The guests looked back and stood as Cali made her way down the aisle on the arm of her mother, whose hair was close to Ireland’s red tone. Cali’s dad, Ireland’s paternal uncle, didn’t have red hair, but it ran in the family, as Ireland could attest. With redheads on both sides, Cali and Tyler had been screwed, yet somehow they each had a more toned-down version than Ireland. Cali’s father wasn’t in her life, and Maddie walking Cali down the aisle was the perfect way to honor Maddie’s devotion to her daughter.
Ireland glanced at Bran, but instead of watching the beautiful bride, he was staring at Ireland, and he didn’t look happy.
After Ireland had sent the text last night, Bran had messaged her back and said he wanted to talk. But Ireland was too emotionally raw, and she wanted to be there for Cali the night before her wedding. She hadn’t texted him back, thinking she’d reach out sometime after the wedding.
Gabe had taken Jaeg out to drink and do man things, and the guys had stayed out all night while Ireland and Cali had spent the evening sipping wine and watching eighties movies with Gen and a few of Cali’s friends. But Ireland had thought about Bran.
She didn’t know why he wanted to talk or what more there was to say. They’d broken up and they weren’t having a kid. Done and done.
Ireland swallowed the ball in the back of her throat and smiled through the pain as Jaeg said his vows.
“I promise to love our dog Buddy as much as a human child, though I hope to have one of those someday too.” The audience chuckled. “And I promise to love, protect, and care for you all the days of my life.”
Damn tears came to Ireland’s eyes. Jaeg’s words were so sweet and sincere. HesawCali, and he loved her and all her idiosyncrasies. That was what Ireland wanted.
“I promise to care for you when you have a man cold,” Cali said during her vows, and the guests laughed more. “And to support you in all your creative endeavors.”
Cali finished her vows, the pastor said a few more words, and then Jaeg was kissing the bride.
Cali and Jaeg were married.Married.
Cali wasn’t Ireland’s first cousin to tie the knot, but she was her favorite. And Ireland couldn’t be happier for her sweet, wannabe-matchmaker cousin.
The entire wedding party beamed as Cali and Jaeg made their way down the aisle, the guests cheering.
The wedding party spent a half-hour taking pictures they couldn’t take together before the wedding, then everyone headed into the tent to celebrate.
“Ireland.”
Ireland’s shoulders stiffened, her heart fluttering. She’d know Bran’s voice anywhere. And it sent tingles down her spine. The kind that turned her bones into jelly. Would he always have this effect on her?
She turned around. “Hi there. Sorry I didn’t get back to you yesterday. I was busy helping Cali.”
Helping her drink wine and watch movies, Ireland thought. Truth be told, that was important business, because Ireland was going to be there for her cousin the night before her wedding no matter what.
He shoved his hand in the pants pocket of his tux. “I wanted to talk to you about what happened.”
“I’m not pregnant, so there’s nothing to worry about,” she said low, trying to smile, but it came out shaky.
“Not that—well, that too—but I wanted to talk about the night we forgot to use protection. I made it about me, and it was about us. I should have been there for you.”
She wasn’t going to argue there. “You should have been. But you’ve made it clear you have other priorities.”
“That’s another thing. That was a dick maneuver and me returning to old habits when the going got rough. I want to be there for my family, but not at your expense.Ever.” He ran a hand down his face. “From the moment we kissed, I’ve considered you mine. I’m no good at relationships. I fucked up and hurt you, but I’ll do whatever I need to do to make it up to you.”
Ireland was smiling at Gen as she passed, but at Bran’s words, her head swung back. “What?”
Bran grabbed her hand, linking their fingers. “I don’t know what I was thinking throwing away what we have.”
“But…what if you’re an idiot again and change your mind?”
“I have no doubt I’ll be an idiot from time to time, but I promise, I won’t change my mind. I’m hoping you’ll let me know the next time I’m being an ass and knock me over the head with your feisty words.”
“It’s my specialty.”
He laughed. “Don’t I know it. So what do you say? Give me a second chance?”
Ireland stared at her hand in his. “This isn’t what I thought we’d talk about. I thought you’d tell me how happy you are I’m not pregnant.”
