Page 128 of Feels Like Love
Tristan, Asher, and Liam were hanging out with me in one of the private rooms at Fall River Estates. It was my wedding day, and I couldn’t wait to marry Wren. River was with his mom and the other women since he was walking her down the aisle with Mr. Beaudin.
“Here,” Asher said, handing me his phone whereThe Vinewebsite was displayed. “My mom sent it to me.”
I skimmed the latest post, shaking my head all the while. “Wow. Looks like V’s got her sights set on you, Asher. You too, Liam.”
“What the fuck?” Liam took the phone from my hand.
“What did you do to piss her off, Asher?” I asked.
He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “No fucking clue. Though maybe I should be thanking V for announcing my intentions.”
“That’syour takeaway?”
Asher rolled his eyes. “Yeah. Okay. Maybe I could be a little nicer to the women I take home, but at least I’m honest. They know I’m not looking for anything serious.”
I shook my head. Would he ever learn?
I didn’t ask Liam about Penny, though I knew he was disappointed she wasn’t coming. Perhaps what he’d said was true; she was busy with work. Or maybe Wren was right—Penny wasn’t ready to attend a wedding so soon after being left at the altar. Though I didn’t buy it. I saw the way they looked at each other, especially Liam.
“Couldn’t you track them down? Figure out who’s behindThe Vine?” Liam asked Tristan.
Tristan continued to stare out at the vineyards, his back to us. “Who cares?”
My chest tightened at the reminder of what he’d lost. What we’d all lost when Tessa died.
Since her sudden death, Tristan hadn’t seemed to care about much of anything. I’d felt bad even asking him to attend the wedding. I didn’t want to rub my happiness in his face. And seeing him suffering reminded me just how devastated I would be if anything ever happened to Wren.
I joined him at the window and clapped my hand over his shoulder. A large floral arch had been set up in front of the rows and rows of grapes. Chairs were lined up with an aisle in the center. Guests mingled on the grounds. Juliana and the team at Fall River Estates had done an amazing job. It was romantic and beautiful, just like my Wren deserved.
Liam lifted his glass, and Tristan and Asher followed suit. “To Bennett and Wren. Don’t fuck this up.”
“You’re such a romantic.” I rolled my eyes and gulped down some wine. I knew I had Liam’s support, just as I knew he was happy I was marrying his sister. I just hoped his best man’s speech would be better than that.
There was a knock at the door, and Juliana had Tristan and Asher line up outside. Liam patted me on the back. “You were always like a brother to me. I’m glad you’re part of the family.”
I smiled, bolstered by his reassurance. “Me too.”
I followed him up to the front of the aisle. The string quartet played a peaceful tune of hope, while a gentle breeze blew through the vineyards. I smiled at my parents in the first row, as well as Wren’s mom.
The song changed and then another, and the guests started whispering to each other. Wren should’ve been here by now. Sweat prickled at the back of my neck.
“Where is she?” I mouthed to Juliana.
She joined me and whispered, “She’s just running a few minutes late.”
I frowned, glancing out at the group of people gathered. Waiting. Watching for any sign of trouble. I smiled out at them and was careful to keep my voice low when I asked, “What do you mean, she’s running late?”
“She’s just…a little nervous, perhaps. Everyone gets wedding-day jitters. Doc Allen is with her now.”
Wedding-day jitters didn’t sound like Wren. And Doc Allen? “Where is she?”
“I’m not sure that’s—”
When I marched down the aisle, Juliana jogged to catch up. “Where is she?” I asked again, once we were inside and away from the guests. I needed to see her. To know she was okay.
“She just needs a minute, and then she’ll be out.”
I stopped walking and narrowed my eyes at her. What wasn’t she telling me?
