Page 80 of Your Love

Smiling sweetly, Ivy replies, “Oh, I don’t plan on getting pregnant for a few more years.” The group winces at the awkwardness because we all know that’s not what Sascha meant.

“Well, I didn’t plan on getting pregnant either,“ she snaps. “But apparently, Taz’s sperm carry power tools. They macheted straight through my sponge.” She glares at Taz, who looks proud of himself.

“It’s true,” he boasts with a smug grin. “They’re pretty impressive little guys.”

“This is all way too much information,” I mumble.

“I’m sorry, Sash,” Ivy apologizes with a sad smile. “I just meant that it’s tradition to throw the bouquet. People are expecting it. Even Natalie and Paisley seem excited about it.”

Natalie looks up from the massive slice of cake she’s devouring. “No thanks, I’ll pass,” she says with a dismissive wave. “Have you seen the guys at our school? Total waste of time.”

“I coach some of those guys on the hockey team,” I interject. “They aren’t all bad.”

“I would never date a hockey player, Landry,” Natalie declares confidently. Her words only serve as an assurance that she will probably fall for one at some point, just like my sister did.

“Hockey players are the best,” Kerri whispers beside me with a dreamy sigh. She looks absolutely radiant tonight, her dress a deeper shade of purple that matches Sash’s perfectly. The color compliments her blue eyes and brings out the freckles on her face, making her look even more beautiful.

Sascha rises from her chair, looking both annoyed and amused. “Fine,” she barks, brushing off imaginary dust from her dress. “Let’s get this over with. I’ll throw this bouquet to someone so I can finally go to the bathroom. This baby seems to think my bladder is a trampoline.”

Delzy rolls his eyes playfully. “Well, you’re the one who got pregnant with Michael Tazman’s baby,” she teases. “I’m sure your body will be in chaos for the next four months.”

I lean in and whisper urgently. “Good God, man, don’t anger her.”

A sly grin spreads across his face as he throws his hands up in mock surrender. “I’m just kidding,” he says, laughter bubbling in his voice. “This baby is going to be amazing. A wonderful athlete. Strong-willed. Maybe a little scary.”

“Just stop talking,” Sascha says dryly. “Single women to the center of the dance floor. We’re doing this,” she announces.

“Come on, Ivy,” Kerri says, trying to tug Ivy along.

“Oh, I’m already engaged,” she says. “I don’t need to catch the bouquet.”

“Yeah, but you’ve been engaged forever,” I say and then turn to Delzy. “When are you going to pull the plug on that thing, man?”

“Look, things have been really busy with hockey, the foundation, and Ivy’s writing career. We have plans. It’s going to happen soon.”

I lean in and whisper. “Twenty bucks says I will get married before you.”

He raises an eyebrow in defiance. “I’ll take that bet,” he says. “You’re not even engaged yet.”

I simply nod.

Fifteen single women huddle together behind Sasha, forming a sea of eager smiles. Among them stands Kerri, her posture relaxed but her eyes betraying a hint of intensity. She chats with the other women next to her, but as Sasha begins the countdown, a fierce determination takes hold of her. Her usually calm blue eyes ignite with a fire that reminds me of her fearless stance when wrestling the animals on our farm. I can’t help but feel concerned for any woman in her immediate vicinity.

“Three! Two! One!” Sasha yells, her voice echoing across the room. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she tosses the bouquet of wildflowers over her head.

My girlfriend, my sweet and loving girlfriend, transforms into a skilled hockey player, checking women left and right in pursuit of the bouquet. Delzy, Taz, and I can’t help but burst into hysterical laughter at the sight.

With a triumphant smirk on her face, she rips the bouquet out of another woman’s hand and struts over to us, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

“Wow, Wildflower,” I tell her breathlessly. “That was...Baby, I’m not gonna lie. That was both thrilling and terrifying.”

She simply giggles in response. “I just really like this bouquet,” she says coyly.

Delzy scratches the back of his neck thoughtfully. “Didn’t those come from your grandparents’ farm?” he asks innocently. “Seems like you could have easily gotten some there.”

Kerri’s piercing gaze shuts him up quickly, and he wisely stops talking.

“Now, maybe there’s a reason why I had to catch these flowers,” Kerri declares confidently, looking directly at me.