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Chapter One – Perfect
October
Minty
I walked downstairs to the living room, the house so thick with joy it physically rocked me.
The groom’s parents, Jeanie and Calum, bustled back and forth with final preparations. He swatted her on the ass on her way past, and she came to a full stop, turned to him, and beamed.
He tipped his chin down, his eyes to the floor, and rested his hands loosely on his lean hips.
Her smile gentled, and she stepped into him, tipping her neck back to look up into his face. “You old softie,” she teased gently.
He harrumphed, and she laughed as she cupped his wrinkled cheek in her palm.
God, how I wanted that.
The sound of women’s laughter, my girls, drifted down the stairs and broke the moment. I crossed to Jeanie.
“Ah, Minty, you’re back!” Jeanie exclaimed while Calum slipped away.
Handing her Calum’s tie, I smiled and murmured, “I’ll leave this with you.”
She apologized for her husband. “He’s usually very friendly. It’s an emotional day.”
“Woman! If I wanted Minty to know I was crying, I would have stayed there!” Calum groused amicably from the kitchen.
I laughed, and Jeanie winked at me as she flitted off to join him.
I looked to the backyard where the men had gathered to wait.
How crazy was it that they pulled together a wedding within the space of a week? A week of hilarious cloak and dagger to hide the plans from the sweet bride, Willa, my friend and one of the women I worked with.
Barrett bided his time, and when the moment was right, he swooped in and swept her right off her feet. After finding out she was pregnant, he worked his tail off to not only set up his proposal but the entire wedding. Which was taking place in approximately thirty minutes.
I carried the ties we had chosen for the men outside.
Eye candy.
Eye candy everywhere as I made my way across the lawn.
Zale looked up first and crinkled his eyes, his version of a smile. I’d met him on several occasions over the years, him being married to Willa’s sister. Beside him stood Barrett who was equally stoic.
“Gentlemen,” I greeted them, handing them their ties.
“Thank you, Minty,” Zale expertly slid the tie under his collar and flipped the end over to tie it, while Barrett did the same.
Rhys, Bex’s husband, stood a few feet away checking to ensure the flower-covered arch was secure. “He might need help, Zee,” he joked, referring to Barrett. “He’s only half-tamed.”
He sauntered over, a grin on his too handsome face, and I handed him his tie.
“Ah, my noose. Thank you.”
I smiled, then turned to Zale, seeking the comfort of his familiar face. “Please excuse me.”
I felt their eyes on my back as I walked away.
I knew what they thought.
