Page 66 of Your Love

As soon as I witness the disapproving looks on my friends’ faces, I regret it. Lauren had wanted to keep it a secret, and now I understand why—the judgment and disapproval roll off my best friends in waves.

I take a sip of my beer, trying to calm my nerves. “That’s what I said.”

“Isn’t this a little fast?” Delzy chimes in.

“We’ve been together for a year. That’s not fast,” I defend.

“Sure, but you’ve never mentioned marriage before. This seems a little impulsive,” Taz argues.

“That’s rich, coming from you,” I retort with a hint of sarcasm.

“I’m impulsive. It’s part of my charm. You’re not. Your thing is being all quiet and broody and overthinking everything,” Taz admits with a smirk.

I narrow my eyes at him. “What are you trying to say?”

Taz holds his hands up in a gesture of surrender, his face filled with unease. “I’m not trying to get my ass kicked here. I want to make sure you’ve really thought this through.”

Delzy’s concerned expression reflects his words. “We just want you to be happy, Landry. Have you considered everything? Where are you going to live? Are you going to be happy working for her father for the rest of your life?”

“Since when did you two become relationship experts?” I retort. “Last time I checked, you were both unhappily single.”

“At least I’m not letting someone else control every aspect of my life,” Delzy snaps back defensively.

“No? You don’t think so? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like Ivy’s been running your life from the remnants of a failed relationship for years.”

Delzy’s response is swift and sharp. “Fuck you, Landry.”

Taz interjects, trying to diffuse the tension. “Hey, let’s all just put our dicks away and calm down.”

Delzy lets out a weary sigh. “Taz is right. We’re not trying to question your decision, Landry. If you’re truly happy, then we’re happy for you.”

My shoulders relax slightly. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

“Are you telling anyone else?”

I shake my head. “Nope. Only you guys and my family. And please don’t say anything to anyone.”

Taz scoffs. “Who am I going to tell? No one in Colorado gives a damn about your love life, Chewbacca.”

“I was thinking of Sascha, shit for brains,” I say flatly.

“Pfft. I probably won’t even talk to her today,” Taz says confidently.

Delzy raises an eyebrow at him, “Do you even believe the bullshit you spew?”

“I choose to,” Taz replies firmly. “Yes.”

We share a laugh at how ridiculous Taz can be. I needed this time with the boys. In a matter of a week, I’ve had to deal with Kerri re-entering my life, and I’ve become engaged. Not that I’d admit it to them, but I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m not sure where we’ll live or how it will be once I’m working for my father-in-law. I don’t even have a ring for Lauren yet. But deep down, I’m confident that everything will work out exactly how it’s supposed to.

Chapter 30

“It’s All Been Done”

Kerri - Age 23, 1993

I’m being a coward. I’m aware it’s taking the easy way out, not attending Sarah’s wedding reception. Last night, Ivy, Sascha, and I took a stroll down memory lane with some of Sarah’s friends who had come to town for the wedding. Ivy’s recollection of everything she had been through in the past few years left me tangled up inside, and I became overwhelmed with the thought of going to the wedding today and being with everyone again.

I had thought that my decision to stay in Texas and face the past head-on was the right one. I still think staying for that first year was crucial. I went to therapy. I became stronger mentally and physically. Most importantly, I finally forgave myself and released the leftover guilt I was holding onto about staying in a relationship with Beau.