Page 66 of Slide

“I hate being the damn center of attention, you know that. Neither does Shay. That’s why we went with the whole surprise thing. Kept it small, just our friends and family, yanno?”

“Yeah, of course.” Adam glanced around the yard. Hugh’s mom was there, Darcey’s little brother Noah by her side, and Shay’s friends from the trailer park and a few other people he didn’t recognize. Lucy was over talking to Shay’s old neighbor, now her neighbor, Edna. Lucy lookedfucking gorgeous.

He tore his eyes away, back to Hugh. “You’ll be fine. There aren’t that many people here. Today’s about you and Shay. Once you see her walking toward you, you won’t see any of us. It’ll just be you and her.”

He had a similar reaction whenever Lucy walked into a room. Everyone else faded into the background and it was only the two of them.

Joe grinned. “Aw, that was sweet. It’s almost like you know what you’re talking about.” He winked and gave him a nudge. “Anything you want to tell us?”

Adam froze. “What?”

“There is a woman, right?”

Adam hoped they didn’t see the guilt scrawled all over his face. “You know better than that.” The words felt thick on his tongue.

Thankfully, he was saved from any more of Joe’s interrogation by Darcey.

She strode over, wrapped her arm around Joe’s neck, and yanked him down for a kiss. When it ended she smiled up at Joe’s surprised expression.

“What? I like weddings,” she said.

Joe’s brows shot up. “Yeah? How much?”

“A whole lot.” She held his gaze, winked, smacked him on the ass, and walked away.

Joe couldn’t take his eyes off his woman, but a scowl rearranged his features. “She totally did that on purpose.”

“Did what?” Hugh grumbled.

“Left me with a boner and no way to take care of it.”

Adam shook his head and lifted his hands. “I’m getting a beer.”

Hugh’s giant paw shot out and fisted the front of Adam’s shirt. “You’re not going anywhere.” He scowled. “The wedding’s about to start. You need to be up front with me.”

“What? Why?” Adam glanced at the front, where a somber looking woman stood. The celebrant?

Hugh frowned. “You’re a groomsman.”

His friend said it like it should be obvious. Adam guessed it was. Guilt slammed into him so hard he would have staggered back if Hugh hadn’t chosen that moment to yank him forward. Adam collided with the big bastard, followed by a lung rattling back pound.

“You’re as much a brother to me as that numbnut,” he said angling his head to Joe.

“Hey, I resent that,” Joe growled. “Now, can I get in on that hug or what?”

“No,” Hugh said, releasing Adam.

Jesus, Adam was going to throw the fuck up.

Turned out he didn’t have time for that. The celebrant called them over. Joe pinned a flower on his shirt and shoved him to the front with him and Hugh.

Music started and everyone turned to look at the house. The bridesmaids walked out first. Shay’s friend and ex-boss, Jane, walked out, arm linked with Edna. They moved to the front slowly since Edna suffered from arthritis, and took their place across from him and Joe.

Edna threw him a wink when she caught his eye and he winked back, unable to contain his grin.

The music changed and Hugh froze, eyes locked on the door, waiting for Shay to appear.

Then she was there.