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“Maybe you should have. At least Dad would’ve known how much you wanted a real chance to prove yourself.”
Gus rolled his eyes.
“Then all of a sudden you’re married and the first we all hear of it is in the tabloids.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Merritt sooner. Things happened really fast.”
“Yeah, well, it didn’t feel good to be shut out of your life. And it wasn’t the first time.”
“I know that, and I’m sorry. Is that why you shut me out of your life for all these months?”
“Partly. But most of all, I was tired of you not sticking around and standing up for yourself. If you want Dad to believe you’ve changed, then stop running away when things get tough.”
“I’m not running anymore.”
“I hope you won’t.”
“I don’t plan to do anything that will mess up my future ever again.”
The expression on Sebastian’s face said he wasn’t so sure.
“I know I’ve let you down in the past. Many times. And I’m sorry that you were always the one to clean up my messes, but I’m done with all that, Bash. Things are different now. I'm different. I hope you’ll believe me.”
“I want to. I really do.”
"I know we haven’t talked lately, but I am stoked to be here for your big day, Bash. I really am. Genevieve is the perfect girl for you and for this family.”
“Merritt seems sweet, Gus.”
“She is. She’s great. And this might sound cliché … but she’s my best friend.”
“I feel the same way about Gen.”
“It’s weird to be friends with a woman.”
“Adelia’s your friend.”
“That’s different. She’s like a sister. I’ve never had this kind of friendship with any of the women I’ve dated.”
Sebastian snorted. “Since when have you ever dated anyone?”
Gus laughed. “True. But it’s different with her. She’s amazing and brilliant and funny and so feisty. Sometimes I can’t take my eyes off of her, she’s so dang beautiful.”
Bash shook his head in disbelief.
“What?”
“I’ve never seen you in love before. It’s a good look on you.”
“I … uh, yeah, thanks,” Gus stammered. He wasn’t in love with Merritt, but for the sake of their marriage agreement, it was a good thing his brother was convinced that he was.
After they had cleared the air and hugged it out, they went to join the family. Gus took in the house as they walked along the hallway. It was much like he expected a log cabin to be, with its exposed log walls and rustic fixtures and decor throughout.
The three sisters-in-law and Mom were in the kitchen, which opened into the dining area with the great room beyond. They were talking and laughing while they made dinner, and Merritt seemed to fit in like she’d known them for years, which warmed Gus’s heart.
Sebastian walked up behind his bride and put an arm around her waist, nuzzling his nose into her long blonde hair.
“Hey, you.” She rested her head against his. “I’m stirring.”