4. Nate

FOUR

NATE

Rosalyn looks like she's on the verge of tears again.

I open my mouth to ask if she wants a hug or something, but I'm cut off by Maddox.

"Waller." His voice is loud, and Rosalyn jumps.

This girl is really going through it tonight.

Maddox's big frame strides into the kitchen.

Presley's mouth drops open.

"Quit harassing our chefs." Maddox stops on the other side of the island from where I am next to Rosalyn.

I hold my hands up, one of them still gripping the notebook and pen. "Just chatting."

He lifts a brow. "Looked like you were being a diva, forcing your signature on people."

I roll my eyes. "The only diva here is you, Mr. Sends His Food Back."

Maddox lowers his eyelids, like he couldn't be more annoyed with me. "That was once. And it was entirely the wrong order."

I look at Redhead Rosalyn and shake my head. "He could've just eaten it."

"I'm taking away your best man status." Maddox sighs .

"Hate to remind you, but the wedding has already happened, brother from another mother. Can't take it back now." I grin.

"You're a pain. And you better not be wearing that for the party."

I brush my free hand down my chest, smoothing down the California team logo. The California team I was playing for when we beat the Biters for the game of all games.

The T-shirt is a little tighter than it used to be. But that's from doing less running and more lifting. It certainly has nothing to do with tacos.

I put him out of his misery. "Don't worry, Dad, I brought my church clothes. I just didn't want to sit around in a fucking bow tie all afternoon."

"Which begs the question, why are you here three hours before the party?"

"Because you're not supposed to see the bride." I walk around the island and pat him roughly on the back. "Figured you'd want company."

Maddox heaves out a breath. "Fine, come keep me company and leave these nice women alone." He turns his attention to Rosalyn and Presley. "And truly, thank you for coming today. I know it was short notice, and we appreciate you saving our asses." He eyes everything on the counters. "Looks great already."

I watch as he officially introduces himself to the two women.

Watch as they shake hands.

Watch the way Rosalyn hardly reacts at all over meeting Maddox.

Hell, she almost looks like she relaxes. Which is strange, because if you're a fan of football, you should automatically be a fan of Maddox. Especially if you live here, since he was a star player for the Minnesota team. A team his brother is the starting quarterback for now.

"Are you from here?" I blurt out the question, causing all three of them to turn toward me. But I'm only looking at Rosalyn.

Her eyes widen, and she glances away before answering. "Moved here when I was nineteen."

I lift my brows. "And that was… how long ago?"

She bites her lip. It's a wildly rude question, but she still answers. "Fourteen years ago."

I do the math. Thirty-three. Perfect for my thirty-seven .

"Where did you live before here?"

Maddox pushes a hand against my shoulder. "That's enough interrogation. Don't throw off their schedule."

I let him push me back away from the kitchen. "My apologies, Rosalyn. Please forgive me."