Page 67 of Secrets We Fight

“Tyler is in the house next to this one,” Day advised.

“Awesome. Thanks.”

I walked up the front steps and into the home that had been renovated to hold various events. Rows of white chairs flanked a white runner leading to a grand fireplace, the mantle adorned by white roses. I expected nothing less than how elegant everything looked.

Walking into an adjacent room, I spotted a stage at the front for a band and round tables with place settings set up for the reception. After leaving the present on the gift table, I made my way through the manor with Agent Day, and noticed a few bars being stocked. I walked to the nearest one.

“Hey, man. Sorry, I know you’re getting set up. Any chance I can get a few shots of vodka for one of the grooms?”

“Sure. How many do you need?” he asked.

I counted in my head who I thought would be with Tyler while he got ready. “Six.”

The bartender grabbed the shot glasses, placed them on a tray, and then began pouring the shots. “You’re Fallon Donnelley, right?”

“I am.” I nodded.

“Cool. I voted for your father.”

“Thanks, bro. I appreciate that.” I pulled out a twenty and put it into his tip jar.

“Thanks.”

I picked up the tray, then Day and I walked out the door and across a small walkway to another house next to the manor. It was much smaller but also two stories. Knocking, I let myself in. Agent Day retreated and left me to be with my friends.

“Who’s ready for some shots?” I bellowed.

Tyler, Dylan, Jase, and their fathers, Gage and Chase, turned.

“Hell, yeah!” Dylan yelled and stood to grab a shot.

I turned the tray so he couldn’t take one. “Your brother’s first. It’s his big day.”

Tyler smiled, and I passed him a shot of the clear liquid.

“I think you need to give a toast,” Chase said to me.

“I have to give one later,” I reminded them.

“Well, don’t be coming in here with shots if you aren’t going to back them up.” He squeezed my shoulder.

“All right. I’ll give a toast.” Everyone grabbed a glass, and I shrugged out of my jacket. We lifted our shots, and I said, “Here’s to the nights we’ll never remember with friends we’ll never forget.”

“Aw. You’re getting all sappy on us.” Tyler winked and then threw back the shot.

We all followed and downed the vodka.

“Just happy for you.” I hugged him.

“Thanks.”

“We all are.” Gage stood and hugged his son.

“Okay. We don’t need everyone getting emotional,” Tyler chuckled.

“No.” Jase shook his head. “We need more shots.”

“No,” Chase clipped. “Tyler isn’t going to get drunk before his wedding.”