Page 112 of Finding New Dreams

I smiled at her. “Your wedding day wouldn’t dare be anything else.”

“True.” Everything from her eyes to her smile to her skin shone with happiness. “But I’m not telling the Event Planning Committee to put away the big tents just yet. Gotta be prepared.”

“Of course. Now, what do you need? Carbo-load? Another steam of your dress? Running interference with Mom and Dad?”

She laughed. “Yes to all of the above. Hunter texted me, griping about having to sleep on Sal’s couch last night. But I wanted to do this the traditional way. No looksies.”

“Which means I get to do everything for you until your bridesmaids descend.” I tried to ease over the word “bridesmaids” without a wince.

But Chloe still gave me a sympathetic smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll release you from your brotherly duties before then.”

“Then I’m on groomsmen patrol,” I said with a wink.

She squealed suddenly, making me jolt hard enough to spill coffee on their countertop. “I’m getting married today! Can you believe it? Gosh, I feel like I should be freaking out or something, but I’m just so excited! I’m sure something will go wrong, but I find it so hard to care. Isn’t that nuts?”

I circled the island to give her a one-armed hug. “It’s not. It’s amazing. And barring you getting kidnapped or something, this wedding will be perfect no matter what happens.”

She elbowed me in the side. “Great. Thanks for that, dear brother.”

I laughed. “Go shower. I’ll make those gross protein pancakes you like.” As she dashed away, I called after her, “But I’m adding syrup and whipped cream!”

She whooped, and I started cooking up breakfast.

So far, so good. I’d managed to keep a smile on my face all morning for Chloe. The same couldn’t be said for the rest of the past week.

I’d both anticipated and dreaded my last days at the gallery with Rose. She was polite and kept her distance, always busying herself with one thing or another out of my vicinity. I’d tried my hardest not to even look in her direction. By the end of the day, my neck would be stiff as a board.

I’d hung out with whoever was available at night. Another bonfire with all the guys, an evening at Tall Tales. Dog walks for Furry Family. Haunting the Twisted Oak. Even suffered through a dinner at my parents’ house when they returned mid-week.

After I’d finished my tree of courage painting and shipped it off to Ozzy, I didn’t even go to the studio anymore. I’d left my key under Rose’s apartment door.

Every bit of it hurt.

How long until it didn’t? Maybe a few thousand miles would help.

After Chloe and I scarfed down a pile of pancakes, she waved me off to find Mom and Dad while she steamed her dress again.

I called Mom, but she said they were busy getting the house ready for a few aunts and uncles who’d be spending the night. Pine Grove Lodge was already full, much to Chloe’s delight and my mother’s chagrin—she’d never really liked anyone, including me and Chloe, in her house.

So instead, I hitched a ride with Louis out to Owen’s house where the groomsmen were kicking it until the wedding.

Owen’s house was just as impressive on the inside as it was on the outside, and was outfitted with several bedrooms, bathrooms, and lounge areas. It felt like the Twisted Oak but bigger and more livable. Perfect place to hang out and get ready.

I did my best to have fun playing video games, snacking, and hanging out, but that nagging pit in my stomach refused to disappear.

By the time we loaded up and rolled out, I felt like I might puke up my morning pancakes all over my rented tux.

The square came into view, strung with dozens of twinkly lights. The lampposts boasted bunches of pearly white balloons and streamers. Baskets of daisies and dangling greenery dotted the grass. Rows of white plastic chairs faced the white arch where my sister would get married in an hour.

Already, cars lined the streets around the square, and gaggles of wedding guests stood around the park or the cocktail tables.

But I didn’t see her anywhere. She was somewhere. Maybe still holed up with the other bridesmaids and Chloe at River Roots.

My eyes snapped to the hair salon, then away. It didn’t matter. I would see her soon enough.

When she walked down the aisle with me.

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