get through to be here."
Gunnar walked toward them. He looked handsome in his tuxedo. His dark hair had grown out again after buzzing it off three years ago and he looked both rugged and refined.
Gunnar reached his hand out first to shake Chase's and the warm welcome feelings that flooded his heart almost overwhelmed him. Firmly shaking Gunnar's hand, he leaned in and half hugged his friend. He needed to put these packages somewhere.
Joci walked up to them and softly said, "Let me set these down for you."
She took the packages and carried them to the gift table.
Reaching his left arm around Gunnar, Chase hugged him close.
"Congratulations, man."
"Thank you. It's long overdue, but it makes it feel sweeter for some reason."
"I'll bet."
Gunnar wrapped his arm around Emma's shoulders and pulled her close.
"Hey, there you are." Molly and Ryder walked up hand in hand. He leaned down and hugged Molly first, then repeated the hug he'd given Gunnar.
"You're a gorgeous bride, Molly."
"Hey, what about me?" Ryder teased.
"You're not a bride and are as ugly as ever." Chase teased back.
"Fuck you." Ryder jibbed.
Gunnar interrupted. "What are you drinking, Chase, I'll get you one."
Holding up his hand to stave off any comments, he said, "I can't stay. I'm on my way to dinner and we wanted to drop this off beforehand."
Gunnar's smile dropped but Emma chimed in quickly. "That's lovely, thank you. And, please thank LuAnn again for the spectacular job she did on the flowers."
He nodded, "I'll do that."
Looking at Ryder and Gunnar he nodded, "I'd like to say hi to Dog and Joci before I leave."
Ryder patted him on the shoulder. "They're over by the gift table with Grandma and Grandpa."
"Congratulations again to all of you."
Stepping away, his heart felt heavy, but he knew it was the right thing to do. He walked up to Joci and Dog and Joci's smile was genuine and welcoming.
"Chase, you look great. Are you feeling better?"
"I am, thank you." He gave Joci a quick hug and turned to look Dog in the eyes. There was a sadness there and it made him feel even worse.
Dog reached out his hand and their eyes locked. Taking Dog's hand in his, he shook as firmly as he could causing Dog's lips to lift in the corners. It was how Dog had taught him to shake hands.
"Congratulations on your two new daughters."
"Thank you for coming, Chase. It wouldn't be the same without you."
Chase rubbed the nape of his neck, "I'm not staying, Dog. We're going out to eat. This was the best compromise I could think of for all parties involved."
Dog swallowed a large lump in his throat, then nodded slightly.
He turned to see Joci watching Dog very closely. "Congratulations, Joci, and sorry I didn't say it before, but you look beautiful."
She lifted on her toes and wrapped her arms around him. "You look dashing yourself."
Turning back to Dog, he said, "I'll be out of town next week. So, I'll be using my vacation days. I'll be healed up and feel my old self after that."
"Of course, Chase. Your health is more important than anything. Travel safe."
Guilt filled his stomach, but he couldn't say anything just now. He didn't even know if he'd like it out there. Maybe he'd hate the shop or maybe Gil wasn't being truthful or maybe the area wouldn't work for them. The what ifs continued to circle his head.
"I'll see you all in a week. Enjoy your celebration, you have much to celebrate."
"That we do." Dog nodded, reached his hand out once again and Chase gladly shook it.
Nodding to Joci, he turned and headed to the door.
Stepping outside, he inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. That all felt clumsy, awkward and hard. It left a bitter taste in his mouth and he didn't like it.
As he walked to the back of the parking lot toward the truck he heard a woman scream. "Help."
He hastened his steps, still unable to run from his accident, toward the woman screaming. "Help. Someone. Help."
41
LuAnn sat in the truck and looked over the parking lot at the plethora of vehicles parked there. They had a fantastic turnout for their weddings. Good for them. Her stomach tightened at the thought that she was keeping Chase from his friends and surrogate family. She sure hated to do that. When he got back to the truck, she'd offer, once again, to go home and let him have his fun with this part of his life. They would have their time in