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“Mm-hmm,” I say, my body tight with tension.
My gaze bounces from her lips to her eyes. She doesn’t shy away. Her hands move to my biceps, and her touch sears me. I don’t care what we say; there’s more between us than a handshake.
“Tristan.”
I expel a breath and drop my forehead against Sage’s. What does a guy need to do around here to get a kiss? Sage giggles nervously.
I turn my head toward my father, who stands a few feet away. Lifting my eyebrows, I silently ask what he wants.
“Your mother would like a picture.” He leaves no room for argument.
“Now?”
“Yes.” He nods, turning toward their table.
“I’m going to kill them,” I mumble and look at Sage. “Sorry about that.” I skim my finger along her cheek and smile when she trembles.
“You’re not going to kill them.” She gives me a pointed look.
“Let’s take this picture and dance.” I need something else to focus on.
I’ve become a man determined to taste her lips, drink her in, but this deal sits between us, and I know I shouldn’t cross that line without an open conversation.
My parents are standing by their table talking to Toby’s mom when we approach.
“Great, we can take a photo,” my mom says.
It isn’t lost on me that my brother is nowhere to be found. It doesn’t sit right with me. This isn’t my family without Hudson.
“I can take it,” Sage offers.
“No, no,” my mom shakes her head. “We want you in it.”
She seems to be as captivated by Sage as I am, which is still so strange to me and so unlike her.
“Oh, no,” Sage waves. “I’m sure you want a photo with just your son.” She smiles, but I see the hint of disapproval and wonder if she’s also thinking about Hudson.
I catch him looking at us from across the room. He can pretend all he wants, but I see the hurt in his eyes. I’d feel the same way if I were in his position. Our parents haven’t been the best example of unconditional love, but they’re still our parents. And Hudson gave up a lot to please them.
“Hudson should be in the photo, too,” I speak up. “Either he’s in it, or I’m out.” I’m tired of this.
My mom stares at me, and my father opens his mouth to speak. I lift my hand to silence him.
“He’s as much your son as I am. Just because he decided to take a different path doesn’t make him less a part of this family. I never followed the path you wanted, so why are you suddenly so interested in my life?”
This may not be the time or the place for this conversation, but I can’t keep quiet any longer.
“Tristan.” Sage grabs my arm.
I look at her and smile.
“Don’t worry.” I glance back at my parents. “Or do you want to be strangers at your own son’s wedding? Better yet, not invited. Lex is in his life to stay. Whatever reason you have for disliking her is groundless. She’s kind, she cares about him, and she has been there to support him unconditionally when you haven’t. Her family is like family to both of us.” I’m on a roll.
This is where I should shut myself up, but I keep going.
“You have two choices—accept her and Hudson’s choices or learn about their engagement and wedding through town gossip.” I square my shoulders.
Both of my parents stare at me with hard looks.
