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What’s the worst she can do?
Ask me to leave?
I try the knob and get my answer when the door is locked.
Fuck. That’s worse.
* * *
The next day is the definition of controlled chaos all day. Dad and Katherine insisted on having a brunch for just the family, no friends. They rarely make that request, but it’s Nattie’s wedding day, and they wanted us all together. The twins and Callen were hopped-up on sugar from the minute the waffles and syrup touched their lips. Nattie spent the morning throwing up, and Sabrina and Belles barely touched any food. People were in and out of the house all day, and there was no privacy at all before Declan, Tommy, Murphy, and I were all kicked out to go over to Brady’s house to get ready with the groom.
I did manage to grab Nattie coming out of the bathroom before I left though. “Nat.”
She turns and looks at me. She’s in short white shorts and a little zipped-up hoodie that saysFuture Mrs. Ryanon the back. Her hair is piled high in rollers on top of her head, and she looks a little green.
“Hey, Coop.” She leans her head against my shoulder. “Am I married yet? Because I’m already exhausted.”
“You’re cooking the next Sinclair twins. It’s no wonder you’re tired, sis.” I kiss her head. “I’m so proud of you, Nat. I remember when Brady talked to me about dating you. Did he ever tell you what I told him?”
She shakes her head—no.
“I told him he was a good guy, and that I trusted him to take care of you. He’s a great guy, Nat, and you’re the best there is. The two of you deserve to be happy together. You deserve it all. I love you, little sister.”
She laughs like I knew she would. “I’m three minutes older than you.”
“And an entire foot shorter.” I squeeze my sister, my pregnant sister, who’s about to get married. “Man, when did we get so fucking old and responsible?”
“Says the guy the military trusts with guns bigger than me.” She rolls her eyes.
“Go get ready, Nat. Is there anything you want me to tell Brady?”
The smile that graces her face is incredible. “Yes, please. Tell him I can’t wait to be his wife.” She lifts up on her toes and kisses my cheek. “Thank you so much for being here, Cooper. I don’t know what I would have done if you couldn’t be.”
“Love you, Nat.”
She beams up at me. “Love you too, Cooper. Now, go before I cry.”
I stand there for a moment as she goes upstairs, watching Carys chase Callen around the kitchen, laughing. And I know without a doubt, I’ll never stop fighting for her.
I’m going to marry that woman one day, and we’re going to get our happy life the way my sister and Brady are.
.
Tommyand I are dancing to Otis Redding halfway through the reception when Cooper cuts in. “Hey, Tommy. You think I could dance with Carys for a few minutes?”
Tommy looks at me, and I smile and nod. “Save one for me later, okay?”
“Okay, Carys.” He starts to walk away when Chloe grabs him to dance with her.
The band’s horn section hits their part beautifully, and Cooper spins me around the dance floor. “Have I told you that you’re the most gorgeous woman in this room?”
I blush, and the band switches to “When I Fall In Love.” It’s like the freaking universe is conspiring against me. “No, you haven’t. But no one here tonight holds a candle to your sister.”
My skin lights up with heat at the touch of his hand against my bare shoulder blade.
“My eyes have only seen you all day, Carys.” The hand on my waist tugs me closer to him.
“Coop... Be careful. What if someone is watching?” I glance around, but no one seems to be paying any attention to us. This wedding is gigantic compared to Aiden’s. There are at least four hundred people here, and that does make it easier to blend in.
