Chapter 24
Bryson
I escorted Audrey down the aisle to the altar, where Branson was already waiting, looking nervous and jittery. Bolton and Macy followed us, Reece and Veronica behind them, and Chris and Tessa bringing up the end of the line.
Branson leaned in toward me. “You have the ring, right?”
“Ring?” I blinked. “Was I supposed to have that with me?”
“What do you—” His eyes were wide with horror. “Yes! Who else would have it, you—”
I laughed. “Relax. I have it.”
“Oh, you shit,” he muttered.
Bolton chuckled. “Nothing is going to stop this wedding.”
“Unless you make a run for it,” Reece added. “Always an option.”
“I’m not going to run,” Branson muttered. “I just don’t want Caitlyn to murder me on our honeymoon.”
“At least you’re getting a honeymoon,” Christian said, giving me a baleful look.
We’d spent the day at the pub, grabbing brunch and a couple of beers to keep Branson occupied until time to don his tux and take his place at the front of the cathedral he and Caitlyn had selected.
They weren’t particularly religious, but it was a beautiful place for the ceremony with large stained-glass windows that filtered the late afternoon light into a soft glow that would only make a bride look even more beautiful.
Christian had been in a foul mood, obviously displeased with how the night before had gone.
I couldn’t share his disappointment. Silas and I had spent our first full night together, and if I had my way, it’d be the first of many.
He might say he wasn’t ready for a relationship, but what we’d shared this morning was more intimate than anything I’d ever experienced with Chris.
The wedding march started up, and Caitlyn entered on her dad’s arm. I hadn’t met him until the rehearsal dinner, but he’d seemed nice enough, though his date was maybe five years older than his daughter, and that had endeared him to no one, especially Molly Kennedy.
Caitlyn wore a sleek, sleeveless mermaid gown that was form-fitting over her curves then flared out in a wide fishtail skirt.
Lace embroidered with delicate floral patterns overlaid the satin sheath.
It was understated and elegant—which made sense because Silas had helped her choose it after she decided her mother’s tastes didn’t work for her.
Branson’s jaw dropped and his heart eyes just about jumped out of his head. As beautiful as Caitlyn looked, my gaze drifted past her, seeking out someone else in the crowd.
Silas entered behind her, then slipped off to the side to watch the proceedings. He wore an earpiece, and I could see him typing notes on his phone—working to ensure all the reception details were as perfect as possible, no doubt.
He glanced up and his eyes met mine and held.
In that moment, I wanted everything with him. I wanted him to join me at this altar, so I could promise him a future, one that I’d never turn away from or take for granted. I wanted him to see I’d be everything his ex-fiancé wasn’t.
I couldn’t say anything to him now—and I’d promised to wait until he was ready, so I couldn’t say anything to him later, either. It had to come from him. Still, I couldn’t help laying my hand on my heart in the hopes he’d read the love in my face and understand.
I’d never hurt him.
Caitlyn and Branson exchanged traditional vows, and I nearly lost the plot as I watched Silas watch me, heart in my throat. Bolton nudged me when I didn’t move quickly enough to hand Branson the ring. I pulled it from my pocket and handed it over.
“With this ring, I thee wed,” my brother said haltingly, not out of hesitation but restrained emotion. The hoarseness of his voice gave him away, the big softie.
Caitlyn beamed at him, eyes sparkling with joy, as he slid the ring onto her finger.
In what seemed both an interminably long time—and also the blink of an eye—the officiant declared them husband and wife. Branson kissed her, keeping it sweet and PG. Then they went down the aisle hand-in-hand while the crowd applauded.
We all hustled out after them, clambering into a classic limo this time to ride the few blocks to the reception.
Once the greeting line was complete, we had to suffer through photo shoots on the rooftop—where the disturbingly handsome Nico wielded his camera with sexy skill.
I was glad Silas wasn’t up there to see it.
By the time we all settled in to eat and make toasts, the rest of the wedding guests were already halfway through their meals.
After Caitlyn’s mom made a teary speech about giving up her little girl to a worthy man, I stood and raised my glass.
“I’ve never seen my brother as happy as he’s been with Caitlyn.
I thought I was his other half as his twin, but I’ve got nothing on Caitlyn.
” Everyone laughed as intended. “They are two sides of the same coin, both complementing and challenging each other. That makes them strong and fearless, and I know they’re going to build an incredible life together.
Caitlyn, you’re the only woman who can tell me and my brother apart, so I know you must really love him.
Take care of each other, and have a beautiful life.
” My gaze sought out Silas. “I can only hope that one day I’ll be as lucky. ”
After the toasts, Branson led Caitlyn in the dance she’d wanted so badly. The lessons had paid off, because he moved flawlessly through a foxtrot. When more contemporary music spilled through the speakers and other couples joined the floor, I went in search of Silas.
I found him conferring with a caterer about when to bring out the cake.
He caught my eye and turned. “Your toast was lovely.”
“Well, this whole night has been lovely thanks to you.” I held out my hand. “Have time for a dance?”
He hesitated. “Maybe just one.”
I took his hand and led him onto the dance floor. “That’s all I need.”
“You’re very sure of yourself, Mr. Larkin,” he teased as he slid his arms around my neck.
I tugged him in close, since the music had slowed to a ballad, and swayed. “I just appreciate the moments I get in life.” I met his eyes. “I appreciate any moment with you.”
His lips quirked. “You’re a smooth talker, too.”
I chuckled. “Or perhaps this wedding has me all up in my feels.”
“Weddings do that,” he agreed.
“For you?”
He closed his eyes and lay his head on my shoulder. I thought he might not answer me, but after a moment, his voice whispered into my ear. “Yes.”
I held him a little tighter, pressing a kiss to his hair.
The song ended and he pulled back with a regretful smile. “Duty calls. We’ve got to bring out the cake.”
“Okay, but we’ll talk later?”
“Of course. When I’m done working, I’ll come find you.”
He squeezed my hand and hurried off.
When I glanced up, my brother was watching me instead of his bride, a frown marring his forehead. He whispered something to her then crossed the floor to me.
“You abandoning Caitlyn already?” I joked. “So much for my toast.”
He took my arm and drew me away from the crowded table behind me. “I’m worried about you.”
“What? Why?”
“I see how you look at him,” he said. “You’re in love with Silas.”
Hearing it said so bluntly made my heart lodge in my throat. I knew I cared for him. I knew I’d wait as long as it took for him to trust enough to commit to something real, something lasting.
But I hadn’t allowed myself to think about the word love.
“Don’t deny it,” Branson said. “You’re a goner.”
“I know,” I said harshly. “You’re not telling me anything I don’t know, okay?”
“Okay,” he said, softening his tone. “I just want you to have this, too. You deserve to be loved. Don’t settle for crumbs, man.”
A bell rang through the room, catching our attention. “Time for cake! Let’s have the bride and groom up here, please,” the DJ said. “We want to see some kissing!”
There were whistles and cheers as Branson rejoined Caitlyn and dipped her into a dramatic kiss while everyone watched. I glanced around the reception hall, but there was no sign of Silas.
Branson met my eye as he cut the cake. I nodded to reassure him. He meant well. But he didn’t know Silas’s story or why trust was so difficult for him. He didn’t know the promises I’d already made.
He’d just have to trust that I could take care of my heart while he took care of his.