Caught in Us (Caught Series Book 4) by Kacey Shea (free e books to read TXT) 📕

“Fuck. I should’ve gone first,” Jill says, earning a few laughs. “Those were good.”

“I bring my best for you,” Cam says, leaning forward and stealing a quick kiss.

“Hey,” the officiant says, pretending to act offended as she glances down at her book. “We’re not at that part yet. A little self-control.”

“Okay, okay.” Cam grins, holding up his hands.

Jill presses her lips together, meeting his gaze before clearing her throat. “Cameron McClain. You came into my world unexpectedly and unprovoked. I never felt worthy or safe or cherished . . . not until you. I know I’m not always easy to love. I like to argue. I like to be right.”

“You usually are.”

“I am.” She flashes a grin. “But even on the rare chance I’m wrong, I promise to always listen, with my ears and with my heart. I promise to stand firm in us, even when the world tries to shake our trust. I promise to love all the parts of you, because you love all the parts of me. And I vow to love and care for Kenslee, because she’s the most precious person in your life and I don’t mind sharing that spotlight.”

Kenz beams from her seat in the front row.

“I promise to stay vulnerable, even when I’m scared, because I know you’ll be by my side every step of this life. I love you, Cam.”

“I love you, too.”

The officiant takes over, reading a few thoughts on the institution of marriage and leading them through the exchange of rings. I try to keep my total focus on the ceremony, but it’s impossible when I know exactly where Alicia is sitting in the crowd. I glance over more times than is socially acceptable. I’m sure I’ll get shit for it later when the pictures come back from the photographer. But I don’t care. I’m impatient for this thing to be over so I can pull her aside. We need to talk. We need to address last night, and what happens next.

“By the power vested in me by the state of Virginia, I present to you our happy newlyweds, Cameron McClain and Jill Bennett. You may seal your marriage with a kiss.”

Cam pulls Jill into his arms, his mouth claiming hers then dipping her back, just like they do in the movies.

Hoots and cheers from the crowd spur him on.

Jill laughs, pressing against his chest until he lifts her back up. Celebration by Kool & the Gang pumps from the speakers, adding to the jubilant mood. Jill winds her arm through Cam’s and they dance their way down the aisle.

I hold my arm out to Callie, and we follow behind. Given our past, this should be strange or awkward, but that’s all behind us. Forgiveness and second chances are a beautiful thing. Ash is in the last row, smiling and waiting for his girlfriend.

“You. Are. Stunning,” Ash says.

“Thanks. I clean up pretty nice.” I wink.

He socks me in the shoulder with a playful punch. “Not you, dumbass.”

Callie laughs and we step to the side for guests to exit their rows. She slides an arm around him and presses a kiss to his lips. They whisper a few things to each other and I leave to search for Alicia. I spot her talking to a couple one row up from her. I move to get closer.

“Uncle Chase!” Kenz calls, practically racing over. She’s beautiful and looking way too grown up in her simple pale pink dress.

“Hey, gorgeous.” I open my arms and hug her to my side. “You ready to party?”

“Mom says we have to take pictures first.” She frowns.

“Oh, right.” Damn it. That’s happening now. I glance over to find Alicia walking toward the reception tent. I’ll have to catch her later. “Come on. Let’s go get this over with.” I wink at my niece. It takes all my willpower to walk away from Alicia. I want to chase after her, but I grasp for patience. We have all night. I’ll catch her in a few minutes.

Or so I think.

But after pictures, there’s dinner, and while I’d normally be free to sneak away, being seated next to the groom keeps my ass planted in my chair. Then after dinner it’s time for the toast. I’m thankful I had the foresight to write mine out last week, because my mind is distracted by the woman across the room. Each time our gazes collide I swear I get a hit of dopamine. I long to pull her aside. I ache to kiss her and beg her to give us another chance.

I finally get my chance when Cam and Jill head out to the dance floor, but Alicia is nowhere to be found. I consider sneaking into the main house because I’m almost certain she’s there. I settle for hanging out near the tent’s entrance. Soon I become the unofficial director for the restrooms. There’s a sign, but it’s not well lit and half the guests are too tipsy to notice.

Callie walks outside, stopping short when she notices me.

“Bathrooms?” I ask, pointing to the sign.

She laughs, nodding. “How come you’re out here? You use up all your dance moves last night?”

“Something like that.” I smile.

“You should come dance with us.” She nods back at the dance floor.

“Maybe later.” I’m happy to see everyone having a good time. Normally, I’d join them. But I can’t celebrate until I’ve had a conversation with Alicia. “Hey, you haven’t seen Alicia, have you?”

“Not since she left to go check on Matthew.”

I exhale a breath of relief. Of course. She hasn’t left. She’s being a good mom. “Are they inside the house?”

She shakes her head in the negative. “No, I think Simon took him to spend the day with one of her brothers.” Callie’s gaze lifts suggestively. “Which means she’s kid-free for the night.”

Wait. Does she know?

“I saw you two last night. Cam told us you broke up with Julia.” Callie rolls her eyes. “Just make a