Page 95 of The Wedding Crush

I’m so open for this woman.

“MyLord, the consult I had with that red-dress bride?” Avery’s brown eyes widen. “Total debacle. The bridesmaid dresses are two grand, and she’s not footing the bill. Like, what?”

“That’s steep.”

I minimize the Quarterly Trends and Consumer Health Index reports I’d been reviewing for our next family business meeting, then turn on Gallery view, so my square is centered next to Avery’s on the screen.

A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.

I watch her pull out her giant pink planner and drop it on her desk with a loud thud, and I can’t get over how much has changed over so little time. Our first meeting was mid-July. We’re just breaking into September, and we’re two completely different people.

I’m still learning and climbing, reaching for the next rung. Except, it feels less about career, and more about life. Those decades of management and winemaking experience, marriage even, their collective purpose seems like it was to inform the new life I’m building.Hoping to build.I still know the vast, fascinating history of my family’s vineyard grounds. I was still that guy who was top of my class in business school. I still read to learn the details of processes and people. And, strangely, those twelve years of marriage, I don’t regret them.

They’ve all shaped me into a man who pays attention, values family, and loves with my entire being.

Most of all, I know I’ll never give up on my dream of love and making a family—no matter the blend.

I said I’d never rush in.

But looking at this woman in full-color resolution. Studying her beautiful features, her heart always on display. I feel like she’s what it was all for.

I’d never change anything I’ve been through because those lived experiences led me to the woman who gets under my skin and reminds me that I’m a man with fire burning in my loins.

She’s the best plot twist.

She’s my silver lining.

“Long story short, she might not just be down two bridesmaids, throwing off her perfectly balanced wedding party. After this, she’s probably down two decades-long friendships.”

“That’sno bueno,” I say, using her words from the carnival, and loving that it earns me a low musical laugh.

Under my desk, I stretch out my legs, getting comfortable.

“Exactly.” Her smile widens. “Just like Tilt-A-Whirl and cotton candy, asking your friends to fork out cash for expensive dresses that they certainlywill notshorten and wear again, isno bueno.”

Silence blankets the virtual room for a beat.

Then Avery squares her body to the camera, a smile teetering on her full pink lips. “What?”

I shake my head like it’s no big deal. “Nothing, I just love you so much.”

“Awww, don’t say that when I can’t be with you right now.”

A low chuckle rumbles over me. “Sorry, let’s just get started. We’re finalizing details for the bachelor and bachelorette parties, right? Anything else on your agenda?”

Avery pauses. “Plus, finalizing the guest list. And a few other things…” She breaks off, and I get the sense she’s holding back.

I straighten.

“What are these other things you want to discuss?”

Her cheeks flush a faint pink.

“There’s something bothering you,” I say, stating the obvious. My heart stutters when her face falls. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

She hazards a look at me.

“Sorry, it’s just…I was going to save the personal stuff for last.”

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