“It’s very nice to see you again,” I say.
“You too,” she replies. “How fitting is it that Colin will be getting married inyourhouse? You two really go back so far, old university mates.”
I clear my throat and avert my gaze to the floor. “Yes, ma’am, it is quite a coincidence,” I say. “I hope you enjoy the house while you are visiting today. The staff has prepared a lunch for you in the dining room. And I’m sure if the rain lets up, Colin and Pierce would love to show you the gazebo in the back where the ceremony will be.”
“Oh yes, I would love that,” she replies emphatically. That enthusiasm does not transfer to Colin. He appears guarded and uncomfortable as he stands there watching the both of us. I wish I knew what he was thinking. I wish I knew what that fight was this morning with his fiancé. I wish I knew for sure if this wedding is really what he wants.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Declan
The Shelby family is seated in the dining room while I hide in the kitchen, trying to focus on the things that need to be done. But I’m still within earshot of them, and I can’t help but eavesdrop.
Throughout the entire meal, it’s mostly Pierce talking. Well, Pierce and Colin’s dad. There is a lot of bragging. Some criticizing of Colin, which I hate.
Whenever Colin’s mother tries to speak up, she’s immediately spoken over by her husband. And I can’t help but notice the way she makes subtle jabs at him. She ever so subtly brings up the events he’s missed or the times he’s been away, with a sweet, high-pitched tone to her voice. Because everybody at the table knows those were the times when he was with his other family. It’s the secret that’s not really a secret at all.
It’s infuriating the things this family lets him get away with without consequence. The fact that he can have another family, and yet, this one will just accept it.
But then they bring up Colin’s career. My spine straightens, and I nearly drop the phone in my hand as I begin to dial the number of yet another bakery.
His father mentions a part in a movie Colin accepted, andPierce chimes in with a whole lot of “I tried to tell him not to,” and not a word from the entire table is encouraging of Colin except from his mother, but no one listens to her anyway.
When I can’t take another second, I snap.
“Where are you going?” Blaire asks as I march from the kitchen into the dining room. I don’t answer her. I just waltz right into the room to find that their food is eaten, and they are just sitting back and talking lazily.
Everyone glances up at me expectantly as I enter. “I’m so sorry to interrupt, but could I please borrow Colin for a moment? I have a decision that needs to be made about the cakes, and I would like his input.”
Colin’s brow furrows and Pierce absentmindedly waves him away. “Of course, yes, go ahead.”
I give Colin a look that silently tells him to stand up, before turning away and waiting for him to follow. Except I don’t go into the kitchen.
I lead him down the hallway, through the house, to the back door. The rain has stopped, and I figure we could both use a breath of fresh air.
As soon as we’re on the gravel out back, he practically shouts, “What on earth are you doing?”
“I’m saving you,” I respond as we walk. I’m ahead of him, but I hear his steps on the ground behind me.
“Saving me? From what?”
“From your father. From all of that. I couldn’t listen to one more fucking second of it,” I reply.
I turn back to see Colin smirking for a moment before picking up his pace behind me. “I don’t need saving, Declan,” he mumbles before quietly adding, “but thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I reply. “We’ll call it a cake emergency.”
“Of course,” he says. “A cake emergency. Out in the garden.”
I smile to myself as we stroll through the grass toward the edge of the property.
For some reason, it feels as if we’re heading toward the gazebo in the distance, where the wedding will take place. My brother was married there only two years ago.
“I mean, honestly, though, I don’t know if you’re going to have a wedding cake,” I add.
“What?” he replies in shock. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, the baker came down with the flu. I’m supposed to be finding a new one.”
