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Veronica Whitfield, the little sister of Cole and Finn’s best friend from foster care Mark, had been the fourth wheel in the boy’s group. But they both got adopted and moved away from the city a year before Vivian took in Cole and Finn. Mark now lived in British Columbia and Veronica ran a wedding planning business out of her home.
“Our friend from foster care is a wedding planner.”
“Finn that would be wonderful.” Sterling’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“It’s selfish, really.” Finn crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t take well to strangers telling me what food to make.”
“Are you sure it’s just strangers?” Jack said with a smile.
Penn walked around the group holding a tray of mimosas. One glass didn’t have orange juice at all.
“Penn will you help me find a dress? I was thinking something vintage.”
“Did someone say vintage?” Penn’s ears perked up with her favorite word. “I know just the place.”
“Everyone take a glass.” Neil announced. When everyone had a drink, including Carson, he began. “Congratulations Jack and Sterling. Someone very special is missing from this moment. She would have loved being a part of this. She would have loved to see Jack settle down with one woman.”
Jack laughed, but it was forced. They had all grown silent.
“No Madewood goes at things alone. You might as well learn that early, Sterling. You’re stuck with all of us, ‘til death do you part. And Finn always wanted a little sister.”
“Jack made do for a while,” Finn said and everyone chuckled.
Neil continued. “It’s about time we had another female in the Madewood clan. Welcome and we wish you all the best.”
“To Jack and Sterling,” Cole said. The group repeated his incantation.
While everyone sipped from the champagne glasses, Sterling showed off her ring to Penn. Finn and Cole slapped Jack on the back and they laughed at something that was said.
Jack pulled away and approached Neil, his expression became somber. “I’m sorry. I know you probably think this will take away from the farm project because people are more interested in where my penis goes than our business” Jack mocked Neil. “But I just couldn’t wait.” Jack looked lovingly at Sterling.
What kind of monster did they think he was? Someone who couldn’t even be happy about a wedding? Someone who chose business over family?
Was that the image he’d been projecting all of these months?
Neil approached his brothers and pulled all three of them into a hug. “I think I speak for Finn and Cole when I say…” Finn’s hand squeezed tightly where it gripped Neil’s shoulder in warning. He wasn’t going to ruin this moment. He needed this. They all needed this happy news. “This is the best news we’ve heard in a long time.”
Cole nodded and Finn smacked Neil’s shoulder in affection.
They celebrated for a while longer and Carson thanked everyone for allowing her to be a part of the special announcement.
Neil glanced at his watch. Ten to two. He had to get going. He still had to do the shopping and drive uptown to teach the program.
“Penn, can you get me the number for one of those car services? It’s my turn to teach the program and I need a ride.”
“I can take you.” Carson spoke from behind him.
“No, I’ll be quite a few hours and I don’t think a night with a few teenagers is your idea of fun.” They should probably keep their contact to the bedroom. Especially now that their business was concluded. Spending too much time together would just make things way too complicated.
“I’d like to go. See what the program is all about. I’ve heard all about it. Maybe I can help.”
Unlike his brothers, Neil didn’t get too deep into the lives of the kids in the program. But despite trying to keep his distance, he knew that bringing Carson along could lead to doors of his past he wanted kept shut. Doors she had no business opening. Her or anyone else for that matter.
Despite his concerns, he heard himself say, “All right.” The words slipped from his mouth. Too easily. “But I don’t like slackers. You’re going to have to cook.”
Carson winked. “Whatever you say, Chef.”
Chapter Six
