Chapter 54
Note to self:
I deserve someone who loves me.
“This is beautiful,” Melanie breathed, walking slowly around the new location for the ceremony.
It had taken all I had to secure this room for Melanie. But it was gorgeous, all soft creamy walls and wainscoting, high cathedral ceilings with gold accents. But the best part was that wall of windows overlooking the Columbia River and providing impossibly gorgeous views.
It was about five thousand times better than a soggy circus tent pitched in the backyard. Sure, it had taken all my bargaining skills to get them to let us use it. We’d had to give up a few things and they’d required us to use their catering services. I might have promised them my firstborn.
Melanie hadn’t been told any of this, and I planned to keep it that way. Maybe on their fiftieth anniversary if she hadn’t figured it out by then.
The same room would also be used for the reception. It would require guests picking up their chairs and moving them, but they’d all survive, the poor dears. As for the décor, I’d put Penny and the twins on it, and they’d come through spectacularly. The room was beautiful, swathed in pale pink and cream with hints of gold. Classy and sweet, just like Melanie.
Well, almost.
“It’s not quite finished. Mom still needs to get the centerpieces on the tables. That is if you still want to use those candles?”
“The ones your mom made?” She held her folded hands under her chin, giddy as a little kid at recess. “They’ll be perfect.”
They’ll be… something.
“Oh, I love it.” Melanie threw her arms around me. “How did you do all this?”
“No big deal at all. I had a lot of help.” That was the truth. I’d made a list and delegated chores, right down to someone picking up the officiant at his house and tracking down a new photographer in twenty-four hours’ time. This day would be perfect, damn it. “If I haven’t said it, I’m glad you’re about to become my sister.”
“You’re the best.” Sniffling, she clung to me like a baby sloth. “It’s all been so much, and I can’t believe it’s here and…and…” The sobs got to her.
“Hey. Whatever happens today, remember, at the end of it, you’ll be married. That’s the prize.” I pulled her away gently so I could look at her. “But today is going to be great, fantastic, a day to remember for years to come.” Melanie swiped at her cheeks, her face splotchy and red. “Now, let’s get you upstairs. We have a wedding to get ready for.”
I was in a bathrobe and fuzzy bunny slippers when I knocked on the room where the men were getting ready. But Melanie had insisted Cal get this gift right this instant. And I was here to do her bidding.
Abe answered, already dressed in his tux except for the jacket. “This is a good look for you. Bathrobe princess.”
I scowled, but carefully as I was in full wedding make-up and hair. “I’ve been sent on an important mission.” I beckoned him to come forward. “Now, come here, your bowtie is all crooked. Let me fix it.”
Abe shuffled forward. A roar of laughter burst from the room behind him. “Hurry. I’m missing the good stuff.”
“And what is this good stuff exactly?”
He grinned. “Mack is telling Cal what to expect on his wedding night.”
I laughed. “No, he’s not.”
“He is.”
“All finished.” I patted his shoulders and took a step back. “I’d say you look handsome but you’re my brother so that’s gross.”
“Compliment accepted.” He leaned against the doorframe. “Hey, um, thanks for last night.”
“How did it go after we left?”
“We talked for about twenty minutes. No one yelled or tried to storm out. It was awkward as hell. Then we watched Terminator.”
“That sounds like some good father–son time. Think you’ll do it again?” I asked hopefully.
“I’d like to. We have, like, five more Terminator movies to get through.” His eyes are soft. “Thank you, Ali.”
“No problem.” If it means I get my brother back, I’d do just about anything.
“One question. What’s going on with you and Theo? He’s been all moody and pensive.”
“He has?”
“Thinking way too much. I haven’t gotten him to say two words all morning; it’s going to make his speech at the reception kind of hard.”
I bit the inside of my cheek. “I’ll talk to him, I swear.”
“I can get him right now.”
I waved at my bathrobe. “We don’t have time. I’m not even dressed yet, but I do need to see Cal. Please?”
“Promise me you’ll fix Theo?’
“Promise.”
When Cal came to the door, I couldn’t help but grin at him. “You clean up pretty nice.”
He fiddled with his tux jacket. “I’m so nervous.”
“Why? Think she’s going to wise up and make a run for it?”
“Nah. Worried about saying the vows in front of all those people.”
“You have it memorized, right?”
He nodded. “I don’t want to screw them up. They’re kind of important.”
“I think as long as you tell her exactly how you feel, you won’t screw anything up. Melanie loves you, you big lug.” I pulled the small package from the bathrobe pocket. “Speaking of your bride, I was sent to give you this.”
“Thanks.” He palmed the box. “You and Theo ar?—”
“I promise I’ll talk to him.”
“Good.” He hesitated. “You deserve to be with someone who loves you, too, you know.”
My breath caught. “That obvious?”
Cal’s head tilted to the side. “Has there ever been a time when you didn’t love him?”
I opened my mouth, but nothing would come out. Because Cal was right. I’d always loved Theo. Always. Maybe not the way I felt now, but a part of me had always been drawn to him.
Nothing had changed. I was older, probably wiser, and just maybe crazy enough to take a chance on us.
I stood on my tippy-toes and pressed a kiss to Cal’s cheek. “I guess we’ll see what happens.”
But I already knew, and I couldn’t wait.