Page 67 of Penny & Royce

Last night, when they’d been in bed, Penny had spoken between her yawns and made him promise they’d get married in a church one day, even if they had to drive an hour to do it.

“I promise I’ll make that happen, beautiful,” he’d murmured into the crown of her head.

She’d fallen asleep with a smile on her lips, curled around him.

Watching her now, he noticed the mask she wore in front of everyone but him. It had gotten easier to see. Penny was struggling, but he wasn’t sure why. She’d insisted she was fine to come to the wedding without a date. She’d told him she would rather do that than ask anyone to stand in for her husband.

But he’d seen how pained she’d been when she made him promise not to come.

Sometimes promises had to be kept even when they were hard.

Royce knew that.

He knew it as he continued watching her from a distance. He knew it when a server walked by with a tray of sparkling cider and he grabbed a flute. He knew it when he shifted deeper into the fray so he wouldn’t lose sight of her.

He knew it, and he still stayed.

Thankfully, Emerson seemed to be busy speaking with another woman. Based on her bright red tresses, she was likely a Taylor, but Royce didn’t know which one. There were six of them, after all, including a set of twins.

“Royce? Is that you?”

He startled and glanced to the side.

Shoot.

He’d been spotted.

Ian Baker smiled broadly and moved closer. “Hey, man. It’s been a while.”

That was an understatement if there ever was one. Several years back, Ian had a run-in with some not-so-great people who were after his now-wife. Royce had been in high school at the time, but he frequented the diner almost as regularly as Ian—mostly to get out from under Lincoln’s thumb.

Their paths didn’t cross much after that, but they’d had a few deep conversations about the importance of family that had stuck with him. He offered a hesitant smile and glanced around to make sure no one had noticed. They shook hands while Royce mapped the quickest way to get out of there.

“Are congratulations in order?”

Royce frowned, then realized Ian had zeroed in on the wedding band. “Oh, yeah, it’s new.”

“Good for you. Getting married was the single most important thing in my life.”

Nodding, Royce shifted his focus to the crowd. There were a few eyes that turned his way, but so far, no one of importance.

At least not until he felt her attention.

He’d always feel hers.

“Look, sorry we can’t catch up, but I’ve got to get going. I was just supposed to stop by.” Royce made his excuses and backed away. “Maybe we can get lunch sometime.”

“Sure, Royce. That sounds great.”

Royce only got a few feet away when his eyes locked with Penny’s. Joy was replaced by confusion, which was then overthrown by irritation and concern.

He could already hear the way this lecture was going to go.

She took a step toward him, and his eyes flared before he glanced around to make sure none of her family was looking. Then he gave a sharp shake of his head.

She couldn’t talk to him.

They couldn’t interact.