Page 7 of Finding His Fox

“It’s ok. Really. Anyway, I think I’m going to head up for now. I might need to press my suit for tonight,” I said, quickly changing the subject.

Tonight was Ian and Owen’s engagement party. Ian, my best friend, came to Fox Haven and found love, of all things, while solving a murder with the town sheriff, Owen Greyson.

I’d rather just have the murder mystery, thank you. Love was a poison that made normal people do crazy things. It was toxic. Lethal even.

One would end up hurting oneself, or others along the way. The best antidote was simple—never fall in love, or any situation that would lead to it.

I vowed I would never fall in love with anyone. The only thing I loved was Max. And look what that made me do.

I left my job for my cat. That was proof enough that my theory was sound, that love made you do crazy things.

“Do you need a ride to the party?” Rory asked.

“Wait, aren’t you guys coming?” I looked between the two of them.

Fox Haven was a town that looked for any excuse for a celebration. The sheriff’s engagement party was exactly that, and everyone was invited.

“We are but, we don’t plan to stay long. The baby, you know?” Josie explained.

I nodded in understanding. She had just given birth early this year, and it was a weekday. They would have trouble finding a babysitter who could stay past 7 pm.

She continued, “You’d have to find a ride home.”

“That’s ok. So let’s leave in an hour or so?” I asked, getting up from my seat.

“Sure thing, Cuz,” Rory said.

* * *

The party was in full swing when Rory, Josie, and I arrived. Ian and Owen decided to hold the party in the town square, which made sense since they literally invited everyone in town.

Actually, it looked like they even invited people from the next town over.

I squished my way through the crowd towards where Ian and Owen were greeting the arriving guests. There seemed to be a line for those wanting to congratulate them.

I made a beeline towards them. Some people in line were giving me the stink eye when I walked past them, but I didn't care.

I was Ian’s best man after all, and what was a best man without some perks?

Ian whispered something in Owen’s ear. He must have said something funny, because now Owen was grinning from ear to ear.

Ok fine, I guess they looked cute together.

When Ian first told me things were getting serious between him and Owen, I admit I wasn’t totally on board. I didn’t want my best friend falling into that trap called love.

Also, I had always thought Ian and I would grow old together.

Two grumpy old best friends living together in the same nursing home, complaining about mundane things, like the weather. Or how it was getting harder to digest broccoli.

Except, looking at the two of them now, I felt selfish even thinking about those thoughts. Love looked good on Ian, and Owen seemed like the perfect man for him.

I was genuinely happy for the both of them. I’d just have to make sure what happened to my dad didn’t happen to Ian.

Ian finally saw me and whispered something to Owen again. Owen looked in my direction and nodded.

I continued to walk towards Ian, who was now pushing past the throng of people to make his way towards me.

“You’re finally here!” Ian exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug.