Page 27 of Claimed By The Other Brother

Everyone drinks. I bring my glass to my lips with a shaking hand.

Dax sits down, and Barbara leans over to whisper something to him. He nods, responding, but his eyes drift back to me. I feel flushed, overheated despite the restaurant's air conditioning.This is insane. He gave a perfectly appropriate toast. There's no reason for my heart to be racing.

Miles reaches over and squeezes my hand.

"That was nice of Dax."

"Yes," I manage. "It was."

Across the table, Dax picks up his wine glass and takes a slow sip, watching me over the rim. I look away first.

Dinner winds down slowly. Guests begin gathering their things, saying their goodbyes. I hug relatives, accept well-wishes, smile until my face hurts.

My parents are among the first to leave. My mother kisses my cheek and whispers, "Try to get some rest tonight. Tomorrow is a big day."

"I will, Mom."

My father hugs me tight. "We love you, sweetheart."

"Love you too, Dad."

Jane and Sarah appear at my side.

"We're going to head out,"Jane says.

"Let you have some time with Miles before tomorrow."

"Thank you for everything tonight." I hug them both.

"I couldn't do this without you."

"That's what we're here for," Sarah says.

"See you tomorrow morning. Bright and early."

They leave, and I'm standing near the entrance, suddenly alone in the thinning crowd.

"Scarlett."

I turn. Dax is there, just a few feet away.

"Tomorrow's the big day," he says.

"Yes." My voice sounds breathless.

"I still can't believe it's here."

"Are you ready?"

The question feels loaded with meaning I can't decipher.

"I think so. As ready as anyone can be."

We stand in silence for a moment, and I'm hyperaware of the space between us. Two feet. Maybe less.

"Scarlett!" Miles appears, slightly unsteady on his feet. He's definitely been drinking. He wraps an arm around my shoulders.

"Hey, babe. The guys want to grab a nightcap. Bachelor party continued." He grins sloppily.