I snap out of my sappy daydream and get back to business. Everything is in perfect order. The place is clean, the music is already flowing, and the drinks are ready to be poured.
This is the only baby I’ve ever wanted. This is my future.
I got two unexpected texts today from Cara and Dani congratulating me on my club and success. They both promised to be here tonight and I’m excited to see them. I know Dani got married to her long-time boyfriend Jace and Cara is seeing someone new and bringing them here tonight. We’re not as close as we once were, but we’re good. We were able to mend our severed friendship when I could tell them the truth about Liam. They were surprisingly understanding.
The icing on the cake is last night Liam and I went to the courthouse and made it official. I didn’t even bother wearing a white dress, Liam had jeans on, and still, it was exactly us. It was perfect. Slightly off-centered and untraditional and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Though, we did stick with traditional vows because all we cared about was being married. I know how much he loves me and after all this time, I’ve proven to him how much I love him. We didn’t need the fancy words to say it.
Right around six, I head back out front and meet my husband for the opening. He’s the only person who knows the name of this place. Well, he and Wren because he hooked me up with the designer and all the details; it was important for him to know. But he swore not to tell anyone, and I actually trust him.
My parents show up and hug me. My mom has tears in her eyes and tells me how proud she is of me for how much I’ve grown and all I’ve accomplished. My dad kisses my hair and chastises me for not letting him walk me down the aisle since I am still his little girl. Still, he understands and knows it was nothing personal. My sister shows up next with Wren. Ava wanted to be here but I told her she’s still a little young. Instead, she’s at home helping the babysitter out with Eli and Tanner. Lucas arrives last with a very pregnant Olivia in tow. She somehow looks both miserable and glowing all at once. I know she wants to get this show on the road and probably head right home, which is fine. She has another month to go in the pregnancy, but I can imagine not wanting to be out and about either if I were her.
“I want to thank you all. In some way, shape, or form, none of this would’ve happened without all of you. I know I was never the easiest person to deal with, and I want to use this to thank you for sticking by me no matter what. I owe this to you. You’re my family and I love you guys.”
Liam pulls down the sign and my dad looks especially proud. His smile is broad and he holds me to his side in a half hug.
“This has been my dream before I even knew it was my dream. It was like it was always part of my journey. Come inside, look around, and enjoy. You all eat and drink for free. The food is delicious, the music is on fire, and the company is the best of all. Everyone, welcome to Fletch.”
THE END
Want to see how Carson’s story began? Keep reading for a sample of Selfless.
Part One
PAST
Carson
“Did you know that babies are born with an innate sense of rhythm? They have this crazy instinct that allows them to respond to music.”
“What?” I turn my head to glare at the crazy person who decided to occupy the seat beside me despite all the empty seats in the lecture hall. The guy is gorgeous and I’m regretting my harsh tone. His auburn hair is bed-head messy, but he makes it work. He has an air of preppy popularity around him, in a simple white tee under a navy bomber jacket. His black jeans form to his muscular legs, and now I’m starting to feel like a creep for checking him out.
“Yeah, crazy, right? My kid is probably going to be dancing in the womb. You should see my moves. My dance skills could rival Michael Jackson.” His brown eyes light up as a pure smile spreads across his handsome face.
“I’m Carson.” An easy smile forms on my lips and I extend my hand to the handsome stranger.
“Hi, Carson. I’m Maddox.” His handshake is firm, like he’s treating me as an equal and not like a delicate flower, afraid I’ll break from a little pressure.
“So what’s with the fun facts? Are you full of them or do you recycle the same one over and over again?”
The classroom is filling up quickly and it’s my first class on my first day of college. I should be sitting front row and pulling out my syllabus to impress my professor.
“I’m full of them. You’ll see.” He’s smug but not overly conceited. He has an attractive amount of cockiness that makes me weak in the knees.
“Oh, will I? And why’s that?” I’ve never been a vixen or a sexpot. I’ve never been boy crazy or had a real boyfriend. Yet here I am, day one, fawning over a red-haired God.
“Because every day I show up to class, I’m going to give you a fun fact.” He shrugs and a chuckle escapes me.
Our professor walks in and for the first time in my life, I’m dreading school. I’d rather keep talking
