Amber rolled her eyes. She’d bring Seth around to meet the guys after her bridesmaid obligations were over. She’d promised—both the men and women at Rivendall as well as Seth.
Had it really been a month since she’d started volunteering at the manor? She’d originally come to help Jack with wedding plans, but somehow that had morphed into ministering to the men and women who resided at the manor while they healed and recovered from their time in the armed services. Once the stately home of an earl, the grounds had been transformed as a legacy to Mrs. Abbott’s heroic WWII-fighting grandparents.
Her short time at Rivendall had been restorative to her as well. Never had she been so sure of what God wanted her to do with her life. Of who He wanted her to do life with.
She watched as Seth shook the hand of yet another person, all graciousness and humility. He cut a fine figure in his tailored tuxedo, his lean athletic body filling the suit out in all the right places. She was used to seeing him in trainers, flushed and perspiring. Either way—sweaty or cleaned up—he caused a thrill to shoot through her middle straight to her heart.
“Stop stealing the spotlight, Marshall.” Adam walked up and nudged Seth with an elbow. The lingering crowd hoping to have a word with the soccer star and snap a selfie dissipated. “The bride is going to kill you for robbing the show, and I don’t have any qualms about saying I am scared of that woman.”
Trent and his wife Summer joined them. “That’s because she could whip your backside.”
“You boys are incorrigible.” Summer shook her head. “Jack is tough, but she has to be to marry into this crazy family.”
“She’s a sweetheart.” Olivia, Adam’s girlfriend smiled.
Adam kissed her temple. “You would know.”
“Leave Seth alone.” Amber threaded her arm through Seth’s. “He didn’t ask for everyone to notice him. In fact, we would both love it if the gawking would stop. But fame comes with the territory, and he can’t help it if he’s the best striker known to soccer.” She patted him on his black lapels, staring up at him with a smile. “Besides, I don’t blame them for staring. I can’t keep my eyes off him either.”
Trent made gaging noises. “Please stop. We’re happy you found love and all, but you’re still our little sister.”
Michael and Jack strolled over from the photographer hand-in-hand.
“That was a beautiful ceremony, guys.” Olivia dabbed at her eye with a tissue.
“Oh?” Michael’s brows rose. “I wasn’t sure anyone was paying attention. Seemed like our guests were too busy whispering behind their programs about old Seth here.” He winked at Amber.
Amber knew her brothers were teasing, but she could feel Seth’s mounting anxiety in the squeeze of his hand. He’d been worried about today. Afraid her brothers wouldn’t accept him or some such crazy notion. She found it sweet, that the guy the world adored was concerned about the approval of her family. She’d tried to assure him that they’d love him as much as she did. That it had been Michael who’d given her a nudge—or a swift kick in the pants—to finally admit her feelings in the first place.
His palm dampened against hers.
“I’m sorry if I was a distraction.” He eased his fingers from her grip, brow low over his deep-set eyes. He cast her an unsure look. “Maybe it would be best if I left now so everyone can celebrate the bride and groom.”
Poor, sweet fool. Amber grabbed his arm and stilled his retreat. She pinned each of her brothers with a look they’d recognize. They’d had their fun, but she wasn’t going to let Seth leave thinking her brothers were upset with him for something as stupid as being famous.
Adam glanced away sheepishly. “Ah, we’re just messing with you, Marshall.”
“Yeah, man. If you’re going to be a part of this family, then you need to lighten up.” This from Trent.
“Like I said. Incorrigible.” Summer’s lips twisted, her eyes shining with love for her husband despite his penchant for teasing.
“Are my children behaving?” Anita Carrington sauntered over, her husband George in tow.
“Do we ever?” Michael leaned to the side and kissed her cheek.
“Don’t worry, Seth.” Jack smiled and swayed closer to Michael. Despite her insistence that no one ever use her given name of Jacqueline, she looked stunning in a white Jackie O-inspired vintage satin wedding gown. “Consider whatever it is these guys pestered you with as a sort of initiation into the family.”
Summer nodded. “Mine was at a Fourth of July barbeque.”
“Family game night,” Olivia chimed in.
Amber rose up on her toes and whispered into Seth’s ear, “It means they like you, honey.” She gave him a peck on the cheek.
Seth studied her family. “We’re good?”
Adam held out his hand and gave Seth a firm shake. “You’re aces in my book, mate.”
“These Carrington men.” Olivia groaned at Adam’s horrible attempt at a British accent. “You can’t help but love them.”
