Page 72 of The Wedding Crush

I hold up a finger. “Technically, it’s three people. And I wouldn’t call it a relationship.”

Dante chuckles. “Whatever. Just give it a chance. If she makes you feel like the best version of yourself, and you have fun, and you look forward to every day…that’s the good stuff. Don’t let it go.”

“But what if I build this connection with her and her son, and it doesn’t work out? What if I don’t have what it takes to be a father? I don’t want to hurt the kid.”As it is, Avery and I have been hurt enough from our past marriages.

“The fact that you’re worried about that at all, tells me you’re already better than you think.”

I toss him a questioning glance and he nods, reassuringly.

“Anyway…” Dante swipes his hand over his freshly shaven head. “If you’re really into her…” He grins. “Consider talking to Mom about uninviting Carina. Bring this full-bodied Rosé instead. It’s hard to move on if your family’s still living in the past.”

With that nugget of wisdom, he dashes back to the changing room.

Quickly, I tap out a text to Avery.

Hey, everything is looking good on this end with the tux fitting. My cousin Enzo got back to me, and he’s down to be the officiant. Dante’s working on his vows, too. Wondering if this Thursday, we can meet at the winery to finalize the catering menu and playlist for the deejay.

Just in case, I add another option.

I’m open Saturday, too, if that works better for you. Let me know.

Then, before I can overthink it, I follow it up with…

I’d love to see you.

My mind is heavy as I put my phone away, but I quickly shove aside my worries and insecurities, regretful that I’ve managed to make this male bonding experience for my brother, about me.

Once we’ve all donned our tuxes, and we’re standing still so we don’t get poked by needles, the fitting shenanigans are underway, and I start feeling like myself. Or, at least not wound up with anxiety.

“On a real note, Stef, these pocket squares aren’t half-bad,” Jameson begrudgingly admits.

I raise my hands, smiling though refusing to take the bait.

But I’ve known this guy for years, so it doesn’t shock me when he starts fishing for details about my conversation with Dante.

“So, y’all are all good, then?” He darts a fishing glance at me in the mirror then to Dante, brows raised as if concerned.

I’m not buying it for a second.

Mike and Everett share a pointed look, suppressing their laughter.

I huff out a sigh. “Ask what you all want to know.”

Dante shuts us down though. “Who’s up for drinks after this? There’s an upscale bar that just opened down the street, and I’ve been meaning to check it out.”

A wave of collective laughter rushes over the guys.

“Drinks at a new bar?” Everett shoots him an impressed look.

“You’re not rushing home to Morgan?” Mike guffaws. “It’s been two hours. Will y’all survive being apart this long?”

Dante isn’t having it.

He immediately lights into Mike and Everett. “I know you two aren’t calling me whipped. Let me check your phones. I’ll bet you’ve texted your wives in the last ten minutes.”

They both laugh guiltily.

“Shoot, I was going to pay for the first round and have Stef give you details about the bachelor party, but since you’ve got jokes…” Dante shoots daggers at them in the mirror.

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