Page 3 of The Growly Outcast’s Promise

I almost didn’t even send Grey an invitation because I wasn’t sure he’d want to drive down from Saddle Creek. Frankly, I think it hurt his feelings that I even asked that.

“Bella,” his rumbly word comes from the other side of the door.

My stupid body reacts to the sound of his voice, like it usually does.

I put my hand on the knob and turn to fling the door open. Apprehensive, but ready to see my best friend after all these years.

Tattooed fingers grip the door though, preventing me from opening it all the way.

“Greyson?”

“Hey darlin’, you needing a groom?”

I chuckle and it comes out a little manic. “Funny story.”

“Just answer the question. You want to get hitched today? To me?”

My heart clutches at his words. Inexplicably, tears prickle at the back of my eyes.

Do I want to marry Grey? Yeah. More than I’ve ever wanted anything. Really, it’s all that I’ve ever wanted. But that’s also not what this is about.

So, I swallow back my emotions and say simply, “Yes.”

“Alright then, that’s what I needed to know. I’ll see you at the front of—well, it’s not a church, exactly.”

“Normally a restaurant that looks over the clear blue water. I would have preferred barefoot on the beach with sand between my toes, but Grandmother would have none of that.”

He unwraps his inked fingers and holds his hand out to me. But something is still blocking the door from opening.

I take his hand in mine, and he gives me a squeeze.

“Then let’s get married,” he says.

“Just like that? Even though it was a ridiculous pact we made when we were children?”

“I meant it then. I mean it now.”

“Greyson, open the door. Let me hug you.”

“Nah, darlin’, it’s bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the wedding.”

I laugh, but then realize he’s completely serious. I blow out a breath. “Are you sure?”

“Bella,” he warns.

“Okay, I know you. You don’t say things you don’t mean.”

“Right. Deep breaths, darlin’, I got you.”

For the first time today, relief washes over me. “Thank you.”

“See you out there.”

“I’ll be the one in a big poufy white dress.”

“Looking forward to seeing you in it.”

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