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“That may be Colt. Can someone let him in?” I said.

“I will,” Sophie yelled and practically knocked over the bridesmaids to get to the door. She flung it open. “Hi, Colt.”

My brother looked dashing in his tuxedo, ready to usher me down the aisle. I noticed his eyes raked down the front of Sophie, who wore a strapless silver satin body-hugging gown with plenty of cleavage visible on top.

“Well, well, look at you,” he exclaimed.

Ever since last year when they met at Thanksgiving, when Sophie came home with Maisy and me to Holly Creek for the holiday, I knew there was an attraction between them,but she’d admit nothing. Then, on Valentine’s, when we all saw Colt off to boot camp at the train station in New York City, it became even more obvious something was brewing.

He’d stayed with us and hugged us on the platform until the very last second, then stepped up onto the train just as it started to leave. But Sophie ran to him, jumped up, and kissed him. He dipped her for an even deeper kiss, then held her hand as she stepped back down until she was safely on the platform again. Their eyes didn’t part until he and the train were further down the track.

When asked about it, she admitted nothing, saying she just wanted to send a soldier off with something sweet to remember. But there was more to it, I was sure of it. And I didn’t mind. They were actually quite striking together. But Colt was a baby yet, being a couple of years younger than her, and needed to grow up.

“Where’s the bride? Come on, let’s get this over with. Your groom wants a piece of your ass, and more.” Yep, he needed to grow up.

“Colt, jeez. Come here.” I let him hold my hand and kiss my cheeks so my hair and makeup didn’t get ruffled.

“Those aren’t my words. They’re Rex’s. He told me to beg you to rush through this day so he could get to the good stuff tonight with you.”

“What’d I tell you? It’s all about sex,” Courtney chuckled.

Agnes popped her head in the door. “The transportation is here. It’s time to get married.” The room suddenlybuzzed with everyone making final touch ups to their hair, makeup, and gowns.

I took one last look in the mirror at my beautiful beaded gown and my long tulle veil with a tiara and jewels in my half up, half down hairdo. I lifted my hemline and peeked at my red heels, sparking joy in my heart for all they represented.

After everything that happened over the past year,my dayfinally arrived. I was ready. Tonight, I’d have Rex Buchanan, the most sexy, doting, possessive man, sayingI doand eating wedding cake out of my hands.

51

KISSING HER

REX

Patience was neverone of my virtues. I waited all day and soon the moment would arrive when I’d see Chelsea walk down the aisle. And it still wasn’t soon enough.

Richard barely made it back in time from a special mission I’d sent him on, but he was here now and people were arriving at the church.

“Was Operation: Cake successful?” I checked in with him while Sam regaled the groomsmen with a story from his recent travels to Asia. Vivian’s van broke down halfway to New York City with boxes of cakes and cupcakes. I asked Richard if he could rescue her and rescue our cake.

“Yep. I saved the day. The cake has arrived, only you didn’t tell me how beautiful the woman was I’d be playing hero to.” His eyes twinkled more than I’d seen them do over the past few years.

“The first time I saw her, I knew she’d be your type.She’s staying for the reception And she has the cutest little girl?—”

“Whoa. Stop right there. I enjoy women, but I make a particular rule to avoid single mothers.” Whatever was in his eyes left, returning to the dull hue that had occupied them far too long.

“Come on. Don’t you think you’ve kept that wall of yours up long enough? Tear it down and start fresh. It might amaze you to find something really special with someone.”

“Yeah. Thanks for the pep talk.” He raised his glass of Macallan. “Guys, join me with your glasses. Here’s a drink for my brother. About to make the stupidest decision of his life.”

The men laughed, and I almost knocked the glass right out of his fist.

“Just kidding. Don’t turn all red on us now.” Then he sobered. “Actually, Chelsea is one lucky woman, because she’s getting you. And I knowshemust be amazing because she’s putting up with your ass.”

I couldn’t let my brother’s joking go. “Oh yeah? Well, I have a feeling you’ll need two more glasses of these before we walk out of this room because now that I’m marrying, Miriam’s pressure onyouto marry will double, no doubt.”

His smile faded. “Shit. Listen, can you and Chelsea keep her busy a few more years, like start having children or something?”

I choked on my drink. “I’m just getting married. Let’s not rush things.”