Read Online You Can't Hurry Love by Beth K. Vogt - Free Book Online Page A

fade in Pete’s eyes. May you always choose him over other people and other things in your life. And may you show him the respect he values in how you love him.”
    Elisabeth lifted her glass. “Join us in toasting Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Tori Huxley. May God bless you with many years of happiness.”
    As she touched the rim of her glass to Jamie’s, her gaze locked with his. For just a moment, an unspoken litany of “what if?” rose between them. What if she had torn up her letter instead of mailing it to Jamie? What if he hadn’t responded with a series of anonymous, but still hurtful, comments? What if their relationship had endured all the challenges they’d faced when they were younger? What if they were being toasted as the bride and groom?
    Glancing away, she took a small sip of the dry champagne. What-ifs only bogged you down in possibilities long past. Nine years separated her from the memory of the girl she was when she’d danced with Jamie at their high school prom, imagining their future together. The faint remnants of their unfulfilled dreams couldn’t bridge the space between their youthful expectations and the reality of today.
    As Tori and Peter finished their first dance, the DJ invited others to join them on the dance floor.
    â€œThat’s our cue.” Jamie turned to her, his hand outstretched.
    â€œI beg your pardon?”
    â€œI think it’s customary for the best man and the maid of honor to share a dance together.”
    She couldn’t argue with him, especially since he knew how many times she’d participated in the tradition in the past two years.
    He took her hand in his, his skin warm against hers, and led her out on the dance floor, giving her a quick twirl. “Besides, you’ve just saved me from dancing with Chloe.”
    She tried to ignore the sweet zing of satisfaction that coursed through her upon hearing his words. “I see. Now I’m your bodyguard.”
    â€œA very pretty bodyguard. Do you swing dance?” His words, offered with an inviting half-smile, held the hint of a dare.
    â€œActually, yes, I do.”
    Challenge accepted.
    â€œEven better.”
    She couldn’t help but relax and enjoy herself, especially with Jamie’s skillful leading. She rarely found a dance partner who enjoyed swing dancing as much as she did. The intricate steps. The twirls. The dips. They transitioned right into the next two songs, and when the DJ switched to a slower medley, it seemed only natural to step into Jamie’s arms.
    â€¢ • •
    â€œThat was fun.” Jamie curved his hand around Elisabeth’s, bringing it up and resting it against his chest. “And this is nice.”
    And he was going to pay for those swing dances tomorrow. His ankle was already complaining about the exertion just after a few dances. He’d have to find a moment to down a couple more ibuprofen.
    â€œI thought the toast went well.” Elisabeth leaned a bit away from him, her long hair pulled back from her face in loose curls, cascading down her back.
    â€œMe, too. We accomplished our goals of something different, something memorable—”
    â€œAnd I didn’t have to sing.”
    â€œTrue. Now we can relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.”
    â€œAnd tomorrow we go back to our normal lives.”
    â€œWhat is your normal life, Elisabeth?”
    â€œMe? I teach middle schoolers English. Once in a while, I find a student or two who have a real love for reading or writing, and those are kids I give some extra encouragement. And I still keep in touch with Bellamy—”
    â€œReally? From high school?”
    â€œYes, she’s married now to Reid Stanton—heir to the Stanton restaurant legacy.”
    â€œRich, huh? I suppose someone has to do it.”
    â€œIt hasn’t changed her, although I do think she enjoys traveling by private plane nowadays.”
    â€œVery nice. So