Finding Gavin (Southern Boys #2) by C.A. Harms Read Free Book Online

“What’s wrong?”
    I slid forward down the side of the tub, resting my back against the edge. “My stomach isn’t feeling well, and my head hurts too. I think I just need to get some sleep. Sorry to cancel on such short notice.”
    “It’s okay. If you’re sick, you need to take care of you. We can have dinner another night. Do you need anything?” I squeezed my eyes together tightly, suppressing the impending tears. Yes, I needed him. I wanted him to love me. I wanted so badly for him to want me completely, without something forcing him. I feared that, with a baby, he would feel he had no other choice but to be with me. I didn’t want to spend my life wondering if the man I loved returned those feelings for the right reasons.
    “No, I’m good. I’m just gonna take a shower and go to bed,” I told him.
    “If you need anything, will you call me?” I nodded my head, as if he could see me responding. “Hey, did you hear me?”
    “Yes,” I whispered. “I heard you, and I will, thanks.”
    “Take care of yourself. We’ll talk tomorrow,” Gavin said. “If you’re feeling better, we’ll make plans to do something. If not, then maybe I can come over and take care of you.”
    “Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow sometime. I’ve got a lot to do with Kori’s wedding too,” I replied.
    “We’ll work it out,” he insisted.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Seven
     
     
    Rescheduling our dinner never actually happened. I continued to stay busy with planning the wedding. Gavin was persistent with his efforts. Every time we were at Kori’s parents’, he managed to corner me and question my avoidance of being alone with him.
    I wouldn’t deny the fact, but the truth was that I was trying to keep my distance. I was completely terrified. I had no idea how I was going to tell him. I feared his reaction. I knew I didn’t have it in me to accept any more rejection.
    So there I sat, on the day of Kori’s wedding, and I knew I could no longer avoid him. He’d be in attendance. I would have to face him, and I knew I would have to tell him. It’s time he knew.
    All the girls got ready inside Kori’s parents’ house. The guys took over the smaller, one bedroom home that used to be Gavin’s. They didn’t require as much room as we did. Ya know, being girls and all, we required a lot more preparation.
    Kori looked absolutely beautiful. She was glowing, and her happiness could be felt by everyone. I watched as her momma awed over her, and she was pampered by everyone around her.
    Once her dress was slipped over her head, I don’t think there was a dry eye left in the room. It was breathtaking, and Reed was going to fall at her feet.
    Her eyes met mine and she choked back a sob. “No way, don’t you dare cry. You’ll mess up your makeup and Leann will kill us.”
    Leann had spent close to two hours fixing up her hair and makeup. She was a masterpiece, and if we smudged it one bit, we would surely be beaten. “You look beautiful, Kor. Reed’s gonna melt at the sight of you.”
    “Thank you, you look pretty stunning yourself,” she whispered as she looked me over.
    I wore a long, fitted silk, spaghetti-strapped dress. It hugged low in the back. Every curve was enhanced by its fit, and it made me feel sexy. It was a light shade of pink, and we all chose to wear silver accessories. Kori’s dress had a sash with the same shade of pink hugging her mid-section.
    “Have you talked to him yet?” she asked. I could only shake my head in response. “You need to tell him.”
    “I know and I will. I just need to figure out how. Not today, though. Today is about you. No drama. I’m not sure what his reaction will be, and I don’t think your wedding is the place I need to test out Gavin’s response.” I held her hands in mine. I don’t know if it was the hormones or the fact that I loved her so much, but I had something to say.
    “You know he’s looking down at you, thinking how beautiful you look.