Page 117 of I Choose You

“Why don’t you just ask someone?” He wouldn’t have a hard time finding someone.

Or maybe he would. He’s probably slept his way through the city already.

“Because I don’t want to. I’ll hook up with someone at the wedding.”

I shook my head, giving up on the subject as Colette and Tristan reached us.

“How are you doing?” Tristan asked after we greeted each other.

“Been better,” I admitted.

Kody snorted and Tristan looked at him, confused.

Enough about me. “I can’t wait to see what it looks like inside,” I told Colette.

“It’s a bummer you couldn’t make it when that wedding was going on,” she replied. “Much easier to picture it all and figure out what you’d like for placement.”

Kody rolled his eyes but smiled as he retorted. “Aisle in the middle, guests on the side. Easy.”

I shot him a look.

“Easy.” Tristan scoffed. “Right.”

“I’m sorry we missed it,” I said of our previous appointment to check out the place.

“No worries.” She leaned to see past me. “Are we waiting on your dad, then?”

“Nope. Just us,” I said.

We entered the historic house and I marveled at how large it was. I knew it was a big building, but looking at the front, I wondered if it would seem cramped inside. The space was deceivingly generous with high ceilings. I stood in the front foyer, admiring all the details that seemed to have fallen out of style. Crown molding, scrollwork on trims, antique chandeliers. Craftmanship was evident here, giving the place a classic appearance.

“Where can I take a piss?” Kody asked Tristan. He was already bored.

I saw the potential at once. Colette was thorough, pointing out the rooms, their capacities, and the amenities they had to offer. Outside, I scanned the reception space that was often preferred over the ballroom inside. I honestly could see both being used, regardless of the weather. Fall was quickly approaching. Some days, I needed my jacket, and on others, I wanted to turn the AC back on. Who knew what the weather would be like for their wedding, but it would be nice to have options.

If this was to be the event of the year, I voted to go all out and rent the entire property.

“I think Dad and Margaux will love it,” I told Colette.

She grinned at me, pressing her hands together as she lifted her shoulders. “Really? Oh, I can’t wait.”

Kody and Tristan returned, cracking up. They’d split up, lingering at one of the many bars as Kody asked detailed questions about those offerings. Colette and I stood waiting for them, finished with the tour.

“Why have I never heard about this kilt story?” Kody asked.

I slanted Tristan a hard look. “Dude.”

“They had some Irish shield or something hanging in the second-floor bar room.” Kody was still chuckling. “And he said—”

I shook my head and waved my hand for him to settle down. “All right. That’s enough.”

“Kilt?” Colette asked, amused. She flicked a finger at my hair. “A blond, blue-eyed guy like you in a kilt?”

“Enough,” I warned, but I kept a smile on my lips.

We all walked outside, and Colette asked about how the wedding planning is going.

“Mercedes is handling most of it,” Kody said.