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The next morning,my siblings and I all gathered at the house before the big event for a light brunch our house manager, Mrs. Burns, put together for us. She wanted to make sure Lenny ate something today and didn’t end up being a tipsy bride.
Her words, not mine.
That meant sleeping in wasn’t an option, which wouldn’t have been a big deal if I hadn’t slept like shit last night. But it’s hard to sleep when you keep going through all the ways you’ve fucked up.
Especially when you’re not someone who’s used to fucking up.
I went about this all wrong. I got so caught up in proving who I was, I forgot who I am. I’ve never been someone who’s okay with hurting other people. And I hurt Daphne last night.
I knew Daphne Brenner was different the first time she opened her smart mouth.
I just wasn’t ready for her.
This realization hit me like a Mac truck somewhere around six this morning, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since.
“What the fuck, Maximus? You’re in another fucking world today. Are you seriously this upset about Len getting married?” Sawyer elbows me, pulling me from my thoughts. My brothers and I stand at the back of the aisle, greeting guests as they arrive.
Glass hurricane candles line either side of the wooden floor brought in for tonight’s ceremony. White wooden chairs frame the space. I swear to God, it’s a fire waiting to happen, but Lenny wanted candlelight at sunset. So that’s what she got.
Twinkling lights are hung on all the trees and throughout the tent next to us that we’ll move into after the ceremony. It’s perfectly Len.
And apparently, I don’t look happy for her.
Fuck.
I try to ignore Sawyer, but he won’t shut up. “Sebastian’s a good guy. You need to stop playing dad and just be happy for her.”
“You’re an idiot. I’m happy for Len. She loves him. He worships her. They’re happy. That’s all I want for her. Why would you think I wasn’t?”
Coach Sinclair and his wife, Catherine, interrupt us to say hello before settling into their seats behind Bash and Sam’s grandmother.
“You’ve been in a shit mood all day, brother.” Hudson offers me his flask, but I shake my head. “The only time you’ve been happy at all is when Lenny’s been around. What’s up with that?”
Okay, maybe I could use some advice, but neither of these two asshats would know how to be in a relationship if they were hit over the head with one.
I look around for my other brothers, but it’s pointless. Jace is nineteen, and Becks is in a relationship with a succubus. So, I don’t think he’s an option either.
I need to get some fucking friends I’m not related to.
Declan is around here somewhere. He and I have become friends over the years. But I’m not sure we’re talk about your life friends. When I find him, he’s standing at the front of the aisle, off to the side. He’s officiating the ceremony today, and his twin girls are two of the flower girls, along with Madeline and Brynlee. One of Dec’s girls is on his hip, and he’s talking to Brandon fucking Dixon.
This asshole is like a fucking nasty case of jock itch, a real pain in my balls who won’t go away.
I take a step away from my brothers, excusing myself before the wedding coordinator halts me in my tracks. She’s a tiny woman who has a commanding presence, with a clipboard in her hands and a headset on her head. “It’s time, Mr. Kingston. Would you like to go get Eleanor, or would you like me to?”
I look over her shoulder and see Brandon’s already taken his seat next to Carys Murphy.
Good. Maybe they’re together and he’ll stay the hell away from Daphne.
Let’s see how Coach deals with him dating his stepdaughter.
“Mr. Kingston?” the coordinator pushes for an answer.
“I’ll get her. Thank you.” A pang of sadness hits me deep in my chest as I walk back up to the house along the smooth flagstone path that was brought in just for today. Short shepherd’s hooks with hanging candles light my way.
It’s my sister’s wedding day, and she deserves my undivided attention.
Time to get my head in the game.
