Chapter 12
OWEN
Newhope is a lot like Eureka, only without all the kooky magicians and mediums… all of whom are related to me.
Still, it’s been a long time since I laughed so hard in one weekend. I can’t get over how well everyone gets along, down to the dogs. I’m chalking it up to the happy vibes around the wedding and not my sister’s premonitions and pointed looks.
It’s been a nonstop whirlwind of activity since we stepped off the small plane Mav and Gav chartered for Newhope. Again, I offered to pitch in, but they waved me away. I’m not sure when I’ll stop being a guest and start being one of the team.
Gigi is still avoiding me, and it’s making me itchy and uncomfortable being here with her family, even as a guest.
I wanted to talk to her on the flight, but she stayed in the back of the plane the entire time with her headphones on, claiming she was working on wedding prep.
Every time I’d glance back, her brows were furrowed over her pretty green eyes, her full lips were pursed, and her fingers twisted in the side of her hair.
It sent an unwelcome longing through my stomach, remembering threading my fingers in her hair, pressing my thumb against her bottom lip as I pulled it down to kiss her.
Then, as soon as we landed, the women were swept away in one direction while the men, including me, were swept in another.
I didn’t expect to be in Gavin’s wedding party, but he insisted. Considering all I have to do is wear the clothes they give me, stand where I’m told, and have all the free food and drinks I want, I could hardly say no.
Heather, Maddie, and I are also staying in a luxurious guest cottage on the grounds of an Italian-style estate overlooking the waters of Sterling Bay. It’s freaking gorgeous and complete with a welcome basket and continental breakfast, which has my daughter utterly delighted.
She doesn’t get to eat donuts every day for breakfast at home, but it’s a special occasion, I guess.
Our host is a sweet old blind lady, who took my hand as soon as we arrived, smiled up at me, and said I felt like family to her.
It was more magic and premonitions and things I don’t buy into, but it was a kind gesture. I simply patted her hand and thanked her for her hospitality.
The next morning, I was whisked away to take care of all the guy stuff, which included fittings and a bachelor party with all of Haddy and Gavin’s male relatives.
I thought the Stone family was big. This is like a mob scene.
Heather and Maddie are thrilled to be spending time with the female Bradfords, and except for baby Lucy, my daughter is the only “little” here, which means she’s the designated flower girl.
Haddy has no idea how happy this makes my daughter, and I want to let her know how much I appreciate it. Moving her away from our family in Eureka for the first time in her life has put me on edge.
She’s only ever known our small town, surrounded by people who all know her and love her. Los Angeles is going to be a big adjustment, even with Heather and me there.
It’s made it difficult for me to think past her comfort and mental well-being.
Falling in with the Bradfords has been a help I never expected. Someone said it’s because Maverick is just like his mom. I don’t know what that means, but at least my daughter has a safe place to land.
Hell, I really need to find a house in the neighborhood when we get back—for her as well as Ladybird. She and Spanky are clearly doggy-soulmates. Who are currently back in their cage at Miss Gina’s mansion, happy as peas in a pod.
The rest of us are congregated around a large pier with a flower-covered arch, filmy curtains, and a small audience of mostly family.
“You ready?” Mav’s cousin Knox walks up and pats my back. “Last-minute change. You’re walking with Gina.”
Energy surges in my chest, and I frown up at him. “I thought Gina was walking with…”
“Austin can’t make it, so Maverick is helping as an usher. I’m walking with Kim, and you’re taking Gina. Everything else is the same.”
“Okay.” I nod, thinking it’s a little more than just a last-minute change.
Last night, Gina still wasn’t looking at me, which was quite a feat, considering we had a whole rehearsal and a dinner to get through. I tried to go to her after we’d finished eating at their family restaurant, but she’d slipped out the back door.
My brow lowers, and I wonder if my sister had anything to do with this rearrangement. Maverick and Gigi walked together at the rehearsal, and they were saving a spot for their older cousin Austin, who I’ve never met.
He’s Kim’s step-brother, her stepmom Allie’s son from a previous marriage. I’ve only heard them talk about him briefly like some kind of celebrity-unicorn.
He’s also a star NFL quarterback, so it’s possible he is some kind of elusive creature. I know once hockey season starts, we’re all MIA for nine months.
“That’s your cue!” Knox gives me a push, and I realize the string quartet has begun playing.
Stepping out from behind the curtains, my breath catches when I see her waiting there. Her strawberry-blonde hair lifts in the soft breeze, and the skirt of her dusty rose dress ripples.
Her green eyes widen when she sees me, and she takes a hesitating step back. That’s when a hand appears from behind the curtain and pushes her forward.
“Oh!” Her lips form a circle as she stumbles to me, and I step forward to catch her.
“You okay?” My voice is low, and she feels so good in my arms.
Her sweet cherry scent surrounds me, and all I can think about is how many times I kissed those lips, how she moaned my name in ecstasy, thrusting…
I’ve got to stop.
“I’m fine.” Her soft voice is firm, and she straightens, cutting a look in the direction from where she was pushed.
“That’s our cue,” I say, giving her a confident smile.
She inhales deeply then puts her hand on the outside of my forearm. It’s the most platonic touch, almost like she’s concerned I have a contagious illness. I hate it.
We walk slowly down the aisle, and the warmth of her body burns like fire at my side.
I reach over and cover her slim hand with mine, pulling it into the crook of my arm. She takes a sharp breath, but I don’t let her pull away. I want to hold her hand.
At the front, center, I give it a little squeeze before letting her go. She turns away and doesn’t respond, going to the end of the line.
The rest of the bridal party follows us, until at last, it’s Haddy’s turn.
The music changes, and the audience stands. We strain our eyes to see her walking down the aisle with one hand in her dad’s arm, and her baby girl Lucy cradled in her other.
She and the baby are both wearing glittering white dresses, and the candles and the setting sun cast it all in a dreamy glow.
When they reach the front, Gavin steps down to kiss his daughter before they hand her off to Haddy’s mom. Holding hands, they walk up the steps to the minister and begin all the rituals of the wedding ceremony.
My mind drifts over these past few days. I met all the men in this family this weekend, and they are characters. Gavin’s dad is former military and just like his son, only with lighter hair.
Haddy’s dad is the youngest of four football-playing brothers, which makes him loud and outgoing. Their favorite story is how he wore a snorkel mask to change Haddy’s poopie diapers… Trust me. I understood completely.
Baby girls might be sugar and spice and all that, but their dirty diapers stink to high heaven.
Gigi’s oldest uncle, Jack, was a single dad for a long time, which gave us an immediate connection. I stood back with him and his brother Zane, watching as poor Gavin got a lap dance from Haddy’s dad, Gigi’s dad, and their uncle Craig.
It left me concerned they might all be crazy… which would fit in very well back home in Eureka. No judgment.
Now, listening as they say their vows, I do my best to distract my mind from my own wedding. It’s a painful knot in my throat when I remember that guy, and all the dreams and hopes and fairytale ideas he had. How young he was.
I’ve been to therapy, and I don’t want to let the brokenness and guilt creep into my heart again. I’ve dealt with those wounds.
Still, watching this couple I know, these kind people with so much love and anticipation in their eyes, I wonder how much you can trust anything.
Dropping my chin, I look down at my feet as I do my best to maintain an open mind and heart. I have to for my daughter’s sake.
“I promise to love, honor, and protect you as long as I live,” Gavin says, holding Haddy’s hand. “You’ve made my dreams come true, and it’s with you, Princess, a woman I thought was so far out of my reach… I solemnly swear, I’d give my life for my girls’ happiness.”
Haddy’s bottom lip quivers, and when she blinks, two big tears hit her cheeks.
“Oh, Gavin,” she sniffs, breaking into a sputtering laugh. “How do you always know how to steal my heart? I had all these beautiful words planned, but all I can think to say is I love you so much. I’m so happy I was wrong about you.”
That makes everyone break into chuckles. Their love is so pure. Perhaps it can crack the protective walls around my heart.
The minister says all the stuff about rings and all that, and I sneak a glance at Gigi standing at the end of the row of bridesmaids.
She’s smiling, her pretty eyes misty, but she seems a little melancholy. I know she’s happy for her cousin and Gav. I’ve seen them together enough to know they all love each other.
Still, something’s wrong, and I’ve got to find out what.
The preacher tells them to kiss, and Gavin pulls his wife into his arms, dipping her backwards and holding her close to his chest. They straighten, and Haddy’s foot rises. Everyone cheers and whistles, and they turn to be presented to us.
Gavin throws out his arms and yells, “Time to party!”
Mav jumps into the aisle and leads the charge up the concrete path along the bay that leads to the large restaurant with the tin roof and the big sign overhead reading Cooters & Shooters.