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“Hey, babe.” I turn to find Vivian swishing toward us wearing a slim, white, sleeveless gown. What is it about a bride that takes your breath away? She’s ethereal in the golden sunshine. The red roses pinned in her dark hair match her red lips.
“Hey there, big brother,” she greets.
“You have another hour or so before it’s official. Change your mind yet?” I tease.
“Never.” I like how certain she sounds. That spike of jealousy in my heart drives deeper.
“You are stunning. And deserve a lot better than this idiot.” I shoot a thumb in Nate’s direction.
“Don’t I know it.” She beams at him. “I can’t help it. I love him like crazy, you know?”
“Yeah, he’s sort of irresistible.” I stand and move out of the way when she bends to kiss her husband-to-be. They murmur I-love-yous, and I swear I hear my own heart cracking. I have to fly to Miami today and find Talia or I’ll lose my mind.
If I don’t track her down and beg and plead and offer to do everything within my human capabilities, I’ll never forgive myself. At least I’ll know I tried everything. I’ve given her as much space and time as I’m willing. I’ve lost too much sleep while in limbo. Either she needs to shoot me down with a bazooka or admit she’s in love with me. There is no in-between for me.
“I’d better sneak back before your mom finds out I’m over here.” Vivian lifts her dress to tiptoe through the grass. “She’s a traditionalist and believes it’s bad luck to see each other before the ceremony. I lied and told her I was going to the powder room.” She winks, her grin as bright as the sky. “See you up there, big guy.”
“I’ll be there,” Nate promises.
When she’s gone, I retake my seat on the bench and tip the flask for another nip. “You are marrying up.”
“Aren’t we all.” His eyes stay pinned over my shoulder for a beat before returning to mine. “So, you’re going to Miami to find Talia, and then what?”
“I’ll tell her how I feel. Deal with the consequences. Whatever they may be.”
“Can’t wait ‘til tomorrow?”
“No.” I give him an apologetic head shake. “It can’t. Some best man I turned out to be, huh?”
“Benji has taken his role as your understudy seriously. We’ll make do. Sure you don’t want to tell her sooner?”
“I’m not leaving before the wedding if that’s what you’re suggesting.” I do have some standards. Plus, Mom would strangle me. “And I can’t tell her what I have to tell her over the phone. I need her to see me when I say it.”
“Let’s hear it.” He makes a “come on” motion to me.
I tense. “Why?”
“Because you need to make sure what’s in your head and your heart comes out of your mouth the way you want it to. You have one last shot with this girl. Don’t you want to make the most of it?”
Why does he always make such good points?
He waits. I stare down at the flask in my hands, trying to sort my thoughts. “I’ll start with ‘I love you.’”
My brother waits silently for me to continue. I shift on the bench, my gaze on the roses at the altar. “I love you,” I repeat. “I don’t want to live without you. Give me one more chance to prove to you that you are ready for a lifelong love. Let me show you how it can be me.” I scratch my cheek, embarrassed. “I don’t know. Something like that. Or maybe I’ll beg.”
“I like a man who isn’t too proud to beg,” I hear behind me. Not Vivian this time. Nate smiles stupidly at the someone over my shoulder. Unless I’m hallucinating, or far more drunk on a few sips of bourbon than I should be, that voice belongs to the woman who belongs on my arm.
I twist my neck to look behind me. Talia is dressed in blue, standing a few feet away. I rise from my seat, blinking dumbly as my brain accepts her surprise appearance.
I tear my attention from Talia to find my other brother and other soon-to-be sister-in-law grinning proudly. “Sorry we’re late,” Benji says.
“Good job, you two,” Nate tells them as he stands from the bench.
“You knew about this?” I ask him.
“Someone had to do something.” He thumps me on the back and then goes to Talia and whispers into her ear. My brothers and Cris wander off, leaving Talia and I alone in the garden.
“This is a pretty venue for a wedding.” She’s visibly nervous, knotting and unknotting her fingers.
