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He couldn’t believe Clara was finally letting down her guard with him—not completely but enough for him to get a glimpse of the woman he used to know. Though he’d enjoyed their time together, it made him realize just how much he missed what they’d had together—how deeply he missed having her in his life.
And maybe that was what was driving him to make decisions he might not otherwise make. Still, he’d made his mind up, and he wasn’t going to change it. First, he needed to speak with his brother.
And so he’d returned from his short visit in San Francisco to Hugh’s beach house. By then, it was late in the evening. He didn’t expect to run into anyone at that hour. He figured they’d either be out with friends or asleep. It seemed to be the norm with his brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law. As he used the key his brother had given him to let himself inside, he was surprised to find the lights on.
Instead of heading to the guest suite to crash for the night, he made his way to the living room. If Hugh was up, he might as well get this conversation over with.
He found Hugh lounged back on the couch, munching on some potato chips while watching a late baseball game. Any other time, Andrew would consider joining him, but he was exhausted. After their talk, he was calling it a night.
Hugh glanced up when he heard Andrew enter the room. “Hey, I was wondering when you were coming back.”
“Miss me already?” Even though they’d only gotten to know each other a few months ago, they’d rapidly gained a light and easy rapport.
“Not hardly. I just didn’t know if I needed to find a new best man.”
Andrew lounged back on the other end of the navy-blue leather sectional. “Afraid not. You’re stuck with me.”
Hugh arched a brow at him. “I thought you were making a quick trip north. Just an overnight trip is what you said. I take it your trip went better than you expected.”
The vision of Clara’s bright, cheerful smile filled his mind. “It was bumpy at first, but things are getting better.”
Hugh smiled. “That’s good. I take it having your ex plan our wedding has helped.”
“Yes, it has.” Then guilt settled over him. “I hope I didn’t push you into something you didn’t want.”
“No, man, we’re good. This way Tula doesn’t have to stress about every single detail of the wedding.”
Andrew nodded in understanding. “So, you both think Clara’s doing a good job?”
“I haven’t had much to do with the wedding, but I haven’t heard Tula complain. Let me tell you, that’s saying a lot.”
Relief washed over him. “I’m glad to hear it. Clara is very good at what she does.”
He didn’t doubt Clara’s abilities as a wedding planner, but he also knew Tula liked to have things done her way. He’d hoped the two women wouldn’t disagree about everything and instead would be able to work together.
Hugh turned a questioning look his way. “For being her ex, you seem very invested in helping her.”
Andrew shrugged as he glanced away. His gaze landed on the huge flat screen television where an ad for an upcoming action movie was playing. “I just want to see things go well for her.”
Hugh studied him for a moment. “I think it’s more than that. Does my big brother still have a flame burning for his ex?”
“No!” The answer came far too quickly and with too much force. Andrew swallowed hard. “It’s not like that.”
Leave it to his brother to go straight for the jugular. This was a subject Andrew’s thoughts had danced around and avoided on the drive home. Just because he wanted good things for Clara didn’t mean he still had feelings for her.
“Like what?” Hugh asked.
“We were over years ago. There’s no going back. No do-over.”
“Uh-huh.” The look on his brother’s face said he didn’t believe him. It was okay, though, because Andrew didn’t believe a word he was saying either.
Andrew decided to turn the subject around on him. “Are you still sure a do-over with Tula is the right thing?”
Hugh’s eyes widened. “Deflection, huh?” He paused as though considering the question. “She says she’s changed—that she’s done a lot of maturing since our first marriage.”
“It wasn’t that long ago.” Andrew stopped himself when he realized he was supposed to be there to support his brother, not rain down a bunch of doubt on him.
And as much as they enjoyed bantering back and forth as though they’d been in each other’s lives forever, the truth was their relationship was new to them. It was fragile. He had to proceed carefully, even if he did have serious concerns about this upcoming marriage.
