1
With a deep bracing breath, Glory McCallahan got herself under control. She would not cry. Absolutely not. Crying made her nose red and her eyes puffy, so by God, she’d withhold her happy tears.
Because, damn it, shewashappy. Never mind that things would never again be the same for her; her cousin, Callie, was now happily married to a perfect guy and they’d be starting their life together in her beloved hometown.
All good news. For Callie.
Unfortunately, Glory felt like she’d just lost the best piece of herself. No one had ever loved her like Callie did. Not the parents she’d lost, or the aunt and uncle who’d raised her. Definitely never a man.
Throughout the years, she’d relied on her cousin in so many ways, and now...
Now she was alone.
Or at least she would be once the wedding reception wrapped up, and she returned to her new home. Her new life. Her new...everything.
She’d only recently purchased the modest house in her cousin’s hometown neighborhood so she’d be nearby but not underfoot. She couldn’t bear being underfoot. Especially not now that Callie was so happy.
Damn it.I will not cry.
“I need a refill,” her aunt called out to her, thankfully giving her something to do other than feel sorry for herself.
With a smile pinned in place, Glory hurried to flag a server for her. After Aunt Liz was settled again, her Uncle Frank slipped her some envelopes. “These are for the staff. See that they get them, okay?”
“Of course.” She turned to the groom’s mother, Addie. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
Addie, always a sweetheart, smiled at her. “You could sit down and take a break. I swear, Glory, you haven’t been off your feet all night.”
Before Glory could answer, her aunt added, “She’s right, Glory. You’re looking a little ragged with your cheeks flushed and your hair flying every which way. Maybe you should run to the restroom and tidy yourself up.”
“She looks beautiful,” Addie replied.
Leaning in, her aunt confided, “She’s starting to get dewy.”
Which was Aunt Liz’s way of saying she was sweaty.
“Sheglows,” Addie countered with an edge.
Glory almost grinned. Lately, she’d noticed Addie being her champion, even when it wasn’t necessary. “I’ll tidy my hair in a minute, Aunt Liz.” Honestly, she looked forward to the moment alone.
Still smiling, Glory turned to follow the server toward the kitchen of the quaint event hall. Along the way she felt...Well, she felt an unnerving tingle that traveled along her spine. Glancing back, she caught Kam Norwood, the groom’s oh-so-hot and annoying younger brother, watching her intently. For a second, her breath caught—and then he looked away as if he’d merely been skimming the room and accidentally focused on her.
Heat rushed into her face and her lungs deflated. Of course, Kam wasn’t checking her out. The man could barely stand her. Most of the time, if he looked at her, it was with a critical eye.
Well, screw him.
No...wait. She would not screw him. Not ever—even if she thought about it far too often. Seriously, what red-blooded woman wouldn’t?
Another waiter passed her, giving her a barely-there smile.
Maybe her hair was worse than she thought.
Against her will, her gaze returned to Kam. Of course, he looked amazing whether he was in his usual jeans and a T-shirt or dressed up in a tux for his brother’s wedding, as he was now.
Tall, lean, and strong, with dark chestnut hair, incredible green eyes, and a smile that could cause a girl’s heart to stutter. As the best man, he’d been busy, too, and other than walking into the ceremony together, and the customary dance—which had been crazy-awkward, at least for Glory—she’d barely spoken to him. Maybe she should...
A young woman who was part of the staff drew Kam’s attention. He gave her an immediate smile that flowed into easy conversation and a few laughs. The way they talked, Glory figured they were probably hooking up.
Refusing to acknowledge the envious kick to her heart, she got back to her assigned task. She distributed the envelopes to the available staff, leaving the rest with Dan Fellows, the owner of the hall, to share with those who were currently busy—like the pretty young woman engaging Kam.
