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She moves us all into the living room, my brother chiming in with where the best light is as she gets us set up, jackets now on and drinks in hand. As she steps back so she can fit us all in, I hear Brandon, who stands between me and my brother murmur, “This will be you next.”
Simon cracks up laughing as he says, “Hundred bucks says he does it before the end of the night.”
“Hundred says he doesn’t even make dessert,” Brandon chimes in.
“How about a thousand if you two can shut the fuck up?” I say, still smiling as Zoey snaps some photos, oblivious to the conversation we’re having.
“Oh nope, I’m going hundred on him not making it to the reception,” Simon says, laughing as I reach around and smack the back of his head.
After she’s done, Zoey rejoins us, grabbing her drink from the counter as we stand by the large glass doors, waiting for the car to arrive. Outside, Eric, our security guy is waiting, dressed in a black suit instead of his usual black pants and fitted t-shirt.
“This guy your date for tonight?” Simons asks, gesturing to him with his glass.
“For the ceremony, yes,” Zoey confirms. “He looks pretty nice, doesn’t he?”
“He might look nice, but he better keep his fucking hands to himself, is what he better do,” I say.
Zoey turns to me with a grin. “Are you worried about John Cena hitting on me, baby?” she teases.
“No, I’m worried about John Cena getting a little handsy with you.”
Simon chuckles beside me as Brandon says, “I mean he’s a pretty good-looking guy.” I turn to my best friend, giving him a slow blink as if to say, what the fuck? Brandon just cracks up, elbowing me in the ribs. “Dude, I’m just messing with you.”
“Hmmm, well just remember, this guy was at your future wife’s bachelorette party,” I say.
“As the stripper,” Zoey chimes in, giving me a secret wink.
“What?” Brandon asks, just as Eric turns and knocks on the glass of the doors, swirling a finger in the air as if to say it’s time to move.
“Guess it’s go time,” I say, throwing back the rest of my drink. “You ready?” I ask.
Brandon finishes off his whiskey, his gaze moving from mine to Simon’s to Zoey’s, a nervous expression now filling his face.
With a grin, I turn to my brother. “Hundred bucks says he’s crying before we even reach the lodge.”
Simon scoffs, as he replies with, “A hundred says he shits his pants before we reach the lodge.”
Zoey laughs, taking everyone’s glasses as we all make our way to the front door. “Stop being mean!” she says, grabbing her purse as she steps toward me. “Have fun. I’ll see you there,” she whispers, leaning in to kiss me.
I slide an arm around her waist, bringing her closer as I deepen the kiss a little. “Stay with Eric, okay? I’ll see you after the photos.”
She smiles against my lips. “I will, I promise. No hands though,” she adds, giving me a wink.
Chuckling, I kiss her once more, whispering, “Love you.”
CHAPTER26
ZOEY
Idon’t know Brandon and Tracy super well, but watching Ethan up there with his best friend, brings tears to my eyes. The smile he wears on his face tells me he’s never been happier, not just for himself but for his friends too.
Not that I didn’t expect it, but the ceremony location is stunning, and I know the reception is going to be even better. Badger Creek looks magazine perfect this time of year just as the season is changing from its usual snow-covered peaks to the picturesque lush green trees and the wildflowers. With the backdrop of the mountains and how gorgeous Tracy looks, this could be used in promotional material for weddings hosted at Badger Creek.
I swipe my fingers under my eyes, brushing away the tears just as Eric hands me a tissue. Giving me a soft smile, he pats his pocket and hits me with a wink.
“Do you always carry tissues in your pocket?” I ask him in a hushed whisper. I blot at my eyes, not wanting to ruin my makeup.
“We’re at a wedding, Zoey,” he replies, but his deep voice can’t force out a whisper and the woman behind us giggles at his comment.
