Page 29 of Brother of the Bride

Once they’re gone, Garrett nods at me. Is it weird we’re on the same wavelength? “Tell us the rest, Isaac.”

“I’ve got it handled, guys. Thanks.”

I cross my arms and wait. Isaac sighs. He’s never been one to ask for help. But we’re past that. “A few days ago, Jane cleaned out our checking account…and a savings account we had for Simon.”

Garrett takes shallow breaths. His body is tense as if he’s going to start yelling at any moment. “Do you need money?”

Isaac shakes his head, and I’m not sure I believe him. He must notice because he rubs the back of his neck and says, “I have money in another account that she can’t touch.” He clamps his lips together and blinks. “I wish I could help her. I’ve tried—” His voice breaks, and he shakes his head again.

“This isn’t your fault, lad.” I give Isaac a hug, which is unusual for me. “Go take care of your son. We’ll be there in a minute.”

He gives me a grateful look and leaves.

“I’m going to kill her,” I say with a growl, turning to Garrett.

“She might beat you to it. Addiction sucks.”

“I don’t care— I’m sorry, I know she’s your—” I stop with a shake of my head. God, I’m being a selfish jerk. Garrett’s alreadylost one sister. Now he’s losing the other. “This has to be hard for you, love.”

“Stop. I can’t— I didn’t stay behind to talk about Jane. I fucking missed you.” His hand slides around my neck and into my hair, and he presses his lips against mine. I should worry about who might come through that door, but in that moment, I don’t care. His kisses are sweet. Calming. Yes, I miss the sex, but I think I miss this more. Just being with Garrett.

He pulls me closer, and the kisses heat as he plunges his tongue into my mouth. Oh Lord Almighty. We’re both breathing heavily when we part. “I’m glad Lanie is staying the night at Zoey’s.”

“Yeah? Why’s that?”

“You’re very tense, Mr. Christy. I know a way to help you relax.”

“Do ya now?”

“I do,” he says, kissing me again. I don’t even care that he’s making fun of my accent. This is all I care about.

“I’m getting there.” I place his hand on my hardening cock to prove it.

Garrett chuckles. “First, we have to get through this party. And eat that amazing cake you made. Then maybe we can have some of the just-in-case icing you stored in the fridge so I can lick it off you.”

His words and his fingers distract me, and for a second, I let him get away with that.

“Wait, you pushy bastard.” I hold up a finger, so he gets that I’m serious. “I have something to say.”

“You always have something to say. That’s why I have to creatively shut you up.” He grins at me, and I shake my head.

“Shut it, Garrett.” I cover his mouth with my hand because I need to get this out before I talk myself out of it. “I…this is…I mean…” As I stumble over my words, his brows raise inquestion. His eyes are fond. Amused. And then it’s not so hard. “I love you.”

A grin spreads over his face. “But do you fucking love me?”

“I do,” I say, kissing him hard and pulling away before I can’t. “I fucking love you, Garrett Bishop.”

I’m not ready to tell the world, but telling Garrett feels right.

After singing “Happy Birthday” to Simon, eating cake, and watching him open presents, we clean up the mess of the party and are finally alone.

I back up my words with action. Showing him how much I love him. Want him.

As I slide into his hot body, cherishing every moment, memorizing every gasp and moan, he presses his cheek against mine and whispers, his voice wrecked, “I love you too, Aidyn. More than anything.”

My fears that lurk beneath the surface—mostly that Garrett will leave me for good—rest. This thing between us is real. It might take a while to get to where we’re willing to share our love with our family, but we’ll get there.

Garrett loves me. He knows and believes that I love him. That’s enough. At least for now.