that. What the hell did I do? “Right, your friend. Well, you’ve got me. I told you I’m not going anywhere.”
I pull into the dorm parking lot, still not exactly sure what upset her, and I walk her silently back to her dorm.
When we get to her dorm building she turns to me, “Well, thank you for inviting me and driving me to the wedding. It was a lot of fun. Goodnight.”
Why is she so mad right now? “I’ll walk you up.”