Chapter 1
CHAPTER ONE
Bennett
“Are you nervous?” I ask as I stand in the back of the church, nudging my brother with my elbow, as we both look out over the guests who are being ushered in and seated.
“Not at all.” He doesn’t even hesitate and his smile says it all. “I can’t be nervous when I’m about to marry the perfect woman.”
It used to set me off when I’d hear him or anyone mention the two of them together. Now I’m happy for them. Like I said, they belong together.
But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to take every chance I can take to poke the bear. It’s all in good fun. A way to rile him up, because when it comes to Sutton, it’s way too easy.
I try to hide my grin as I dig a little more.
“She could get up there and take one look at me and realize she chose the wrong brother.” Immediately I see Brantley’s jaw tense and his nostrils flare.
“I do look pretty good in a tux,” I add as I grab the lapels of his jacket and pretend to straighten them. “I’m the better looking one, no doubt.”
“You done stroking your own ego?” he says, looking over at me and not cracking a smile, his lips pressed in a tight line as he holds my stare.
Feels good to be back at this point with him. Back to the place where we’ve always been, two brothers that would do anything for the other without blinking but bicker and hassle each other every chance we are presented with.
I chuckle, “For real, Brantley.” I nod, wiping away my cocky smirk. “You’re a lucky man.”
“I know.” And he does. “I don’t deserve Sutton, I don’t know if I ever will. But I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to. She’s amazing, and it still doesn’t feel real.”
“It’s real.” I take a deep breath and reach out to place my hand on his shoulder. “And you do deserve her. I don’t know a better man.”
Brant nods, reaching out to throw an arm over my shoulders, pulling me in for a hug. His throat bobs as he swallows his emotions. Together we share a moment; no other words are necessary.
As we join the rest of the guys at the end of the aisle I notice the antsy reaction of my brother. His attention is glued to the back of the church while he waits for Sutton to emerge.
I know it has nothing to do with not wanting this, it’s because he wants it so badly. Being away from her for too long he’s jonesing for a fix. It’s a little crazy, like the two of them need the other to breathe.
When the music switches over and Brantley shifts on his feet, he starts to wring his hands before him. A flash of white catches all of our attention as Sutton appears with her father at her side.
One by one, the girls start to walk down the aisle, each wearing the same shade of lavender but each dress a different look. Like they chose the style that best fits their personalities. All of them are various lengths, some tight, some loose and flowing.
I know each of them well, having spent the last two years hanging out with all of them together and at different times.
Adley, Sutton’s cousin, is by far the most forward and sassy.
Her dress dips so low in the front, forming a V that descends well below her chest. There’s got to be something holding that shit in place, because come on, it’s barely there.
The back is completely non-existent, the dress not starting until right above her ass.
Did I mention it is also tight, only flaring out a small fraction right at her knees, swaying as she walks.
She knows all too well how risky it is, it’s the perfect description of her.
Sophie, sweet quiet Sophie. Hers is more flowing and sleeveless, but the front goes up the middle and there’s a cuff around her neck like a halter top.
The back, a mirror image of the front, leaves only her arms and lower legs showing as the dress stops mid-calf, and has a flowing layer of material after her waist that sways as she walks.
Kendall and Jillian, each added their own little flare, but it is Lexi that I can’t look away from.
The lavender strapless dress fit her perfectly.
Dragging the ground only slightly in the back, with a slit up her right thigh.
Every single time she takes a step her creamy skin pops out of the skirt only teasing enough to make my heart skip a beat.
Her hair is up, long curls hanging down from a high ponytail, a few pieces escape and hang around her face.
I’m in awe, lost in her movements, her smile too.
Though I hate how she won’t make eye contact with me, no matter how hard I pray for her to.
How we got to this point, one where we feel more like strangers than friends, is all my fault.
I played dangerously, allowing my ego to lead.
I was a fool.