Ellory’s arms wrap around Avory’s neck, and we watch as, maybe for the first time ever, they kiss in front of an audience. It’s not a short peck, though probably far less filthy than it would be with fewer people. It’s the kind of kiss you expect at a wedding between people who are deeply in love.
When they break apart, they pull Imry to them in unison, and we watch the triplets create a little huddle that’s only theirs. Something that’s happened more times than I can remember since they were born. Despite everyone watching, only the three of them exist right now.
“I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a twin,” Jessica muses.
“It’s a trip to have triplet brothers,” Myro says. “Having three little boys who look identical and never being able to tell them apart.”
I nod in agreement.
“Thankfully, we knew who Imry was most of the time since Avory and Ellory were attached at the hip,” I add. “Then it was just the two-thirds.”
“That’s why you call them that, right?” Jessica asks, turning in her seat to look at me.
“Besides the obvious deduction that theyaretwo-thirds of the triplets, yes. They enjoyed no one being able to tell them apart, and since they were always together, they were practically a single entity anyway.”
“Built-in besties,” Oakley comments, grinning.
“Built-in lots of things,” I say.
“Imry’s right,” Myro says. “I think their love is exactly the kind everyone should be seeking in life. How they treat each other. How they care about each other. How they take careofeach other.” He wraps his arm around Jessica’s waist and kisses her temple. “Anything less is simply not good enough.”
I glance at Dad. I have a feeling that comment was another stab at Jeannette, even if he’s speaking it as truth.
I’m not sure if Dad’s paying attention to our conversation, though. He’s watching his triplets as they continue to huddle together. There’s a small smile on his lips. I wonder if he actually does understand that today wouldn’t have happened if Jeannette were his wife. If she were here. Even if we’re wrong about her judgment concerning Avory and Ellory, Iknowthey wouldn’t feel comfortable with her here. There’s no trust there.
I look at Brek. He’s watching the triplets, too. His expression is inscrutable. I have no idea what he’s thinking. It’s almost as ifhe’s not really present right now. Maybe he’s just staring off into nothing in their direction.
I grip his hand, and he blinks back into the moment. His eyes drop to where I’ve linked our fingers together. He meets my eyes briefly before looking around. I’m not sure exactly what he’s expecting, as he clearly looks for something.
When the triplets break and the music starts, I stuff the stress ball into my pocket, pull Brek to his feet, and lead him away from the crowd. I anticipate that it’s the crowd making him a little uncomfortable, so with his hand in mine, I lead him into the garden close by. The music is still plenty loud right here, and I bring him to my chest, leading us into a dance far slower than the beat of this song dictates.
His cheeks heat. This time there’s no question. I love his flush.
Even alone, he glances around. Maybe expecting someone to jump out from somewhere.
“Does it bother you now?”
The same confusion is back. “Does what bother me?”
I chuckle. “You’re cute when you’re confused.”
He rolls his eyes. “If you began a conversation at the beginning so I knew what you were on about, I wouldn’t always be so damn confused when you ask me something.”
“My brothers.”
“No,” he answers. “You think I’d be here if it did?”
“No,” I agree. “I still like to ask.”
He raises one shoulder, and once again his gaze moves around. Searching for something.
“What are you so distracted by?”
He looks at me again. “I’m not.”
“You are. You haven’t stopped looking around since the end of the ceremony.”
There’s something on his mind. I can tell by the way he studies my eyes. Eventually, he shakes his head again, and I know he’s not going to tell me what’s bothering him.
