Chapter 4
HAYES
No one questioned my tardiness this morning when I arrived at the ranch.
I just walked into the barn apartment, calm, cool and collected, and poured myself a drink before grabbing my suit.
We laughed with Vaughan, who was not nervous at all.
But seeing as he’s wanted to marry Camille since the moment he laid eyes on her in ninth grade, I would assume he’s more anxious to get the show on the road than anything.
When it was time for the ceremony, and after Camille insisted on having a private conversation with Vaughan, the guys and I stood stoically next to my brother.
I served as best man, obviously, with Bishop and Phoenix right next to me.
When the music began playing –Fade Into You by Mazzy Star, their favorite– tears poured from Vaughan’s eyes.
Not gonna lie, I got a little choked up. To witness my brother about to marry the woman of his dreams –finally– was very touching. I held it all together as one by one, the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle.
CeCe then Viv and when Cat finally appeared, my heart skipped a beat.
She was absolutely gorgeous in her soft yellow dress.
Her dark hair fell in shiny waves over her shoulder, and the smile she wore knocked my boots off.
Her eyes connected with friends and family seated among us, and when they met mine, her steps faltered for just a step.
I inhaled, the scent of her from last night still wafting in my senses, and bit my lip.
I could hardly contain myself. I was ready to hurdle over the guests and take her in my arms and kiss her as if she were the bride.
I wanted everyone to know that Cathia Villalobos woke up next to me this morning.
She begged me not to say anything and though I was hurt by the suggestion, I have to respect it.
I wondered if she was embarrassed about the two of us? Or was she simply trying to let our brother and sister have their day? No doubt the news that we slept together would overshadow the wedding. The shock would definitely drown out the happiness.
The ceremony was beautiful, Vaughan cried, Cami cried, Dagen cried, Bish and Nix and I cried. It was a big ole sob fest, but I wouldn’t apologize for one second. We were all so overwhelmed seeing soulmates finally get their happy ending.
When it was time to walk back up the aisle, I held my arm out to Cat and she slid her shaky hand in the crook of my elbow. I could practically hear her nervous heartbeat pounding in her chest.
“You look beautiful, darlin’,” I told her, and she gave me a shy thank you.
I had no time to talk to her because we were whisked away for pictures. We drove all around the ranch looking for optimal photo taking backdrops, and laughed at the many funny photographs we took. One in particular had us all laughing.
The photographer, a family friend, told us guys and Cami to pull a sneaky stunt on Vaughan for the best reaction. While they were taking what appeared to be an endearing photo, the guys and I would sneak up behind them and scoop Cami up, as if kidnapping her from her groom.
She laughed and waved at him as we ran off, but Vaughan did not think it was as funny and chased after us, snatching his new wife back. He gave us a few choice words about touching his wife like that, and Camille told him to hush. With a simple touch, she cooled his fire.
I watched them sharing sweet moments like that wishing, hoping, I have that one day. My eyes seemed to always be searching for Cat. I couldn’t take my mind off of her, and I just wanted to know where she was with every step.
She did a great job of avoiding me until it was time to line up for the bridal party announcement to get the reception started.
We all stood on the other side of the tent, laughing and working on our separate entrances.
Phoenix threw Viv up on his shoulder like a giant tossing around a rag doll.
Bishop took much more care with CeCe seeing as her fianceé, our Italian friend Luca, wouldn’t take too kindly to her being propped up on another man’s shoulders.
I’d say the men in our group are all thoroughly and rightfully possessive of their women.
All but me, since I find myself to be single. But I’m crossing my fingers that, after last night, it will all change.
When it was mine and Cat’s turn, I grabbed her hand the minute the tent flap was pulled open and spun her out.
She twirled, her dress looking like rays of sunshine dancing amongst the clouds, and I tugged her back in.
She collided with my chest and our eyes spoke a million words.
Her fingers dug into my suit jacket and mine squeezed her hip.
When she pulled away, I felt cold and lonely.
I needed to get her alone and sneak off for one small kiss.
One taste of her and I was already addicted.
Now it’s getting late, and it’s been quite an eventful evening.
CeCe and Luca dropped the bomb that they got married on the beach a few months ago which sent Viv off the cliff.
How they hid that from everyone was quite hurtful, according to Vivian.
Then we found out that the main reason they had a bit of a rushed and small wedding was because CeCe is pregnant.
That sent Camille into hysterics and that’s when her news added dynamite to it all.
She and Vaughan were going to be parents to a child of their own. Camille already considered Dagen her daughter, but now they would have one with bits and pieces of each of them. Of course we were all fucking thrilled. I love my niece and now I’m looking forward to more nieces and or nephews.
We all left the barn apartment with huge smiles and even more love in our hearts, celebrating secrets only we knew.
The cake was cut, the music was blaring, and I am officially tired of Cat’s avoidance. A slow country song begins to play, and I spot her talking with her parents. Making a beeline for where they stand, I slip my hand into hers.
“Mr. and Mrs. Villalobos. Mind if I dance with your beautiful daughter?” I ooze charm and I know how to use it.
“So handsome, Hayes,” Alma tells me, a little slur to her words as she pats my cheek. “Go dance. Cathia needs someone to help her loosen up.”
“Mom,” Cat growls, and we all laugh.
“Hayes, I have to say one thing before you two go off.” Her father, Juan, clamps a hand on my shoulder and I gulp down a bit of nerves.
“I know that officially only Vaughan is our son-in-law, but you boys have always been like family. I just want you to know you’re part of the Villalobos family, too, and we sure do love you kids. ”
Juan sways a little and his eyes are slightly glassy, the effects of too many drinks becoming evident. And like my dad, he seems to get emotional when the alcohol takes over.
“Right back at ya, Mr. Villalobos. You’ve always been a second home to us McCallan boys and we appreciate it.” He slides his hand down my shoulder and grips mine, giving it a firm shake and a crooked grin.
“Go have fun. Te amo, mi hita.” He kisses Cat’s cheek and she rolls her eyes.
I lead us to the middle of the dance floor and pull her flush to my body. The smell of her lavender shampoo fills my lungs and now I’m afraid that every time I smell it, I’ll grow fucking hard thinking of her and the way she looked coming on my fingers in the shower this morning.
“I’ve got you for three whole minutes, plus or minus.” I tip her chin up, forcing her to look into my eyes. “Why are you avoiding me, Cat?”
“I’m not avoiding you,” she tries to deny, but I throw an arched brow and knowing look at her. “Okay. Fine. I have been. Last night was a lot. I’m still trying to digest it all and come to terms with how I feel.”
My nostrils flare with a hot and heavy breath. “Do you regret it?”
“No. Not at all. It’s just…this is not the right time to be in a situation like this.”
“You’re right,” I agree and spin her around. “We should definitely wait until after Cami and Vaughan have had some time to soak up being newlyweds. I don’t want to steal their thunder.”
“Hayes,” she frowns. “I don’t mean right time as in our location. I mean right time as in our lives.”
I freeze, stopping us mid step. “What? Why? We’re both single, we know we are compatible in every way, and we know everything there is to know about each other. Those are the qualities that make for the best relationships.”
She tries to step back and pull away from me, but I refuse to let her go. “We’re friends. Our families have been friends for decades. Our brother and sister are now married. Doesn’t that seem weird to you?”
“No. Why would it? We’re not related, Cat. It’s not like dating my step-sister. Although, if I had a step-sister like you I wouldn’t object.” She smacks my chest and I start moving us across the dance floor again. “I’m serious. What’s so wrong about you and I?”
Her eyes fall to my chest and I can feel her heart pounding. The wheels are spinning and I hope they are steering her in my direction.
“Maybe…maybe we can try.” I perk up with stars in my eyes. “But we have to keep it a secret. I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up, especially if it doesn’t work out.”
I’m instantly deflated. “If that’s the only way to have you, then I’ll take it…for now. But Cat, the minute you realize you’re in love with me, I’m taking a billboard sign on the side of the freeway.”
She laughs and I twirl us around the dance floor, Cat in my arms and happiness in my heart.