Nate carried the wedding present on one arm while his other hand rested on my lower back, gently guiding me toward his friend's wedding. It was unlikely I'd get lost as there was one hall leading to one set of double doors, but the sweet gesture was something I didn't get to enjoy often, and the warmth of his palm caused a pleasant flutter in my stomach.

The building was designed in neutral colors and as we stepped through the doorway, I saw that windows made up the entire back wall displaying the immense grounds—beautiful hills and trees as far as the eye could see.

Directly outside, a bar lined one side of a dancefloor. Alcohol would be good, but that seemed to be meant for after the ceremony. Checking my watch, I repressed a sigh as I saw we had another twenty minutes. People we didn't know bustled about, catching up with family and friends that probably only saw each other at this type of gathering.

"I'll go set this down," Nate said before striding toward the gift tables to deposit his present. On his way back, he waved me over as he switched directions and headed toward a nearby window.

Moving to stand beside him, I said, "This place is stunning. I'm surprised the wedding is being held indoors."

"Terri was worried about rain, but after the ceremony and dinner, I think the party is outside." Nate gasped. "Oh, look!"

He stood close to my side, shoulders brushing, while in the distance the bridal party posed for the photographer in flowing pink gowns. It was a pretty sight, but my focus was on Nate. Soft sunlight lit his face, highlighting his cheekbones and drawing my attention to his full lips as they curved up at the corner and he said, "Those are going to be perfect."

I buried the urge to kiss that soft smile—getting too comfortable in public wasn't smart. "I bet I can guess Terri's favorite color," I whispered as I cut my eyes toward the room behind us and Nate chuckled.

We turned to scan the space. Guests were filling the rows of white chairs with pink tulle bows that faced the pink rose covered altar. The opposite side of the room was already set up for dinner, with at least twenty round tables covered in pink tablecloths. More pink roses filled every free space.

Nate shrugged. "It's a lot of pink for me, but it's her day. I hope she loves it."

That was my Nate. Rarely a bad word for anyone. Always looking for the bright side. He was a truly, deeply good person. Pride swelled in my chest as I reached over to lace our fingers together, and then deflated as he glanced down at our joined hands with wide eyes.

This man deserved someone who would put him on a pedestal. Instead, he was surprised that I'd taken his hand in public. I would do better.

"Should we find a seat?" he asked as his thumb rubbed soothing circles on the back of my hand. I nodded and let him lead the way to a row near the back. Music started a few minutes later, and the ceremony began.

Terri's father teared up as he walked her down the aisle in a moment so sweet, I found myself getting a bit choked up. But when Nate sniffed beside me, pain momentarily darkened his expression and I knew he was thinking of his own parents and their refusal to speak to him.

He said it was easier for all of them that way, but they'd clearly hurt him. It made my heart ache. I clenched my teeth. What did they expect? They knew he was gay, but continued to set him up with women from their synagogue and then had the nerve to be furious when he put an end to it.

Nate said his mother was trying to fix him. The suggestion made me sick. Nothing about Nate needed any correction. Lifting his hand, I pressed a kiss to the back, relieved when he smiled and the light returned to his eyes.

Dinner was next and as they served plates of salmon and steak, Terri and her new husband made their rounds at the tables, greeting their guests. Nate stood to give her a hug when it was our turn. "You look absolutely gorgeous, Terri. Everything's beautiful."

She beamed at Nate and hugged her husband's arm. "Phillip handled most of it. I just told him what I wanted, and he made it happen!"

Phillip smiled and shook our hands, nodding at Nate. "I hear you're the one to thank for helping Terri get settled at the office. I appreciate you, man. She was so nervous moving here, it made me nervous." He snickered and kissed her temple.

Nate shook his head. "Don't be silly. It's been great having someone fun to chat with between patients."

Someone called for the newlyweds, and Terri kissed Nate's cheek. "You're the best. I'll see you in a couple weeks."

"Have fun in Hawaii!" Nate waved as they moved to the next table.

Not long after, they cut the cake, speeches were made, and people filed outside to start the party. Music hummed from the DJ's speakers set up at the far side of the dance floor, and a line formed at the bar.

Nate smiled at the couples swaying to the slow song for a second before asking, "Drinks?" and shifting toward the bar as though he already knew my answer.

Tugging him back, I said, "The line is long. Why don't we dance first?"

"Yeah?" His eyebrows rose as he grinned. "In front of all these people?"

"Terri doesn't care, and we don't know anyone else." I leaned closer. "Besides, I want you in my arms, and I'm tired of waiting."

He bit back a grin as he held my bicep, and we moved to the dancefloor. Soon, my right hand was in his left, and our free arms were around each other's waists.

Nate had undeniably better rhythm than me, and I had no problem letting him lead. It left me carefree while my mind wandered over every sensation. The way the warmth of his body seeped into mine. The way our hearts seemed to beat as one. The way each inhale filled my head with his delicious scent making me wish we were back at his place.

Three dances later, a faster song came on, and the drink line was thankfully gone. Nate smirked, knowing dancing wasn't my thing. He took mercy on me, asking, "Ready for that drink now?"

"Yes, please."

He winked as we left the dance floor and went to stand at the polished wooden bar. I ordered a Jack and Coke for each of us, then found a spot out of the way, where we sipped our drinks and people watched.

Nate enjoyed pointing out the best dancers. "Woah, look at her! She'd give Laurel a run for her money."

I chuckled as I pictured her dancing here. Laurel did not hold back, regardless of the event.

Before I could reply, someone leaned against my back, sending the scent of expensive perfume and too much wine over my shoulder. My stomach twisted at the familiar scent.

Thanks for reading! 💜