Page 15 of The Addendum

She closed her Kindle with a grin. “You’re upright.”

I grunted, taking a sip of coffee. “Barely.”

“You had a good time last night.”

I sat back. “I did. Great party.”

She hummed in agreement. “It was. You danced a lot.”

I nodded. “You were my favorite partner.”

She chuckled. “I don’t know. You and Maddox made a lovely pair.”

I threw back my head in laughter. Mad Dog and I had taken to the floor, making everyone laugh. So had Reid and Aiden, which had been hilarious to witness as they tried to recreate the first dance lesson. The four of us tried to outdo one another on the floor, silliness in abundance. Bentley had rolled his eyes at our antics, but even he couldn’t hold in his amusement.

Katy nudged my leg. “I never imagined the man I married all those years ago would be so entertaining.”

I grabbed her foot, placing it on my lap and rubbing at the arch absently. “The man you married was an ass. I much prefer the Richard I am now. The Richard I became after you entered my life.”

“You’re a completely changed man,” she agreed. Then she winked, lightening the subject. “I like you better now, too.”

“Good thing, because you’re stuck with me.” I drained my coffee mug and leaned back in my chair.

“Did I tread on anyone’s feet?”

“No. You danced with lots of people and not a sore foot in sight. You were lovely with Sandy. So gentle—all of you were with her. She enjoyed the dancing.”

“Yes, she did.”

“Your speech was very, ah, heartfelt. You made Gracie and Heather cry. I thought Maddox might weep as well.”

I recalled some of my words. Talking about my family and friends.

“I need to stop drinking and talking. I get sentimental,” I said with a grimace.

“You were just open and honest. It was a great speech.”

“Did you cry?”

“Only once.”

“Really? I must be losing my touch.”

She stood, leaned over, and picked up our mugs. She pressed a kiss to my mouth.

“I wept from the moment you started until you were done. Your touch, Richard, is perfect.”

* * *

The warmth of the sun and the peacefulness of the day soothed away the last of the fogginess and aches from the night before. Katy brought out more coffee and bagels, and we sipped and munched in quiet.

“Your tux is back from the cleaners.”

“Great.”

“Reed called earlier to remind you that tee off is at ten tomorrow. The cars leave at nine.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” I smiled at her. “Excited about your spa day?”