I nod and take a long sip of wine, hoping she’s telling the truth. I’d never forgive myself if I came between them.
“Enough about my overprotective brother,” I say, steering the conversation in a different direction. “Are we planning another bachelorette party?”
Paisley waves a dismissive hand. “No need for that.”
“There’s every need,” Taylor insists. “I ruined the last one.”
“It wasn’t your fault, Tay,” Paisley says gently. “It was an accident.”
“I’d still feel better if you got a do-over for your night.”
“Well, we’re all together now,” Paisley points out.
“But Bree isn’t here, and Sophie has to get back to Hunter,” I remind her. “What about in a few weeks’ time? The guys could plan something too.”
“Uh, guys… I’m not ready to leave Hunter with anyone except Cade,” Sophie says apologetically. “And he should be at his brother’s bachelor party, so I might have to sit this one out. Sorry, Paisley.”
“Of course you don’t want to leave him,” Paisley says warmly. “And I don’t even need a bachelorette party.”
“This is happening, Paisley,” Taylor says firmly.
“You have to let Taylor and Ash do this for you,” Sophie adds with a grin.
Paisley laughs, holding up her hands in surrender. “Fine. Looks like I’m outnumbered anyway.”
“You definitely are,” I confirm. “We’ll let the guys know when we meet them later at Eden.”
The server sets our food down, and the conversation fades as everyone starts eating. I push my food around my plate, barely eating anything. My appetite is non-existent, and my mind keeps drifting. The idea of going to Eden after dinner makes my stomach roll, and I wonder if I should just head home instead. Nash will be there, and I’m not sure I have the energy for another confrontation with him.
Ben
After leaving Eden,I spend the rest of the afternoon attempting to get some work done, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t focus and find myself reading the same paragraph over and over before finally giving up. After a quick shower and a bite to eat, I pace the entryway, waiting for my Uber as nerves creep in. Meeting Ash’s brothers tonight feels like progress. Seb seems to have accepted me, and Nash inviting me out might mean he’s starting to come around, but there’s still plenty that could go wrong.
The chime of my phone pulls me from my thoughts. I reach for it, smiling when I see a message from Ash. We’ve exchangeda few texts today, but I haven’t mentioned that I’m heading to Eden. If things go well, hopefully I’ll still be there when she arrives with the girls.
Ash:Hey, we’re heading to Franco’s now. I wish you were staying at my place tonight. It would be nice if you were in my bed when I got home.
I smile, wishing the same. Maybe if everything goes as planned, I will be. Before I can type out a response, a car horn honks outside, signaling my ride has arrived. I lock up quickly, jog down the porch steps, and slide into the back seat, giving the driver a quick nod before replying to Ash.
Me:Hi, baby. Hope you’re having fun. God, I wish you were coming home to me too. I’ve missed you today.
Almost immediately, my phone vibrates with her reply.
Ashlyn:I miss you too. Can I call you later?
My smile grows as I type back.
Me:Of course you can. Talk to you later, baby.
Twenty minutes later, the car pulls up outside Eden. I thank the driver, step out, and take a steadying breath as I stand on the sidewalk. Nerves churn in my stomach. I need tonight to go well. Pushing them aside, I head inside, my gaze sweeping the room. There’s no sign of Nash or Wyatt yet, so I make my way to the bar where Seb is serving. He spots me and lifts a hand in greeting.
“Hey, Ben. What can I get you?”
“A beer, please.”
He nods. “Coming right up.”
Grabbing a bottle of Bud from the fridge, he slides it across the bar. I reach for my wallet, but he waves me off.
