Chapter 29
Summer had finally given way to fall, just in time for Jase and Bree’s wedding. Red and gold leaves created the perfect backdrop for the ceremony and reception, as if special ordered from the florist. Bree had been nonchalant about the entire thing. Tim had spent the last couple of weeks reining in Jase as he turned into groomzilla, demanding everything be perfect for Bree, even though she only cared that it didn’t rain and there was plenty of wine and beer.
Thankfully, autumn turned up full force ten days before the big day, as if knowing to do otherwise was inviting Jase’s wrath.
Now Tim stood next to him under a canopy of fall colors, listening to his brother choke out his vows. He was going to give him so much shit later. He glanced at Zoe sitting in the second row and winked. She grinned back at him.
The last two months had been hard for him, watching Zoe struggle as she fought with the insurance company and the bank…and her family. He’d wanted to jump in and knock over every obstacle that presented itself. His restraint had been rewarded when Zoe had asked for his advice on how to address certain issues and he found he enjoyed discussing possible ways of resolving problems. Zoe looked at things from an entirely different perspective. She didn’t always agree with his suggestions but was always willing to talk through them with him. He learned he didn’t always have the best answer.
Almost a month after the fire Zoe, Elba, and Laura were notified that the building had a new owner. One who was willing to not only rebuild but also renovate to their individual specifications. The salon owner had chosen not to re-sign a lease and Elba had decided to incorporate the extra storefront into her restaurant. The lease offer had been more than generous. Everything was handled through a lawyer and the owner remained anonymous.
Tim glanced at Bree as she repeated her vows. He had his suspicions, but unless she wanted to come clean, he’d keep her secret.
A cheer went up when Bree and Jase exchanged their first kiss as bride and groom. Tim laughed and clapped when Jase pumped a fist in the air, still kissing Bree. They finally broke apart and Bree took her flowers from Denise. She kicked up one gold-clad foot and raised her bouquet in the air before Jase tucked her hand into the crook his arm and led her down the aisle right as the sun dipped below the horizon. It might have been timed better if Jase hadn’t been so busy mauling his new bride.
Tim stepped forward and offered his arm to Denise and they followed Bree and Jase. He gave Chris a head nod as they passed and Denise blew him a kiss. They’d already planned for Chris to escort Zoe to the reception while they took care of signing the marriage certificate and taking photos.
“Are you going to ask her today?” Jase asked.
Tim glanced away from Bree and Denise, holding on to each other while they laughed hysterically as the photographer tried to take photos of them together.
“Ask who what?”
Jase gave him a look like he was an idiot. “Ask Zoe to marry you.”
“If I was going to ask Zoe to marry me, and I’m not saying we’re at that point, it sure as hell wouldn’t be at your wedding.”
“Why not?”
“Bro, seriously? How long have you lived with Bree? You don’t steal the limelight from the bride.”
“Bree’s not going to care.”
“Regardless, I’m not to ask Zoe to marry me today. I kind of need to work on getting on her family’s good side before I pop the question. They weren’t too happy when I told them they weren’t welcome in my house if they were going to continue yelling at Zoe and making her miserable.”
Jase grinned at him. “Seriously?”
“Hell, yes. Her sister made her angry cry. I’d had enough. Told them to get out and not come back until they could support her decisions.”
“How’d that go over with Zoe?”
“Eh. She yelled at me in Portuguese, so not all that great.”
Jase laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. The ladies finished with their pictures and joined them and Jase took the opportunity to kiss his new bride.
“Well, this is awkward,” Denise said.
“Right? You’d think they’d have gotten over this by now.”
Jase flipped them off but didn’t stop kissing Bree.
“Aren’t you guys supposed to make a grand entrance or something?” Denise asked.
The happy couple finally broke apart. Bree sighed. “If we have to.”
“Told you Vegas was a better idea,” Denise said. “But noooo, you wanted a big wedding. Forgot about the big reception that goes along with it, didn’t you?”
“Why do I keep you around?” Bree asked.
