Page 11 of Never Sleep with the Enemy

Jonah smirks, his expression softening as he takes in the faces around him.

Before his eyes even reach mine, I drop my gaze to my hands.

“Each of you shaped who I am,” he says. “Through lessons, through loyalty, through the stories you’ve lived and the kindness you’ve shared. I carry pieces of all of you with me.”

He hesitates just long enough that I feel the weight of his stare pressing against my cheek. But I don’t look up.

I can’t.

“I’m standing here today the man I am because of you. And because of you, I know I’ll be a good husband.”

My chest tightens.

“Marla is… the most important person in the world to me,” he says, his love for her woven into every syllable. “I wouldn’t have found her without you. Without everything you’ve done to make me into the man who will love, honor, and cherish her for the rest of my life.” He pauses. “So, thank you. In name or otherwise, you’re all Botsfords… and Hayden.”

Hayden snorts as the table erupts in laughter, though his grin is wide, his pride for his baby brother written all over his face.

Jonah raises his glass. The rest of us follow, my fingers shaking. I press them tighter around the stem, trying to will the tremor away, but the unease in my stomach doesn’t settle.

“Today is your day just as much as it’s mine,” Jonah says. “And just know that wherever I go from here, whether it be another tour or the start of a business venture?—”

Kingston sits forward. “Business venture?” he asks.

Jonah flicks a look at Knox before turning to his father. “We’ll talk later, Dad.”

Kingston leans back, something soft in his usually shrewd eyes. The thought of Jonah—his youngest and objectively brightest son—donning the Botsford blue suit one day, after all, might just be the best retirement gift Kingston could ever hope for.

The rest of us exchange glances. Addison shrugs. Bronson does, too. Jordan just looks irritated. Knox, on the other hand, is grinning, unfazed by Harmony’s inquisitive elbow jabs.

“Wherever I go from here,” Jonah continues, and this time, when his eyes land on mine, I don’t have the chance to look away. “It’s because of you.”

The words land in my chest, thick and sharp.

Jonah smiles, shifting his focus. “And I hope that when I return home from my honeymoon?—”

His brothers erupt in cheers. Jonah grins.

“I hope we can all sit down for breakfast together again…” He glances at the empty chair on his right, which I now realize was left open on purpose. “With a new Botsford by my side.”

“Hell yeah!” Knox shouts, setting off a fresh wave of celebration.

Glasses clink in toasts, and we all drink.

My champagne and orange juice don’t go down as smoothly as I’d hoped. The fizzy burn churns in my gut, mixing with whatever is left from last night.

When I spent the night in Logan Shock’s bed.

I shove the thought away as fast as it comes, but like the bubbles rising in my glass, the feeling refuses to fade.

BAD KITTY

* * *

I smilethrough the rest of breakfast.

I smile as I and the other girls gather our things and head across the street to the chapel to change into our dresses. Standing before a long mirror, I adjust the straps of my navy blue halter dress as I check for any finishing touches. The golden sash around my waist feels tight but secure, making me feel elegant despite the endless churn in my gut.

Then I smile as we all head into the bridal suite to assist Marla through her myriad panic attacks.

---