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When his eyes landed on Liza, breath caught in his chest. She was wearing a long, tight fitting dress with thin straps. The color reminded him of red wine—and Liza was just as intoxicatingly beautiful.
The pastor finished his remarks and then invited Maggie to share her vows. When it was Chase’s turn, he said, “I’m not always great with words.” The guy next to Chase, who was undeniably his brother, handed him a guitar. Maggie covered her mouth with her hand.
Chase began singing, but the lyrics kept replaying in Miller’s mind.
“For so long I was stuck. But then God brought you, I know it wasn’t luck. You were made to be mine. Praise to the Divine, I see the way you shine.”
Although Chase was singing about Maggie, the words reminded Miller of Liza.
Miller pulled into the parking garage of the swanky hotel in downtown Minneapolis where the wedding reception was being held. He’d only briefly gotten to talk to Liza at the wedding ceremony. She had apologized and mumbled something in passing about pictures and fixing Maggie’s hair. Miller didn’t mind. The last few days had been chaotic, so quiet was nice. However, he was anxious to spend time with Liza. As much as he tried to keep himself from forming an attachment to her, he had failed. And he was finally ready to tell her.
In the reception hall, he spotted a huge buffet table. Maggie and Chase were eating at a small table near the dance floor. He counted five peacock ice sculptures. Apparently, they were the official wedding mascot.
“You look so good!” Liza came up behind him and drew him in for a hug.
Being so close to her, he was even more amazed by how gorgeous she was.
Miller tried to play it cool despite his surging attraction. “Thanks. I still think my old dress pants would have been a bold fashion choice."
“Definitely would have made heads turn.” Liza's dimples appeared. “Let’s get some food. I’m starving. My mom went a little crazy on some stuff but she nailed the food. It’s a buffet and no assigned seating, so we won’t get stuck sitting by people we don’t want to talk to.”
“Perfect." Miller followed her to the buffet line.
After getting their food, they settled at an empty table. Liza picked up a kabob. “I haven’t had anything except string cheese today.”
“Shocker." Miller smirked.
“I’m gonna devour this. Don’t judge.” Liza took a giant bite of chicken.
A woman that had Liza’s blonde hair and dark brown eyes approached. Her dress was short and low cut. Beside her stood a petite, wrinkly woman in a peach pant suit. “Liza, your great aunt Louise said you haven’t taken a minute to chat with her.”
“Oh, Aunt Louise.” Liza stood and hugged the small woman. “So good to see you. Sorry, I’ve just been running around trying to keep up with maid of honor duties. How are you?”
Aunt Louise patted her back. “Oh I’m good. Sewing like crazy to make sure Greta Johansen can’t beat my current record of one hundred thirty-seven quilts donated to the children’s hospital.”
“Oh, wow… that’s a… noble endeavor,” Liza managed.
“Enough about me though, dear. I need to hear an update on you.” Aunt Louise pulled out a chair and gestured for Liza to return to her seat.
“Well, I’m still pursuing fashion design… and… I have a good number of followers on Instagram. And… I'm nannying." Liza trailed off, sounding less confident with every word. “Oh, I also started volunteering at a local dog rescue.”
Miller leaned over. “She’s incredible with the dogs—just like she is with kids and fabric.”
Liza looked over at him and blinked like she was being pulled out of a daze. A grin slowly spread across her face and her eyes filled with appreciation at his compliment.
“Mom, Aunt Louise, I want to introduce you to myextremelysweet boyfriend, Miller Brooks.”
Miller reached over to shake Aunt Louise’s hand and then stood to politely greet Liza’s mom. Deborah shifted her weight and popped out her hip. She barely touched his fingers.
“I don’t understand… Wha? When?” Then she waved her questions away. “Nevermind. Liza, there’s an old friend that wants to see you. I’ll be right back.”
“Mom.” Liza called after her, but Deborah Eckland was marching away.
“Well, the cheesecake is beckoning me. You just keep trying your best and I know you’ll find your way, sweetheart.” Aunt Louise stood and pushed her chair in.
Liza cringed and turned to Miller. “Sorry. That’s Hurricane Deborah for you.” She sighed and shoved another piece of meat into her mouth.
A slow song began, and the DJ called Maggie and Chase to have their first dance. Miller noticed the way Liza smiled as she watched her sister with Chase. She exuded genuine joy. Being an only child, Miller always craved the sibling bond.
