The Game (That Girl, #2)(63)

Lynlee’s tears start to dry up as her voice gains strength, and she is able to speak more clearly. Lincoln smiles proudly up at her as she tells her story. In this moment, I realize she’s telling more of her story to my whole wedding party than she’s ever told anyone. I nestle in closer, making sure my baby bump is securely between us, and hold her belly as she tells our story.

“The older we got, not only did this blonde girl follow me to and from school, she started beating all the kids’ asses who ridiculed me for having head lice and a boy haircut. This same girl got her own ass beat by her Old Man for nearly burning down the kitchen making us noodles one night.” Our friends and family laugh, and I shrug, remembering how pissed my Old Man was.

“I tried to blend in the whole time, while she was a wild rose, determined to blossom no matter her environment. She saved me so many times from my own personal hell.” Lynlee raises her hand, showing everyone her scar she always tries to her hardest to hide, and this is when Lincoln jumps to his feet.

“My whole body would be covered in these without Jazzy and her Old Man.”

Lynlee turns to me, puts her paper down, and keeps speaking.

“You’ve saved me from day one. I don’t even know how to express my love for you on your special day. I’m so happy you finally found your way. I know it wasn’t easy letting me walk away from you on my eighteenth birthday, but you gave me the best present that day. You sent me off to find my real name, real happiness. I love you now and forever, Jazzy Jou Jou.”

I know she has more to say but don’t let her finish. I wrap her in a hug, and the whole crowd cheers.

“I love you, Kristin. I love That Girl, and I love you, Lynlee Wilks, more than words can ever express,” I whisper into her ear.

To my shock, she doesn’t even flinch at the mention of her birth name.

“Toast,” a deep voice roars.

Lynlee grabs her apple cider with one arm still wrapped around me. “Yeah, yeah, Tiny, we all know you want cake and not this mushy shit.”

That’s when the real laughter and lightheartedness of a typical wedding reception settles back in.

“To my best friend and sister, may your life always be filled with joy and success with the second best Wilks brother. Always know while having Levi may be great, it’s always better with number twenty-two. And to Levi, if you ever need some advice on not throwing so many picks, I’d love to analyze your game tapes. I love both of you, and will never forget the hemorrhoid the two of you gave me. Cheers.”

Our men surround us as we clink glasses and unite as one family. Levi hugs Lynlee and I do the same to Lincoln. The rest of the crowd begins to talk and socialize. The four of us stand there.

“My name was Kristin.”

We all look at Lynlee, and I watch as Lincoln’s face falls in astonishment at the information she just shared.

“I love you, Lynlee,” he replies, kissing her on top of her head.

“More drinks,” a strange voice cuts in.

We all turn to look at the waiter holding a silver platter filled with champagne and apple juice. He’s very tall and well-built, definitely not waiter material at all. His hair is long, thick, and unkempt, but it’s the scar on his cheek and the burns across his neck that catch my attention.

“Jeremiah?” The three of us look to Lynlee.

“Um, do I know you?” the waiter asks.

“Is your name Jeremiah?”

“Yes. Michelle?” he asks.

It’s very apparent the two know each other, but I don’t know a Jeremiah, and Lynlee sure in the hell isn’t Michelle. The three of us watch as Lynlee and the stranger continue their stare-down and awkward questioning.

“Jeremiah, I thought you died.” Lynlee clings to Lincoln, and begins to speak again. “I went back to the cupcake shop and it was shut down.”

“Michelle, you got a tattoo that night and then ran.” The stranger’s face dawns with realization.

The sound of the DJ causes our attention to divert from the two. Within moments the DJ is asking for the first dance. Levi leads me out to the dance floor, and all thoughts of the stranger vanish.

“Are you ready to dance, Mrs. Wilks?” Levi asks me.

“Only with you.”

He leads me out to the dance floor, with our family and friends surrounding us. The last couple weeks planning this wedding has been painful, knowing my Old Man wouldn’t be here to walk his little girl down the aisle or to dance with me on my wedding day. Now, looking around at our guests, I know my Old Man is watching over me and has made sure each one of these people is in my life for a reason.

“I love you, Levi.”

Standing in the middle of the dance floor, we wait for the music to begin, and I wonder what song he’s picked.

“We were meant to be together, Jazzy.”

No Doubt About It by Neal McCoy fills the air. I slowly nod to the music.

“Perfect,” I say, taking Levi’s hand and placing the other one on his shoulder.

We sway back and forth to the song, soaking up every single word. I let Levi twirl me around and then snuggle right back into his arms. And in his arms for the first time I realize I’ve found my place, and it’s perfect.

“I have a surprise for you.”

I look up at Levi, shocked at his words. I figured I’d be the only one delivering a surprise today with the gender of our baby. I follow as Levi leads me off the dance floor and out of the tent. The sun is just starting to go down.