Page 30 of The Wedding Toast (The Hamiltons #10)

Reaves was talking to Willow and Slade. He’d always been close with Slade and Xander.

Jacob had a feeling that if it weren’t for his father, Charles, and not wanting to leave him, Reaves would probably have gone off to join the military too.

Although in his case, it no doubt would have been the Air Force.

~ ~ ~

“Would I be wrong if I guessed that you’ve taken something of a shine to Becca’s bridesmaid, Callie?”

Ollie froze, feeling guilty. He recognized the voice behind him but wasn’t sure he wanted to turn to face her. He relaxed when he heard her laugh. It wasn’t a sound he was familiar with.

“Alexandria.” He greeted her with a wry smile when she stepped forward. “It’s good to see you.”

“And you, Oliver.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Now I feel like I’ve done something wrong. You only ever called me by my full name when I misbehaved.”

She laughed again. “I’m aware, but I thought it was only fair – if you insist on calling me Alexandria still…”

He smiled. “That’s right. I’m sorry. I forget – everyone calls you Ria these days, don’t they?”

“They do. And I wish you would, too.”

“I’ll try, but it’ll take some getting used to.”

“That’s understandable, I suppose. And by the way, are you avoiding the question?”

He shook his head with a smile. “You always were observant, weren’t you?”

“I prefer to think of it as taking an interest. Of course, I kept an eye on Bentley and the girls, and all their friends.”

Ollie nodded. “You didn’t just keep an eye on us; you always kept an eye out for us, and I appreciate it.”

She touched his arm. “I know, darling. How are you?”

“I’m doing well, thanks. And you?”

He glanced over to where Russ was talking to his daughter – Bentley’s fiancée, Alyssa.

He loved the way Alexandria smiled when she said, “I can honestly tell you that I’ve never been this happy.

Of course, I love that Bentley and Alyssa are planning their wedding.

And honestly, being here like this for Jacob and Becca is making me wonder if Russ and I… ”

“Wow. I wondered if you might, but I didn’t know.”

“Neither did I. But these days, I’m much more open to the possibility that life takes surprising turns.”

She looked pointedly over at where Callie was talking to Becca’s sister – or at least trying to. It didn’t look like the sister particularly wanted to be here.

“So, back to the question. And of course, you can tell me to mind my own business if you like.”

He chuckled. “Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m…” He didn’t know how to put it, so he borrowed her words. “Taken with Callie. She’s not what I expected.”

Alexandria lifted an eyebrow.

He shrugged. “All I knew was that I was going to collect a ceramicist from Fort Bragg,” he said by way of explanation.

She laughed. “Ah, I can see why you might have expected someone other than Callie.”

“You know her?”

“Not yet. Not properly, anyway. We’ve had a little chat, and I’ll admit that I’m rather taken with her, too.”

That made Ollie smile, and Alexandria surprised him by slapping his arm.

“What was that for?”

“Just in case you were judging me by my old standard. I wouldn’t have dismissed her just because she’s from a different background.”

“No, I know that. I just wondered… what do you like about her?”

She glanced over at Callie again. “She strikes me as a very intelligent, down-to-earth, and talented young lady.”

Ollie nodded.

“And of course, she’s rather beautiful as well,” she added.

Ollie shot her a sideways glance, and she lifted a shoulder. “Are her looks the only thing that drew your attention?”

He shook his head rapidly. Of course, when he’d first laid eyes on her at the airport, there’d been an instant attraction. Alexandria was right, she was beautiful – but not in the sense he normally went for.

“How long is she here for?”

“We haven’t decided yet. I’m flying her home in my Cirrus. But Trick and I are ferrying people back to the airport on Sunday and Monday.”

“So, are you hoping Callie might wait around until Tuesday?”

“I’d like to think she might, but she suggested I could take her first thing Sunday morning.”

Alexandria glanced over at her again. “That would never do – the bridesmaid should be here for the brunch the morning after. Perhaps I should ask if she’ll have the time to show me her work before she leaves.

Alyssa has one of the mugs she made – Becca gifted it to her. It’s exquisite. I’d love to buy some.”

Ollie made a face. “From the way she tells it, all you need to do is go online to her Etsy store.”

He tried not to laugh at the horrified expression on Alexandria’s face.

“Then perhaps you should offer her some guidance,” she suggested.

He shrugged. “I would if I knew the first thing about ceramics or that kind of business.”

She gave him a stern look. “Think, Oliver. What she’ll need help with is branding. And before she can get that, she’ll need to understand her own worth and the worth of her work. I have the distinct impression you’d be able to help her with that.”

That made him smile. “It’s not often you’re wrong, but you’re right once more.”

She laughed. “Why, thank you. And look – here comes Reaves.”

Ollie had to laugh as she snagged Reaves’s arm as he walked by.

“Alexandria.” Reaves greeted her with a kiss to the cheek.

She made a face at Ollie. “Will you boys never learn? It’s Ria, please.”

He laughed. “You’re asking us to overcome a lifetime of training. You know it doesn’t happen that quickly.”

She huffed. “And I thought the two of you were such intelligent boys.”

Reaves laughed. “We are, Ria – I promise. How are you?”

“I’m wonderful, thank you. And you?”

“All’s well in my world.”

“And your father?”

Ollie loved the way Reaves smiled whenever he spoke about his dad. Charles was such a good guy. He might be older and a little stuck in his ways, but he was not just respected but genuinely loved by many around here.

“He’s doing well,” said Reaves. “He said to tell you he’s looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

“The feeling’s mutual,” said Alexandria. “It’s been too long.”

“That’s what he said, too.”

Alexandria cocked an eyebrow at Ollie as she asked Reaves, “And how about you? Is there a young lady in your life at the moment?”

Ollie tried to hold back a laugh but didn’t quite manage it, and Reaves shot him an evil look.

“Oh,” said Alexandria. “There’s a story here, I can tell.”

Reaves shook his head. “Not the kind of story you think.”

“It’s true,” said Ollie. “The reason I laughed is because the girl who’s stolen Reaves’s heart is much, much younger.”

Alexandria didn’t look impressed, so he hurried on. “As in she’s six years old. I don’t know if you’ve heard about little Zia?”

Alexandria smiled. “From the names she’s given my children, I’m rather looking forward to meeting her.

I don’t know that Bentley is thrilled to be King of the Bluebells; however, I have to agree with the child that Willow is a warrior princess, and she’s more than capable of taming the growly dragon who is Slade. ”

Ollie and Reaves both laughed.

“Oh, sorry, I have to go,” said Alexandria. “Russ is calling me over. Although, I’ll be keeping an eye on you both. I’m going to want progress reports on these young ladies of yours.”

As they watched her go, Reaves asked, “Young ladies? As in plural? What did you tell her about Callie? In fact, what’s going on with you and Callie?”

“Nothing yet,” said Ollie.

“I hope you’re going to do something about that before she leaves.”

Ollie nodded. He’d like to, but he didn’t know if it’d be a wise move.

So far, he’d gotten along so well with Callie because, from the moment they met, he’d assured her that he wasn’t one of the wine country royalty, and she’d relaxed with him.

Even now, she was a little on edge with some of the others – he could tell.

He hadn’t lied. He didn’t come from one of the wine families. But it wasn’t wine that was the problem. He knew that.

Reaves gave him a puzzled look. “Or are you not that into her after all? Have I got the wrong idea?”

He shrugged. It was too much to explain right now, so instead he went with, “I’ll figure it out. But what about you?”

Reaves chuckled. “What about me? There’s no hope for me, is there? The girl who’s stolen my heart is only six years old.”

“And her mom…?”

Reaves met his gaze. “That remains to be seen, doesn’t it? I said I’d take Zia over to see my dad in the morning – to keep her out of harm’s way while it’s busy around here.”

Ollie laughed. “Damn. Can I come too? Your dad and Zia together – that’s going to be… Please say I can come too.”

Reaves laughed with him. “Sure. Why not? You know Dad loves having you around.”

“Thanks. But seriously – what about Alara?”

Reaves shrugged. “There’s interest there… but… there’s probably no point.” He gave Ollie a sad smile. “Just my luck, huh?”

Ollie shook his head. “You’re always lucky with the ladies. What do you mean?”

His friend surprised him when he said, “I mean that the first time I see the appeal in something more than just getting lucky, it’s not going to happen, is it? She’s on her way to Oregon.”

“Never say never,” said Ollie. He glanced over at Callie, who was now laughing with Becca, and added, “I don’t plan to.”