Page 224 of Three Reckless Words

All four of us—my brothers, Colt, and me—are wearing matching suits. Now that he’s starting to fill out just a little, it looks good on him.

He also looks way too old to be my son.

“Looking sharp, Son.”

Dexter pats Colt’s pockets as he grins. “You have the rings, safe and secure?”

Colt rolls his eyes. “Yes, Uncle Dex. Trust me.”

“Don’t give me lip, kiddo. It never hurts to double-check.” Dexter pats Colt’s cheek affectionately. “Did I tell you about the time your uncle Pat was best man for—”

Patton looks up in alarm. “You donotneed to tell that story.”

“Don’t I?”

To Patton’s visible relief, Mom chooses that moment to arrive, sweeping in and wearing a flamingo-pink floral dress and a wide-brimmed hat.

“Archer,” she says warmly, hugging me like she’s drowning. “Oh, you look so dapper today!”

“What about me, Mom?” Patton asks with a grin.

“You’re always lovely, but today isn’t about you, Patton.” She frowns.

“I can still look handsome,” he grumbles.

Mom sighs and kisses them both on the cheek, then turns to gush over Colt.

I’m not surprised my son steals the show until she says, “You boys all look amazing, but Archer is the star of the show.”

“Thanks, Mom. How’s Winnie?”

“Glowing. She’s more radiant than ever,” Mom says cheerfully. “Try to keep it together when you see her. But remember, there’s no shame in crying.”

I shake my head.

“If she doesn’t bail,” Patton whispers.

“No way. If Salem didn’t, it’s not happening,” Dexter mutters right back.

“Boys!” Mom snaps her fingers. “Stop it. You’re grown men and you should know I won’t have your bickering today.”

Patton nudges Dexter, who nudges him back pointedly.

Mom ignores them both.

“Are we ready?” I ask.

“Almost. Don’t you want a photo or two first?”

I really don’t. We’re going to be bombarded with at least a hundred more soon, but for Mom’s sake, fine.

Colt groans, but Dex grabs him by the shoulder and raps him across the head with his knuckles. “Come on, horsey. Less attitude, more smiling. If we have to put up with it, so do you. Consider it a Rory rite of manhood.”

“You’ll love the memories when you’re older,” Mom reminds us and pulls out her phone. “Okay, guys. Line up and show some teeth.”

We assemble into what almost passes for a line.

Colt grins at the camera. Mom hums a little in appreciation and snaps her shots before getting Colt to take some with her and my brothers.

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