say it and feel it no matter what time of the day it was—not because she missed him and certainly not because he had just blown her mind in a coat closet.
As Josh started to slip deeper into those thoughts, he was saved by Mason reappearing from the bedroom.
“So?” Josh asked his friend lazily.
This routine had now been repeated several times today.
“She’s good. Her and Shelly are in the process of getting their hair done.”
Josh chuckled. “Fancy that.”
Mason shook his head and moved over to sit down on the couch. “I’m going crazy, right?”
Josh smirked at his friend. “No, you’re in love. You’re about to get married, and you’re just a little nervous, I’d say.”
Mason took a deep breath and then let it out on a sigh. “Yeah, I’m a little nervous, but not because I’m getting married.” He paused, and then looked at Josh with the most serious expression Josh had ever seen on his friend. “Have you ever looked at someone and just thought, Yes. I know you. You’re meant to be mine.”
Josh raised a brow, thinking about that for a minute. How did it happen with Georgia? Well, it had been more like a sledgehammer blow across his head. Before he could say that, Mason continued.
“Lena couldn’t stand me when we first met, and I remember thinking she was so prickly and rude. But when she walked into the restaurant that same night, it all just fell into place. I knew I needed to know her.” Mason stopped, and then laughed at himself. “Listen to me, I sound like a total fool.”
Josh shook his head and assured his good friend. “No, you don’t. You sound like a man who went after the woman he loves and got exactly what he wanted.” Josh paused, and then decided to let his friend in on his own secret. “I’m familiar with that, man.”
Mason looked at him, cocking his head to the side. “You and Shelly?”
Josh nodded, letting out a deep breath. “But it’s complicated.”
“It always is, Josh. Look at Lena and me. We had a rocky moment at every turn.” Mason paused, and then told him seriously, “But, if it’s what you want, don’t wait to tell her. Women like Lena and Shelly don’t come along every day. Smart and beautiful—that’s hitting the goddamned jackpot, man.”
Josh laughed at that. “I won’t wait too much longer, but she already pulled a fast one and ran away once. I want to be sure she won’t do that again.”
Mason raised a brow. “And how do you plan to do that?”
Josh sighed and admitted, “I actually have no idea, but I’ve been working on it.”
“So, will you be sticking around after the wedding?”
Shaking his head, Josh stood, moving to the window. “No. I need to get back to work.”
“Are you ever going to tell me where you’re staying?” Mason inquired from the couch.
Josh looked over his shoulder and shook his head. “Hell no, you’d squeal to Shelly in two seconds.”
“Hey! I resent that.”
Josh let out a loud laugh. “Hey! I don’t give a damn.” Looking at his watch, he noticed the time had just turned 4:00 p.m. “Well, you ready to head over?”
His friend stood and walked into the adjoining room. When he came out, he was carrying a garment bag that held his tux. He nodded and said, “Yep. I’m ready. Let’s go and get me married.”
With that, they headed down to the valet where Josh’s truck was being brought around to the front.
***
It was 5:50 p.m., and the time had rolled around quicker than Shelly had expected. As she stood inside the Field House at Promontory Point, she glanced out the window to see all of Lena and Mason’s family and friends seated under a lovely white tent that covered the lakefront patio.
The main aisle had been set up to run between two sections of white chairs. Each section was comprised of four seats across and twelve down, and every aisle seat had a small cluster of blue Singapore orchids and white roses attached to it to complement Lena’s choice of bouquets and boutonnieres.
Rachel had assured Lena that these flowers would look both elegant and classy. Shelly had to admit that Rachel had gotten a keen eye since she had started to work afternoons down at, Precious Petals, after spending the mornings baking for Exquisite.
Lena had chosen a color scheme that included crisp white and a lovely vibrant shade of blue to complement Mason’s tie and the gorgeous bridesmaids’ dresses.
The wedding wasn’t