Thirty Two
April Fifth
Whitney
Juniper set her wallet on the table, eyes warm with curiosity. “How are you feeling? Excited? Nervous?”
Whitney straightened the menu in front of her, the corners perfectly aligned. “Honestly? I’m just ready to get it over with. I’ll always worry about Fade and Orion getting along, that’s never going to change. But I do believe it’d be a bigger risk for him to fight now. If he gets kicked off the island, he’s leaving his whole life behind. Leaving me, his wife.”
Juniper angled her menu toward her face. “That’s a good point. But still, is it crazy to think that by tomorrow, you’ll be married?”
Her eyes sparkled. “You’re gonna have a husband.”
“It is weird,”
Whitney admitted, a thoughtful smile tugging at her lips. “For both of us. We never thought we’d get this far in life. And I hate to say it, we never really believed anyone would want to marry us.”
Brittanya placed her menu down and folded her arms on the table. “What are the guys up to right now?”
“Fade’s up with Wolfgang,”
Juniper said, setting her menu aside too. “Orion and Aldous are joining them.”
Brittanya blinked. “What? Are you worried?”
“Well, Wolfgang’s there,”
Juniper said with a shrug. “So, not as much. Anyway.”
She stacked her menu neatly on top of Brittanya’s.
“True.”
Whitney tapped a finger against her water glass.
“What do you think will be different after you get married?”
Juniper asked.
“Hm.”
Whitney tilted her head, considering as the girls placed their orders one by one. When the waitress walked away, she finally answered. “I won’t have a place to run off to when I need space from him.”
Brittanya’s fingers traced a shape in the condensation on her glass. “You know you’re always welcome back here.”
“Yeah? And share a bed with you and my brother?”
Whitney wrinkled her nose. “No thanks.”
“My house is open to you, too,”
Juniper offered, setting down her phone to rejoin the conversation.
Brittanya paused, her brow furrowing. “If Orion’s with the guys, should we have invited Rachel?”
Whitney stared at her, brow arched, lips parting like she couldn’t believe the question. “Uh… no.”
Juniper caught the hesitation immediately. “Okay, what’s going on there?”
Whitney sighed, shifting in her seat. “She tried to get Fade to sleep with her.”
Brittanya’s eyes went wide. “What? Seriously?”
“Yep.”
Whitney nodded grimly. “Fade had a job at the hospital, and I guess Rachel saw the perfect opportunity when he was alone in a room. I told Orion, but of course, he didn’t want to believe me. She finally confessed after my accident, while I was still in the hospital.”
Juniper shook her head slowly. “God. Fade’s a good guy, and good for you for trying to warn him.”
“Thank you,”
Whitney said softly, then sighed. “But… there’s still stuff I think about. Fade isn’t sure if he wants kids. And the older I get, the more I do. Especially here. There’s none of the stuff our parents had to worry about growing up. No constant fear. No chaos. It feels… safe.”
“I get that,”
Juniper said, her voice gentler. “If you’d asked me a year and a half ago if I wanted kids, I would’ve said absolutely not. I didn’t even think I could have kids.”
Her eyes went wide as she realized how that sounded. “I’m not pregnant,”
she added quickly. “I know that sounded like an announcement but no. Wolfgang actually found out I was when I got ejected from the island. They… terminated a pregnancy. And Wolfgang managed to talk them into letting him buy the property our house is on to make up for it.”
Both Whitney and Brittanya sat frozen, mouths open.
“That’s…”
Brittanya trailed off, her thumb stroking the side of her glass. “That’s wild.”
“I know.”
Juniper’s voice softened. “I didn’t know how to tell you guys. The time was never right, and I needed to process it on my own first.”
She winced. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to dump that on you today. This is supposed to be about you, Whitney.”
“Eh.”
Whitney waved a hand. “We’re just solidifying what we already have. It’s not a big deal.”
Juniper’s lips twisted in guilt. “I am sorry I didn’t have time to make your dress. You should’ve said something sooner.”
Her hands balled into her lap.
“I’m planning on wearing the one Fade had you make for my birthday last year,”
Whitney said, her voice softening. “I still haven’t had a chance to wear it. And it means more since you made it and because Fade picked it out.”
“I thought it was stunning,”
Juniper said with a warm smile. “And I know it’s going to look gorgeous on you.”
“I know it will,”
Whitney teased, leaning into her palm with a playful smirk. “So? Any news on when you and Wolfgang are tying the knot?”
Juniper shrugged, her cheeks flushing. “Nope. We’re still just enjoying dating.”
She flicked the attention away from herself, turning toward Brittanya. “What about you, B? How are things with you and Aldous?”
“We’re good,”
Brittanya said, her tone light and teasing. “Kind of in the same boat. Just enjoying dating and exploring tha—”
Whitney held up a hand. “You can stop right there.”
Brittanya chuckled, eyes twinkling as she pulled her arms off the table to make room for the plates the waitress was setting down. “I wasn’t gonna say anything naughty.”
********
The girls walked into the house, ready to help Whitney get everything set for the big day tomorrow. Her dress hung neatly on the closet door, and special pieces such as perfume, hair accessories, were carefully laid out on the dresser.
“It looks so good,”
June murmured, lifting the soft fabric draped from the hanger. “Sometimes I surprise myself.”
Whitney grinned. “I’m just glad I get to wear it for such a special occasion. It holds a lot of meaning.”
June dropped the hem and turned, wrapping her in a warm hug. “I love that you’re wearing it… but I am sorry. The shop’s been so slammed with the ball next month, and you never reached out. I should’ve made time.”
Whitney squeezed her back. “This is exactly what I would’ve wanted, June. I love it.”
Brittanya popped into the room and gasped when she saw the dress. “It’s so pretty, June! Now I’m even more excited!”
Her grin spread ear to ear.
“I know,”
Whitney said, hobbling toward the door. “I’m excited too.”
The girls followed her out, gathering around the kitchen counter.
“Are you getting nervous yet?”
Brittanya asked, her excitement making her shiver. “As it gets closer, I’m getting nervous for you!”
Whitney laughed, popping the cork on a bottle of wine. “What, you think Fade’s gonna say no?”
Brittanya snatched the bottle from her before she could over-pour. “He’d be stupid to.”
She passed glasses around. “To Mrs. Fade Zemanek.”
Their glasses clinked, and they all took a sip. Whitney threw her head back, downing the entire pour. “Okay, what are we doing? This would be way more fun at your house, June.”
“But the guys are there,”
June said, confused.
“Exactly.”
Whitney curled her fingers around the back of her chair, pushing herself up. “Let’s go. None of us are single, and you both know I’m right.”
June grabbed her arm to help steady her. “Britt, grab the bottle.”
They piled into the car, leaving the Jeep behind since it was still too much for Whitney to climb into. Seven weeks healed, she was doing better. Her ribs barely hurt anymore, though Fade insisted she still needed crutches for a faster recovery.
As they pulled up to the house, their giggles faded when they heard the low rumble of male voices coming from the deck. June waved them along the path, and they found the guys grilling.
“Did someone order a stripper?”
June called out with a smirk.
Fade’s face lit up when he saw Whitney, his smile slow and warm.
“You’re so damn corny,”
Whitney teased, limping past her. “Love you, though.”
She slid into Fade’s lap.
Surprised, Wolfgang glanced their way. “What are you guys doing here?”
Whitney smiled, looking around at her fiancé, her brothers, and her best friends. “We thought we’d liven up your little party.”
Her gaze softened as it landed on Orion. “You can invite Rachel if you want.”
Orion blinked at her in surprise, but her smile stayed sincere. He nodded.
June reappeared with fresh glasses, pouring generous amounts of wine. Brittanya slipped her arms around Aldous’ waist from behind, resting her hands against his stomach. “What are you guys cooking?”
Wolfgang lifted the grill lid. “Meat.”
“And?”
June prompted.
“That’s it. This is a guys’ party. No frilly sides. Just beer and meat.”
He dropped the lid with a solid clang.
“Good thing we already ate,”
Whitney teased, wrapping an arm around Fade’s shoulders. “Did you guys at least plan some games?”
Fade’s brow flattened. “Come on now. Be serious.”
His hand found her thigh, warm and familiar. “We were just gonna hang out.”
He pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“Well, I think we should play a game,”
she announced.
“Like what?”
“‘Never Have I Ever.’ It’s been years.”
She grinned mischievously. “You drink if you’ve done the thing.”
“I’m in,”
June said immediately.
Brittanya found a seat, eyes already gleaming. “Oh, I’m going first.”
She lifted her glass, waiting for everyone to settle. “Never have I ever groped my partner in a group setting.”
“Oh, we’re starting off like that?”
Fade teased, raising his glass. He, Whitney, Wolfgang, June, and Orion all drank.
The game moved to Aldous, who took his time thinking. “Never have I ever been skinny dipping.”
June smiled slyly at Wolfgang before they both took a drink. Fade, Brittanya, and Orion followed suit.
“Never have I ever been to prison,”
Orion said next, grinning.
Fade chugged the rest of his drink alone, then stood to grab another from the cooler. He waved when Rachel approached from behind them. “Hey, babe.”
Orion kissed her cheek, swapping places so she could sit. “We’re playing ‘Never Have I Ever.’ Want a drink?”
“Sure. I’ll have a beer.”
She smiled up at him as he passed her one and stood behind her chair. “Your turn, babe.”
“Oh, I don’t know… I only try to help people.”
Rachel’s voice turned syrupy sweet. “Never have I ever tried to kill someone.”
Wolfgang turned toward Fade, lifting his bottle with a smirk. “Cheers, buddy.”
Their bottles clinked, and both took a drink.
“Okay, my turn.”
June wiggled in her seat, grinning. “Never have I ever been born on an island.”
Wolfgang’s mouth curled at the corner. “Good one, I guess.”
He tipped his bottle back with a playful eye roll.
He didn’t hesitate when his turn came. “Never have I ever dragged someone across the ocean to rescue them and bring them back here.”
June groaned, rolling her eyes. “Oh, so this is what we’re doing? Just targeting our significant others?”
“You started it,”
Wolfgang teased, nudging her. She raised her glass in mock defeat.
Fade’s smirk deepened as he considered his turn. “Never have I ever slept with someone who was already in a committed relationship.”
Whitney’s elbow jabbed his side. “You’re an ass.”
She downed her drink, joined by Orion and Wolfgang.
June blinked at Wolfgang. “What?”
He turned toward her, grinning. “Yeah. With you.”
Her brow shot up. “I wasn’t committed.”
Wolfgang spun his bottle between his palms, teasing. “Well, it was a mess for a minute there.”
“That doesn’t count.”
June’s eyes narrowed, but her smile was already breaking through.
Whitney turned the attention to herself, raising her glass with a playful grin. “Okay, last one we can all drink to — I think. Never have I ever gotten married.”
Laughter rippled around the table as everyone reached forward, their drinks meeting with a soft clink before they all took a sip. Wolfgang stretched his legs and nodded toward the yard. “Our fire pit just got finished. We could move over there if you guys want?”
“Yes, please,”
Whitney sighed, still curled up in Fade’s lap.
Everyone stood, gathering what they could. Wolfgang grabbed the plate of meat while the twins hauled the ice chest and one by one, they made their way down the path toward the fire pit. The night softened around them as they settled into new seats, the crackling flames casting a warm glow over their laughter and conversation.
April Sixth
“Good morning.”
Brittanya nudged open the door to Whitney’s room, balancing a tray of coffee and a few granola bars. The room was dim, the air thick with that comfortable stillness of early morning. June and Whitney had crashed here the night before, and the aftermath of their late night was evident in the piles of blankets and smokey clothes.
Whitney groaned from beneath the covers, her face emerging slowly like a reluctant groundhog. “I’m tired… but I’m ready to get this over with.”
She stayed there a moment, squinting at the light while Brittanya set the tray down and handed out coffee.
“I’m sad,”
she added after a beat.
“Why?”
Brittanya asked, offering her the cup as Whitney slowly pushed herself upright.
She wrapped her hands around the warm mug. “This is one of the last nights I’ll sleep here.”
From the bathroom, June’s voice called out through the sound of running water. “We’ll be fine! I’ve been out of the house for almost a year, and we still see each other all the time.”
“See?”
Brittanya nudged Whitney’s shoulder. “And we see Shianne, like, constantly. Why are you so worried?”
“I don’t know…”
Whitney traced an imaginary pattern on the comforter, her fingers absent and distracted. “Fade and I haven’t been intimate since my accident. What if I’m boring to live with?”
The toilet flushed, and June reappeared, drying her hands. “In the last year I’ve known you, you’ve gotten engaged, randomly tattooed your knuckles, had your long-lost brothers show up, watched your fiancé fight said brothers, fought your brother at your own Christmas party, and fallen off a mountain. Trust me — the man’s not gonna be bored.”
Whitney’s eyes peeked up from her comforter, amused. “You don’t know what I can do in the bedroom.”
Brittanya snorted, handing June her coffee before settling onto the bed beside them. “No, but we do hear you after every gathering.”
Whitney’s mouth curved into a half-smirk. “I have to.”
June raised a skeptical brow. “Do you, though?”
“Fade has to funnel his anger somewhere,”
Whitney teased, her grin turning wicked. “I’d prefer it be funneled into me.”
“Geez,”
June muttered, laughing. “You two are kinky.”
Brittanya’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
“Gross.”
Whitney shot her a look. “Not on my wedding day.”
June’s grin turned sly. “I figured you’d want a little kiss-and-tell from B when she finally finds someone good enough.”
“Not when it’s with my brother,”
Whitney deadpanned.
Brittanya ignored her, focusing on June with mock seriousness. “It’s always the quiet ones who are the freakiest.”
June’s eyes widened as she started giggling. “If Aldous is like that… you think Orion’s boring?”
Brittanya’s face flushed instantly. “I hate you both.”
“Guys, please!”
Whitney whined, covering her ears. Their laughter only grew louder as she got a taste of her own medicine.
“Okay, enough!”
Whitney announced, throwing the covers off. “Let’s get up. I want a shower, then hair and makeup, a shot, get dressed, another shot and when Orion and Aldous get here? Shots for everyone.”
She stood, her stiff hips making her limp more prominent as she hobbled toward the bathroom.
“Now that’s the bride spirit,”
June called after her.