“You two still have to face Jace.”
“I know. I think he literally wanted to kill Cody.”
“I was going to be an accomplice for a minute.”
“I don’t blame you.”
“I love you too,” she says. “I’m still hurt. But I’m not mad.”
“I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
“I know.” She shakes her head. “You and Cody.” She looks at me like I’m crazy. But then her expression softens. “It’s going to take me a minute to swallow that horse pill.”
“Take all the time you need.” I smile at her. “But in the meantime, let’s get you hitched.”
Chapter 32
Cody
Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be.
~ Robert Browning
I’m up early,in the kitchen, helping Mom throw together a breakfast for the wedding party. I tossed and turned last night, resisting the urge to call or text Carli every time I woke. What I told her was right. Even though no one would hear our call or see our texts, we need to honor McKenna by keeping a distance between us for now. The wedding needs to be the focus.
“How are you holding up?” Mom asks.
I guess McKenna told her about me and Carli.
“I’m fine. It’s my sister’s wedding. I’m happy for her.”
“You’re a good brother, Cody,” Mom’s voice holds an extra layer of kindness.
“I am—even when I screw up royally.”
“People hurt one another. That’s part of being in relationships.” She gives me a look I can only describe asThe MomLook. “What matters is what you do to make up for your blunder after you hurt someone. Showing up for the cleanup makes all the difference.”
I don’t have a chance to say anything else because people start streaming into the kitchen, grabbing plates and filling them with mini quiches, breakfast potatoes and fruit.
I step out the back door. I need a minute to myself.
My chest feels tight, like I’m carrying extra weight there. I take a deep breath and let it out. Then I glance around at the barn and the surrounding yard.
The ranch is transformed. Everywhere you look, cream banners and twinkle lights, chalkboard signs and white flowers have turned the property into a dreamland.
Despite last night’s explosion, I smile.
Today, McKenna’s life changes in the best of ways. I see how Westley loves her. They’re good for one another. And I’m going to show up for that—for her.
I walk around the side of the house—standing in the same place I hid in the shadows, sneaking out to invite Carli to meet up with me in secret.
Jace shows up with Carli, both of them arriving in his truck. He exits the pickup as if he’s on security detail. Any other day I’d be teasing him about it, covering my ear like I was speaking into a secret service mouthpiece and asking him if the eagle has landed.
I stand off to the side of the porch, watching the two of them ascend the steps together. Carli doesn’t see me at first, but Jace turns and our eyes meet. He holds the door open for Carli, ushering her inside. Then he backs out and walks back down the steps in my direction.
The air around us is stiff. My chest tightens the closer he gets. I don’t know how to repair this fracture—I can’t lose my best friend, especially not over my choice to love his sister.
“Hey,” I say.
