Page 67 of Conflict
“THIS PLACEis insane,” my cousin Sierra whispers as she twirls her little girl, Ava, around the room.
Lexi, Sierra’s sister, grins over at where Sierra tosses Ava onto the plushest, most comfortable-looking bed I’ve ever seen. In her arms is her baby daughter, Maya, who’s currently cooing up at the sight of her mother. My heart squeezes, and my biological clock ticks just a little louder. Which is ridiculous since I’m only twenty-four. But when you’re surrounded by soon-to-be brides, new mothers, and a cousin who’s been with the same man for practically her entire life, you get the itch to get that part of your life moving along. Too bad I have no prospects.
Except for maybe one. Not that Shane’s tried contacting me lately. The last time we spoke was when I’d called to tell him about what Benjamin and Branson’s ex had done. He did exactly what I thought he would—he gave Branson a swift kick in the ass, and here we are. The night before the wedding.
I’m nervous about seeing him again, which is silly. But in the months since we nearly crossed paths at the winery, he sent flowers, wine, cards, emails. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t reread those cheesy jokes a couple dozen times or two. Since that last phone call, however, it’s been radio silence.
He actually finally has my number and hasn’t used it once.
He is giving a girl a complex.
The only things that kept my mind from freaking out about his sudden change were Ari and Bryan. Ari, because she sprang a Christmas wedding on me with less than three months to prepare, and Bryan, because in the time since he moved in, we’ve become best friends. I’ve never been this close to someone other than my sister, and it’s nice to come home at the end of the day to someone I care about.
And since we’re both pining over people, if we’re not running, we do the platonic Netflix and chill most nights. I could’ve kissed him for introducing me toAltered Carbon. Especially for the fact that Joel Kinnaman’s body reminded me so much of Shane’s—I dreamt of them both.
What a fantastic sandwich those two made.
“You look like you’re about to take a bite out of that purse.” Jeremy, Sierra’s husband, has opened the door and crossed the threshold. It’s the first time I’ve seen him in months, and in an instant, I smile.
“I’m ravenous,” I tell him, and try to muster a smile.
Jeremy holds his arms out wide and gestures to me. “Come on, Lyssa. Come to Jeremy and tell him whose ass he needs to kick.”
I glance at Sierra, who shrugs.
“I’ve tried to break him of the third person schtick,” she says. “Every time I do, he doubles down.”
“Jeremy can hear you,” he replies.
Ariana and I burst into a fit of giggles. We both cross to him at the same time and he folds us in his arms.
“My second favorite set of sisters,” he says, a grin in his voice.
Jeremy’s been a part of our family since…well, since as long as I can remember. He’s the brother none of us ever had—except for Sierra. He went from boy-next-door to best friend to first kiss to husband, father, and everything else they are to each other that I don’t really want to explore. He’s the goofiest, sweetest, most kindhearted man I’ve ever met, and I couldn’t love him more.
In fact, when I pull back, I look around the room and realize how fortunate I am.
Because this is where I find myself, surrounded by those who mean the most to me as we stand in my sister’s room at the Wellington mansion. Before Jeremy came in, us ladies had been waiting as Ariana put the finishing touches on her makeup. Now that I’m taking in the sight of her, I’m astounded.
She’s a vision in a long-sleeved, pale-pink gown with lace from her shoulders to her wrists. A cute, little baby bump is highlighted by a sash tied around her waist. Yep, not only did Branson and Ariana have a whirlwind romance that resulted in a fast trip to the altar, they’re also going to be parents in less than six months. Not that this is a shotgun wedding. Baby or not, they wanted a December wedding, so that’s where we are.
Tears well in my eyes as I’m unable to believe that what was once a fake engagement turned real, and soon, I’ll not only have a brother-in-law, but a niece or nephew, too. Branson and Ariana’s relationship was a whirlwind, and if it were anyone else, I’d question it. But all you have to do is take one look at them to see a couple crazy in love and utterly perfect for each other.
Jeremy’s throat clearing has me wiping an errant tear. “I was sent to fetch you ladies. And while I may have grumbled that the wealthy Wellingtons were making me their errand boy, the joke’s on them,” he says, his voice teasing. He takes the baby from Lexi’s arms. “Because I’m the first to tell you how beautiful you all are.”
“Even me, Daddy?” Ava asks.
He beams at his daughter. “Especially you, Ava.” He then gives her a mock glare. “Except you can’t ever get married.”
She giggles. “When I grow up, I’m going to marry Tucker!”
He scowls, and Sierra giggles. “Jeremy, she’s your daughter. Does it really surprise you she’s already in love with the boy next door?”
Before he can respond, Lexi cuts in. “If we don’t get moving, we’ll be here until Maya’s old enough to marry. Let’s go, people!”
Have I mentioned how much I love my family?
We all file out of the room, giving Ariana the lead so she can be the first to greet her groom.
