Southern Hospitality

Chapter 34

Did I expect to kiss Luke tonight... no. Now was Amber crazy for sitting him right across from my table... yes

The wedding was beautiful and George cried like a baby when Amber walked down, they were the cutest couple. We were all at the reception enjoying the food and listening to speeches. Every second I would catch Luke glancing at me and I couldn't but do the same. After we kissed the wedding was beginning, so we didn't have time to discuss what just happened

It was time for the bride and groom dance and we all gathered to watch them. Amber looked beautiful and I couldn't feel happier for her, George was a good man and I only wished them prospierty

As they danced I didn't even notice Luke taking the seat next to me, "are you enjoying the reception?" he quietly asked 

I couldn't help but blush from his sudden presence. Spending three years away was harder than I thought, though Luke hurt me a lot. I still had love for him...

"Its beautiful, they look so happy" I replied 

"Would you like to dance?" he asked grabbing my hand as we watched everyone enter the ballroom floor

I nodded my head and stood up with him, as we entered the floor I could see Amber shocked but quickly covered it with a smile. The song was slow so we moved to the beat with everyone else. Luke kept his arm around my waist as we swayed to the music 

This felt comforting, it felt good to be in his arms again. "You look beautiful tonight" he whispered in my ear 

I couldn't help but giggle at his comment, Luke was always respectful and kind. He also looked amazing tonight it was hard to see him in a suit but I think I prefer him in one

"Thank you Luke, I think this suit fits you well" I said looking at his face and brushing his shoulder 

Luke laughed at my comment and tightened his arm around my waist. This was a simple dance but felt so intimate... Luke always had that power. He could make anything feel more special 

"Evelyn, I know now isn't the right time but I missed you a lot and I'm really sorry for the things I did" Luke began to confess in my ear 

I was a little startled from his words, this definitely wasn't the best environment for this conversation but weddings always bring out everyones emotions. I also found him whispering this to be semi cute

"Luke... all I've wanted you to do for the past three years was call" I said looking at him sincerly 

Though the way we ended things were rough, spending three years away was even more difficult. I know Luke struggles with expressing his feelings but I assumed he would at least fight for our relationship. So, when he didn't I officially came to the conclusion that he didn't care about me

"Darlin really?" he asked shocked 

I couldn't help but laugh at his foolishness, "its been three years and you never thought to call?"

"I mean... I did but I also wanted to give you space and-"

"I think I've had enough space" I interrupted moving my face closer to his 

I could tell he was startled by my words as his face grew pink, I know how we ended things was pretty nasty. But being away from everyone and him was hard and I didn't want to let the past control our future. His actions still hurt but its something we can grow from, plus the way Landon acted towards me... hurt a lot. I don't want our bond to be broken over Luke and I 

"Evelyn... I don't think I'm catching on" he whispered 

"I don't want to ignore each other anymore... watching the way Landon acted the other day made me realize that our past is controlling us now" I answered 

We were still dancing as Luke gripped my waist tighter and spun us around, "I apologize for his actions... as you know it hasn't been easy for him lately"

"Is he mad at me? Did I do something or trigger him?" I asked wanting to understand 

"Its not that darlin... when you left he was young and then with Savannah, he began to feel. But I explained to him that everything between you and me was my fault" 

Luke's explanation made me feel worse, Landon didn't deserve to deal with the aftermath of our drama. He watched his mom walk out on him at such a young age...

I rested my head on Luke shoulder, "I'm sorry that happened" I said leaving a small kiss on his neck 

Luke tightened his arm around my waist, "its okay darlin... I'm just happy you're back"

"Me too... but this doesn't mean were dating... Landon is also a factor so we need to consider him. We're just friends" I sternly said 

As much as I've missed him... we should take things slow and build our relationship. I also don't want to jump into anything especially with Landon being involved. Our relationship affects him too anyways

Luke only smiled at me as he nodded his head, "whatever you say darlin"

Everyone left the dance floor as the bride and groom were getting ready to leave. We walked back to our table to grab my purse and watch Amber and George leave. Once we reached the crowd, Luke left to congratulate his best friend 

Amber came over to me with a huge smirk and I rolled my eyes knowing what she was going to say, "so... you and Luke?" she began 

"We are friends" I answered clearly 

Amber wiggled her eyebrows like she was onto something, "how is my baby cousin" I asked changing the subject 

I was the first one to know about the baby as Amber called freaking out since planning the wedding I've been offering my events background to help and kind of turned into the planner. I was really excited for them though because I know George would be an amazing dad

"She's kicking..." Amber laughed 

For only being three months her belly was very small, I could barely tell when I saw her. George thinks its a boy but Amber and I are very confident she'll be a girl. Our family has a strong girl gene

Luke came over to us and told Amber their car was here, we all walked outside to watch them leave. Amber looked amazing tonight and I was so happy the wedding turned out good, before she hopped inside all the ladies gathered around for her to throw the bouquet 

"You aren't going to get in?" Luke asked as I stood to the side

"Oh... I'm good" I laughed 

Amber threw the bouquet hard and the flowers hit me straight in the head, I was completely shocked as everyone turned to me with the bright pink roses. Amber, of course was still smirking as she stared at Luke and I 

"Looks like were expecting a wedding soon" George yelled as everyone cheered 

Luke and I gave each other a cheeky look as the bride and groom finally left. It was a great wedding and everyone began to clear out. Luke still had his hand rested around my waist as we walked to his car. I rode with Amber so now... I needed a ride home

"I think you did a great job" Luke complemented 

"Thank you, I haven't planned a wedding for a while so this was my comeback" I laughed as we got inside his car

"I'm really happy you're back darlin" he repeated for the 5th time tonight 

I couldn't help but blush whenever he said that, it made me feel the spark we had in the past. Luke was always a gentleman with me and though we had a rough ending, it didn't mean we couldn't start again