Page 52 of Pretend it’s Forever

Before I could say anything, my little sister was shoving me out the way and wrapping her arms around Sophia.

“You look gorgeous. I’m so glad you’re here. That annoying big brother of mine hides all of his friends and never lets me meet anyone.” She pulled back and gripped Sophia’s shoulders.

“Seriously, gorgeous. I love this champagne color on you. And you match the wedding perfectly.”

Sophia’s face was a lovely shade of pink, and while part of me wanted to pull Cora away and protect her, I knew that my sister needed people with her. Especially because as we got closer to the wedding itself, the lack of family on our end would begin to create a cacophony within her.

“Congratulations, Cora. It is lovely to meet you.”

“Carson was saying you have two little girls. Just know that they were welcome to come here, but it’s also good to have adult time.”

I turned slightly so I could watch Cora wink at Sophia, and the woman I could not stop thinking about just beamed right back.

“I have photos if you want to see.”

“As any good mother does. Of course I want to see. One day my brother over there is going to be an uncle, and I can’t wait to see him be all flustered with kids.”

“He’s oddly perceptive when it comes to the girls. In fact, they love him.”

Cora gave me a look, raising her brow. “Interesting. I didn’t realize that Carson was so good with kids.”

“I think it’s quite shocking to all of us,” Sophia teased.

“I knew I should have come alone to this wedding,” I grumbled. “Look at you two, ganging up on me.”

“Hush, hush,” Cora said, waving me off. “I’m kidnapping Sophia, and I’m bringing her to my get ready room. You can have her later.”

“Oh, Cora. You don’t have to do that. You’re with your friends.”

“I am, and you’re my friend now too. I’m sorry, but I’ve already adopted you.” There was an odd sense of panic in her tone, one that I wasn’t sure anyone else could hear, but from the way that Sophia’s head tilted, studying my sister, I realized that Sophia had also heard it.

My baby sister was stressing out about the wedding, most likely about a million things, and so of course Sophia would lean into caring. Because that’s who she was.

And it was another reason why I needed to stay away.

“I’ll see you at the wedding, I suppose,” I grumbled.

“Your seat will be right by his in the front. Don’t argue,” Cora said, waving her finger at Sophia. “You’re going to need to keep Mr. Blubbering over there calm.”

“I have never once blubbered,” I drawled.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing that,” Sophia teased.

“I knew I’d like you.” Cora grabbed Sophia’s hand. “We’ll see you soon, big brother. I’m going to get my dress on.”

“Carson,” Sophia said with a slight panic in her tone as she stared at me.

“Have fun,” I said softly. “You look beautiful, Sophia. In case I didn’t get to say that out loud.”

Sophia’s eyes widened, even as Cora wiggled her brows, and then the two were gone, Cora dragging Sophia to the other side of the hall, leaving me alone and wondering what the hell I’d gotten myself into.

I could have invited any one of my friends to join, so I wasn’t alone, and I knew any of the Cages or other businesspeople would have shown, but that wasn’t what today was for. Cora needed me, and I didn’t want to bring anyone who would stress her out.

I truly hadn’t even thought to bring Sophia until the words were out, and now she was here, and my sister had kidnapped her.

I had a feeling this wasn’t going to end well.

By the time the wedding itself came to fruition, my chest tightened, and I looked down at my baby sister and her beautiful cream gown, and just shook my head.