“Favorite brother.” Jocelyn flings her arms around me as Baz arches a brow in an ”I told you so” look. “I’m so happy you’re marrying Ashley. We talked with her inside. She looks stunning. You’re going to die when you see her.”
“I hope not, pipsqueak,” I quip. “I have lots of plans for her later.” I waggle my brows, and Jocelyn laughs.
“Jason!” Mom shrieks. “That is wholly inappropriate.”
“She’s sixteen not six, Mom, and have you forgotten what our familial responsibilities are?” My little sister is far from innocent, and we all know it. It sickens me whenever I think about it, so I try not to. That’s something else I want to change. Kids should be kids for as long as possible. Initiations at ten are going to be a thing of the past if I have my way.
A throat clearing breaks up the conversation. “I have another appointment after this,” the officiant says. “We really do need to get started if we’re to fit everything in.” She looks pointedly between Chad and me.
“Apologies for the holdup,” I say. “We’ll move things along now.”
Ares returns to his seat, and Mom, Jocelyn, and Baz claim the chairs beside him.
“I’ll head back to Ash,” Bree says. “You need to say something to that psycho before he takes out a gun and shoots the lot of us,” she whispers in my ear.
“Stay here,” I tell Chad before I walk toward Rhett.
My father approaches, having ended his convo with Carter. He stops me, leaning in for a hug. “I don’t know what’s going on here, son, but I have my suspicions.” I go rigidly still in his embrace as he whispers in my ear. “I didn’t say anything to Carter. He knows how and why I’m here. I suspect a lot of things will be clearer after the board meeting tomorrow.” He straightens up, clasping my shoulders. “We’ll talk at Christmas, and this time, youwilltell me the truth.”
Well, shit.
Dad squeezes my shoulder. “I’m pleased for you, Jason. I know you love her, and she’s a great girl. I hope you’ll be very happy together.”
Me too, but right now, that depends on how long we get to live.
My father walks off, and I head toward Rhett, dropping down on the seat beside him. “We had nothing to do with my family showing up. Nothing.” I drill him with a look, and I hope he sees the truth in my eyes because we haven’t confided anything in my father.
“I believe you.” He puts his hand on my shoulder, much like my father just did. He digs his fingers in as he pins me with a warning look. “Ensure it stays that way.”
ChapterThirty-Six
Jase
As I return to my place beside Chad, the harpist starts playing, and Ashley appears from the house on Knight’s arm. My heart stutters behind my chest wall as I drink her in. Chad sucks in a gasp. She is so fucking beautiful. More exquisite than anything I’ve ever seen in my life. I don’t have the words to adequately describe the woman striding confidently up the aisle toward us. Her long pink hair tumbles over her shoulders in soft waves with sexy strands curving around her stunning face. Her makeup is subtle, and she glows.
But the dress.
Holy wow.
“Fucking hell. We’re so not worthy,” Chad whispers, and I’m betting his eyes are glued to our bride like my eyes are.
“We’re not.”
Ash is a vision in white.
She is truly spectacular.
Her dress is temptation on a platter. The thin straps showcase her tan skin and the elegant curvature of her collarbone and her regal neck. It dips a little low on top, enough to expose a hint of cleavage without giving too much away. It’s fitted around her middle, and then it flows more softly over her hips. Flashes of toned leg emerge from the daring split up one side. Again, it is sexy without exposing too much. It’s a perfect dress for a California wedding, and it works perfectly with the unprecedented sunshine we’re enjoying today.
It's as if the heavens are beaming down on us, bathing us in approval.
As much as I’m loving the dress, I’m already counting down to the moment I can peel her out of it.
Tears glisten in her eyes, but she’s wearing a wide smile as she approaches on her brother’s arm.
“My love. You are more beautiful than I can describe,” I say when they reach us. “You are stunning.”
“You look incredible,” Chad adds, earning a slight frown from Knight as he releases Ash into my care. Knight has no clue he’s looking at the other groom, but he does know they used to date. “You are truly gorgeous.” Chad’s fingers twitch at his side, and I know he’s craving to touch her, but he’ll have to wait his turn.
