Page 15 of Bad Wolf

“I tried before, but you were so closed off. There was a rumor. It started after you left. People were saying that it didn’t add up. She’d only been with him all of five minutes and then they said she ran off about two seconds after you left and heaved her guts up in the bushes. And he couldn’t remember a single thing. No one saw them speak all night. How could she if she was with you? She went to the bathroom, right?”

“Yes. I mean no. I don’t know. I saw what I saw Nerd, and the guilt probably made her throw up, or maybe how disgusting sleeping with that pencil dick was. I meanGale?!” I blow out an angry breath.

They both open their mouths to say something, but I snap my hands up in front of me in ashut the fuckup gesture.

“Just drop it. For the love of God, just drop this whole thing. Us seeing her was like a blip in the matrix or something. I don’t wanna know her anymore. I’m over it.”

They both nod their heads like they agree, but I can tell they don’t.

“Come on fuckers, enough dilly-dallying. Let’s go get suited up. Especially you,” I point at Scott, “bet Jenna catches the bouquet.”

He rolls his eyes but picks up the pace. Looks like they’re letting this Wren shit go for now, but I’m not holding my breath that this conversation is anywhere near over.

Once we’ve tried on the suits and facetimed with our mom, not once but twice, it’s confirmed we all look hot as fuck—my words not hers—and order an Uber heading straight back to the hotel.

We catch up with Gunner, Jack, Callan, and Hollywood inside the foyer.

“Knox, Jase, Scott! We’re going to get our tuxes now!” my nephew Jack yells across the open space as he sets off at a sprint towards us, the guys following him.

“Hey, Jackie Boy. How’s everyone doing up there? It still a madhouse?” I ask as we fist bump.

He nods. “Mom sent us to the store because,” he thumbs behind him, “we were getting under her feet.”

Gunner chuckles as he steps up behind him, hands cupping his little shoulders.

“She could see that Callan was dying a slow, painful death so sent us out into the wild. We’re bringing back a lunch order too.”

“Oooh, subs. Bring back subs,” I request.

“Okay, man. Will do.”

CHAPTERFOUR

KNOX

Casey only hasTheo and Jack standing beside him. Otherwise, there’d be no guests at this tiny wedding and that’s just fine by me. Usually, I’m stealing the limelight, but tonight I just get to be present.

I want this so badly for my brother. For him to have it all. The wife and the kids, a nice long career, and I think he’s going to get exactly that.

The hotel moved like the wind to get this all set up in time and the job they’ve done is spectacular. Hanging Edison bulb lights are strung overhead hinting at a cozy and romantic setting for the reception later.

Behind me, on the patio, every table center has a delicate flower and candle arrangement ready to go. And in front of me, the ocean and the pale blue sky, streaked pink and orange, make for the perfect “I do” backdrop.

The sweet looking female officiant stands under an arch of white flowers and rich green foliage, while we’re seated on white-washed wooden chairs. There was no preferred seating, so we spread out across the few intimate rows.

Up at the front, my dad talks quietly in Casey’s ear, his face soft as he nods, agreeing with whatever the Lieutenant Colonel’s saying. Probably some wise words of wisdom on how to be a good husband, how to be present even when duty calls, even when the miles apart seem infinite—you get the gist.

I always wanted to be a dad like him. He was able to keep seven rambunctious kids in check from some of the most remote places in the world. And he is still the doting husband he always has been. That’s not to say there weren’t arguments. Being gone for long periods of time and then finding a space to fit into when back home is a hard thing to do, but no one could ever say that he didn’t and doesn’t love my mom to her very bones.

It’s exactly what I thought I’d found when I was a teenager, and why I thought it was the real deal. It’s real for my parents and it’s just as real for Casey. Theo too. I just know it won’t happen for me.

I wasted my chance on puppy love, rather than waiting to become a man to find a woman who looks good wearing my jersey and isn’t just after my bank account. Someone I could share this life with. Instead, I served up my soul to a mere girl who crushed it until it was just a barely beating lump of meat in my chest.

Whatever, like I said, I’m not thinking aboutheror the relationship she blew to smithereens half a lifetime ago.

Back to staying in the moment.

I turn to Hollywood, who’s come and sat next to me. He’s chewing on his lip and his knee is bouncing erratically.

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