Page 48 of Hale Damage
“You’re such a brat.”
She crosses her arms over her sky-blue dress. “Well, you’re a horrible date. You haven’t even danced with me tonight.”
“Fine,” I sigh. “One dance, but you’re not allowed to bitch if I step on your toes.”
“I’m always allowed to bitch. It’s best friend privilege.”
We take to the dance floor, and I do a pretty good job of protecting Serena’s small feet.
“So,” she starts, “when is the elusive Remington Hale going to tie the knot?”
This right here. This is why so many single men hate going to weddings. It puts ideas in people’s heads and they think they need to marry off anyone without a ring on their finger.
“Hmmm, let’s see.” I pretend to think about it. “I think I have it on my calendar for a week from… never.”
She laughs. “Have you forgotten we have a marriage pact?”
My forehead creases in confusion. “A what?”
Serena looks exasperated. “Good lord, you are hopeless. Remember when we promised to get married if neither of us were married by the time you turned thirty?”
That triggers a memory I’d forgotten about. “Oh yeah.” A chuckle escapes me. “I think I was ten and you were eight. Thirty sounded so damn old back then.”
She sighs dramatically. “And here you are at thirty-six, and I’m still waiting on my proposal.” In a musing tone, she says, “I think I’d like a spring wedding and a princess cut engagement ring.”
I snort. “Of course you’d want a princess cut.” Then I shake my head with a laugh at the ridiculousness of marrying Serena. “Can youeven imagine us as a married couple? I think one of us would murder the other. Best case scenario, I’d be broke within a year.”
Her blue eyes roll to the top of her head. “Whatever. You’re a freaking billionaire.”
Popping an eyebrow, I retort, “Yeah, and I’d like to stay that way. Besides, I’ve never believed in marriages of convenience. I think they’re degrading to both parties. If I ever did get married, it would be because I was in love.”
“So you don’t love me?” she asks, pouting her perfectly painted lips.
“Of course I do. You’ve been my best friend forever. But we’re not romantically attracted to each other, and that’s something I would need in a marriage.”
“So you’re saying I’m not attractive. Great. My best friend thinks I’m ugly.”
“Dear god, you’re dramatic,” I groan. “I want to strangle you already, and we’re not even engaged.”
When I twirl her beneath my arm, she mutters something that sounds like “Yet,” but I ignore it. I know she’s only pushing my buttons. It’s never once been like that between Serena and me. We’re friends. That’s it. Absolutely no sexual or romantic thoughts whatsoever.
After Serena heads to the powder room, I dance with my mother and then with Reece, who looks precious in a poofy white dress.
“You did such a good job as the flower girl today,” I tell my niece, holding her on my hip as we sway.
She smiles proudly. “I practiced all week.” Lying her head on my shoulder, she sighs. “I’m so happy my mommy and daddy got married.”
She started calling Jordiemommya while back, which was fitting. Reece never had a mother in her life, and Jordie stepped into the role so naturally it’s almost hard to believe she didn’t birth Reece herself. They’ve already started the adoption paperwork, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for their little family.
I kiss Reece’s slightly sweaty forehead. “I am too, baby girl.” She doesn’t answer, and I look down to see that her eyelids are closed and her lips are parted in sleep.
Smiling, I find Phoenix dancing with Reece’s nanny, Lorraine. “Apparently I’m a boring dancer,” I announce. “Do you want me to take her upstairs?”
Phoenix shakes his head and takes his daughter in his arms. “No. Mom is keeping her tonight, and I think she’s ready to go. I’ll take her up.” We glance over to find our mother sitting beside one of her friends, both of them with their shoes off.
I watch as he carries Reece over to Jordie, who smooths her daughter’s hair back and kisses her cheek. Then I return my attention to Lorraine, a sweet older lady who’s been Reece’s nanny since birth, and bow formally.
“Ms. Lorraine, would you like to dance with the best looking Hale brother now?”
