AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Eight
The bachelor party was a huge success. Even the guys who imbibed heavily were classy enough not to get falling-down drunk. Or maybe Joshua picked his friends carefully. Maybe he surrounded himself with men of depth.
Whatever the reason, the evening was going well.
When it was time for dinner, the men moved as one to the tables, where shrimp cocktails and Caesar salads sat waiting. As everyone dug in, Jake noted that Joshua had perhaps intentionally not set up a head table. In most families, the groom-to-be might be flanked by his two brothers. But the Lowell relationships, though cordial, were strained by the events of the past.
Jake sat with Oliver to his right and a Black Crescent employee he had just met on his left. The meal was fabulous. And it must have cost a fortune. Again, Jake felt guilty. He should have been the one paying for this spread. He could certainly afford it. But, heck. He hadn’t even known his brother was getting married.
Jake had kept himself out of the loop.
When the steaks and potatoes were only a memory, and there was a brief lull before dessert was served, Jake seized the moment to say a few words. He stood and cleared his throat. “As the twin brother of the groom, I believe it’s my duty to make a toast.”
Joshua grinned, his expression a mixture of surprise and pleasure. “By all means,” he said. “But if you start telling childhood stories, I’ll plead the Fifth.”
Ignoring laughter and a few catcalls, Jake began his spiel. “Joshua...you were known as the good kid, and I was the bad apple. I guess some things never change.”
A titter of laughter went around the room.
Jake continued. “For a decade and a half, you’ve managed to find the best in a really crappy situation. Now, although I’ve only met Sophie briefly, I can already tell that the two of you are a perfect match.”
“Thanks,” Joshua said, his posture slightly guarded as if he didn’t know what was coming next.
Jake reached beneath the dinner table and picked up the small package that was loosely wrapped in brown butcher paper. “Oliver and I want to give you something to mark this occasion. It’s not exactly a wedding gift. It’s more of a thank-you for being a damn good human being, and our steady-as-a-rock brother. We love you, man.”
Jake walked past several people and handed over the small package, then returned to his seat.
Joshua stood and carefully peeled back the paper. He examined the painting intently, his fingers clenched on the frame. His face went pale. He looked up, startled, staring at his two brothers. “My God. Is this really a...” He trailed off, his expression gobsmacked.
“It’s a Matisse,” Jake said quietly. Joshua’s reaction made him damn glad he’d come up with this idea.
Oliver, shoulder-to-shoulder with Jake, spoke up. “We’re pumped as hell that you’re jump-starting your art career, and I hope you know we’ll both be first in line to hang a few Josh Lowell masterpieces on our walls.”
Jake lifted his glass of champagne. “To Josh. May your marriage be as long lasting as this old master.”
“To Josh.” The chorus rose around the tables.
Amid the laughter and applause, Joshua stood and hugged each of his brothers tightly, then pulled them both in for a triple embrace. “Thanks, guys. This means the world to me.”
Oliver held up his hands. “We’re heading for the mushy zone. Time for more red meat and male bonding.” He returned to his seat with a chuckle.
Joshua kept his hand firm on Jake’s shoulder. “I’m not letting you hold me at arm’s length ever again. You got that?”
The words were low, only loud enough for Jake to hear. But they packed a punch. Jake nodded, his throat tight. “Understood.”
The remainder of the evening passed in a haze for Jake. He was more of a watcher than an active participant. The men in this room admired Joshua. It was evident in the way they joked with him and laughed with him and thanked him for inviting them to be part of his bachelor celebration.
Oliver was equally popular and social, though he drank nothing stronger than sparkling water. Jake wondered how his brother felt being present at an event where the alcohol flowed freely, but Oliver never seemed tempted.
The room was booked until midnight. Gradually, the guests began making their goodbyes. Oliver had come with a trio of guys and was the designated driver. Eventually, quiet fell. Only Joshua and Jake remained.
Joshua yawned. “That was fun. But I sure as hell am glad the wedding is not tomorrow. I’m going to go home and crash hard.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Jake said. “You want me to drive you? I switched to coffee a couple of hours ago.”
“Sure. I’d like that. My driver is waiting, but I’ll send him on.”
In the car, Jake adjusted the heat and made his way out of the crowded parking garage. “This may take a while,” he said, grimacing at the line of cars.
