CHAPTER ONE: BAGGAGE CLAIM
ZANDER
The momentI step off the plane in Miami, I start running. I’m late, and I hate being late. My freaking flight out of Nashville was delayed, and I was already cutting it close, arriving on the day of Jensen and Grace’s wedding. Still, I wasn’t going to miss my nephew’s fifth birthday and risk losing my ‘Greatest Uncle in the Universe’ status.
Except I’ll definitely lose my groomsman status if I miss the fucking ceremony!
The air is thick and muggy even inside the terminal, like Miami couldn't wait to greet me with a punch of humidity the second I stepped off the delayed flight. My lungs burn. My shirt sticks to my back. I’m dodging people left and right, murmuring apologies as I barrel past a family with strollers and an older woman clutching a souvenir bag. Signs blur past me. Concourse D. Skytrain. Baggage claim. I’ve never been so aware of how long a terminal can stretch. Digging my phone out of my pocket, I dial Jensen’s number as I continue running. I’m mindful of my massive frame as I run, and make sure not to let my small duffle bag swing into anyone I pass by.
He answers after only three rings - which is surprising, given it’s his wedding day and he should be focused on other things.
“Hey man,” he greets. “Where are you?”
“I’m just about to leave the airport,” I say. “I’ve got to grab my luggage from baggage claim, but then I’ll be on my way. I should make it just in time!”
“That’s a relief,” Jensen chuckles. “Don’t worry, though. You’ve still got two hours before the ceremony.”
“What?” I exclaim. “I thought it started at eleven.”
“No, bro. The wedding is at one.”
I just stop myself from tripping over my feet.
“Oh, thank God!” My exuberance earns me a few surprised looks from people as I continue to rush by.
Jensen lets out a full laugh. “See? It’s all going to be fine. Don’t stress.”
“I feel like that’s something I should be telling you.”
“Dude, I’m chill,” Jensen assures me. “At the end of the day, Grace will be my wife, and that’s all I care about. The rest is just details.”
I grin. “Cool under pressure as always. All right, I’ll see you soon.”
“See you, bud.”
I hang up just as I reach the baggage carousel, letting out a huge sigh of relief that eases the tension in my shoulders and slows my racing heart. Before I can put my phone back in my pocket, it starts to buzz again. Frowning, I see that it’s my mom. I quickly answer, part of me worring something has happened - I just saw her at the birthday party, after all.
“Hey, Mom,” I answer. “What’s up? Everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine, sweetie,” she replies, a slight twang in her voice. “I’ve just been so anxious, worried that you’re not going to make it in time for the wedding! Where are you? Are you there yet?”
Chuckling, I shake my head. “Yes, I’m in Miami. I’m still at the airport, though. Just waiting for my luggage.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” She lets out a long breath and I can practically see her covering her heart with her hand and looking skyward, sending up a quick thanks to the Big Man Upstairs. “Now, you just focus on your friends, okay? Paige is so thankful you came home for Kevin’s birthday, but you’re cutting it close, hon.”
“I know, Mom, I know.” I sigh. “Don’t worry. It all worked out.”
“You never know what could happen between the airport and the hotel. Text me as soon as you get there, because I’m going to keep worrying until you do.”
My bag suddenly appears, sliding around the corner of the carousel. It’s a dark green roller with a distinct green ribbon around the handle - a trick my old man told me about so I never get my baggage mixed up with someone else’s.
“I will,” I promise. “I gotta go, Mom. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay. Love you, sweetie!”
“Love you too.” Hanging up the call, I reach out, grab the handle of my bag, and yank it off the carousel.
“Excuse me! What do you think you’re doing? You’re stealing my luggage!”
