Over the last few months, I’ve gotten to know the oldest sibling of the Carpenter family better and we’ve grown close while working on Rosie’s home.
He’s solid, a rock for his sisters, and the closest thing to a father they’ve had since their parents tragically passed away. You can feel it in the way he carries himself, like he’s always thinking about their wellbeing, working too hard, and probably stressing too much over finances and their futures.
But it makes sense now why Eden and Rhiannon are the way they are. Safe to be themselves, and secure in who they are. I think that’s all owed to Gabriel.
“Yeah, I signed,” I say, nodding. “But just for one year. Told them three was too much. I’ll give them one more good season, hopefully another win like we pulled off this summer, and then I’m retiring here with Rosie and hopefully a couple kids.”
“Good for you, man. I’m happy for you guys.”
“Thanks,” I say, shaking his hand. “What about you? Rosie said you and Eden decided to sell the thrift store?”
He nods. “Yeah, things are really coming together. The business will officially be sold in two months at the close of November.”
“Damn, hard to believe it’s shutting down.”
“I think it’s what our parents would have wanted.”
“What’s next for you then?”
“I convinced my cousin Roman to move back to the area permanently. He and I are going to start a joint venture flipping apartments and businesses in New York City.”
“He has experience doing that?”
Gabriel nods. “Lots. Mostly on the business and finance side of things. His dad taught him before they had a falling out and Roman broke off to start his own company. He’s been in Miami for the last decade now and built up an impressive portfolio. I think he was recently recognized as the wealthiest man under forty in real estate for the year.”
“Well fuck.”
He smiles. “Yeah, he’s a big deal. I’ll be doing all the construction work. Finally working for myself, the way I’ve always wanted to. Figured it was time now that Eden’s in her senior year of college and nearly ready to stand on her own.”
“Good for you, man. You deserve to do something for yourself.”
There’s a knock on the door and my older brother Levi’s head peeks in. He’s grinning hard. “It’s time. She’s ready.”
“Alright.” I rub my palms together and feel just how nervous I am.
Gabriel leaves the room and Levi steps inside, closing the door behind him.
“I’m proud of you.” He squeezes my shoulder affectionately as he adjusts my tie.
They’re words I’ve spent my whole life hoping to hear from my family. They carry even more weight coming from my older brother, the person I’ve always looked up to. He was the first Tremblay to sign a professional hockey contract, the one who never tarnished our name, who carved a clean path for me and Seth to follow.
“Thank you. I’m glad you could make it down for the wedding.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
I blow out a steady breath before he throws his arm around my shoulders. “Let’s do this.”
We make my way downstairs. Across the lawn, the setup is simple but beautiful. The dock leading down to the lake is framed by a trellis covered in woven roses, soft purples and whites standing out against the blue water beyond. Rows of white plastic chairs are set up, filled with the small circle of people we call family.
I walk to the end of the dock and take my place, my palms brushing against my thighs as I fight the urge to fidget. Rhiannon presses play on her phone, and a sweet, simple love song fills the air. The melody steadies me, but it all fades away when I finally see Rosie.
Her dress is soft cream silk, the fabric moving around her like it was made to follow her. The lavender lace bodice fits her perfectly, tracing the shape of her breasts and drawing me eyes there.
Her dark blonde hair is pinned back at the sides, loose waves brushing her shoulders, just undone enough to feel intimate and wholly romantic.
There’s a warmth to her smile that has nothing to do with the day or the light. Golden shadow catches on her lids when sheblinks. Her cheeks are flushed, her smile bright and unguarded, like she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.
She’s beautiful. She’s real. And she’s mine.
