The Marriage License For Me, The Boat For His Regret Chapter 06
For the next week, Nolan stuck to Kenna’s side.
Whatever she wanted, she got.
Sometimes he’d text Tessa. She never texted back.
On the sixth night, Kenna dragged him to a party with her friends.
Nolan was distracted the whole night.
Tessa hadn’t replied to anything. Not just that—she hadn’t even asked when he was coming home.
That’s not normal. Is she still mad?
But I told her we’d get the license when I get back. What more does she want?
He downed another drink, annoyed.
Kenna’s friends started teasing. “This one-week boyfriend thing is adorable! Honestly, it’s not a limited thing—it’s true love!”
“Yeah, that’s not temporary. You two are endgame.”
Kenna’s cheeks were pink. She leaned her head on Nolan’s shoulder and mumbled, “You guys are the worst.”
The way she said it only made them louder.
But Nolan pulled his arm free from Kenna’s grip.
“It’s just a birthday wish. I have a fiancée.”
The room went cold.
Kenna’s smile slipped. “Right. Nolan’s just humoring me.”
Nolan caught someone rolling their eyes and muttering, “Get real. If I were his fiancée, I’d have dumped his ass already.”
Right then, an old business partner spotted him.
The guy walked over, grinning. “Congratulations, Nolan. Saw Tessa’s post—tomorrow’s the big day, huh?”
Nolan froze. Then the tension he’d been carrying for days melted away.
That’s it. She’s been quiet because she’s testing me. She posted about the license on her stories. She’s waiting for me to step up. To keep my promise.
He almost smiled. She even hid it from me.
He thought about all the little things.
The way she always left the porch light on for him.
How every time he ignored her to spend time with Kenna, she’d still forgive him in the end.
How she’d hinted, over and over for seven years, that she wanted a home with him.
Guilt crept in. I went too far this time.
He made a decision. Tomorrow, when this was over, he’d fix it immediately.
…
The last day. Perfect weather.
Riverbend had burst into full spring—willows drooping over the water, everything soft and warm.
Kenna swung her iced coffee, practically skipping. “Nolan, look! Something’s going on over there. It looks fun! Let’s go see?”
Nolan hadn’t really wanted to come out today, but she’d begged, and he was trying to distract himself from the guilt, so he agreed.
They walked along the riverbank. The farther they went, the more festive it got.
Red ribbons draped the railings on both sides. Crowds of Riverbend locals packed the area, buzzing with chatter.
“Who’s getting married? This is a huge production!”
“The Sullivan heir! Heard he’s marrying his mentor’s granddaughter.”
“Oh my god, there’s the groom. He’s so hot.”
Nolan followed their gazes.
The man standing at the bow of the wedding skiff was Reid Sullivan.
Small world.
Reid stood on his boat, sailing toward the skiff carrying the bride.
Ten feet. Eight. Two.
Right as the two bows were about to touch—
A gust of wind lifted the edge of the bride’s veil.
Only her chin was visible, but something about it hit Nolan as familiar.
The next second, his whole body locked up.