“Hello, everyone. For those of you who do not know me, I’m Liam’s sister, Hailey.” I glance to my brother who has the warmest of smiles, while his arm is draped across the back of his new wife’s chair. “My brother has done the unthinkable and actually found a woman who found him bearable past the appetizers.” It earns me a little chuckle from the audience.
“But seriously, you two are perfect for one another. A year ago, Liam told me he was going to pop the question, and this guy didn’t do traditional. He decided to propose in costume as a gangster from the 20s because Ava loves murder mystery parties. They actually got engaged under different names. Mr. and Mrs. Feathers, I believe it was… and don’t worry, they weren’t the murderers either.”
My brother’s grin is ear to ear. “My brother has been my protector, my friend, the guy I can count on, and I see that he can do that for someone else too. Liam wanted everything to be perfect for his new bride. So much so that he demanded I drive across the country the very second my flight was canceled in order to get here.” For the briefest of seconds, I catch Oliverstaring at me with what I could swear is fondness, but I swing my eyes back to Liam.
“I know you two will have a long life together. Hopefully, you actually remember tonight because I hear a rumor that mezcal is on the menu, and we know how Ava gets. After all, that’s how she managed to get past the appetizers with my brother on their first date. To Liam and Ava.” I lift my glass, and everyone cheers.
I walk straight to my brother for a big hug. “Your speech was classy enough. I love ya, Sis,” he tells me.
Ava smiles when she hugs me. “It was sweet.”
I head back to my seat, passing Oliver the microphone as he stands.
The room grows quiet again, and the attention is on Oliver.
“For those of you who haven’t met me yet, I’m the best man, Oliver. Liam and I go way back. I believe he chose me as best man because he felt my speech would be safer than if Keats delivered it.” Everyone laughs, and Keats shouts out some refute. “Uh, Liam.” Oliver turns his attention to my brother. “You have a heart of gold, the mouth of a sailor, and who the hell knows what kind of husband you will be. But I’m certain that you will make us all want to take notes. You’re both about to embark on a road trip across the country. I’m sure Liam would kill a bear for you too, Ava. And I have no clue if you plan on resurrecting Mr. and Mrs. Feathers for…” Oliver glances at my parents who are smiling, “absolutely G-rated activities.”
Luckily, my parents find it funny, and my brother buries his face in his hands to hide a giant grin. “The point is, you two have a lot of fun together, and we would all be fools not to see how much you love one another. I have zero experience to back it up, but my guess is that you two are the recipe for a long marriage, and I wish you the best.”
I don’t take notice when he gives them hugs or when everyone drinks another sip of champagne. It’s only when Olivercatches my eye with the same curiosity as my own that my haze breaks.
The music pumps up, and as everyone fills the dance floor, he slowly approaches me.
“Come on.” He offers me his hand.
My face screws up, and it causes him to smirk. “You’re supposed to be on detox from me.”
“I believe it’s normal for the bridal party to dance together,” he highlights coyly.
My eyes flutter, and I swallow because my mouth feels dry, but reluctantly, I take his hand and we make our way to the dance floor.
“Nice speech. Winged it, huh?” I goad him.
“You did too, and we both kept the room laughing and emotional, so we succeeded.”
Immediately, he twirls me around, and the smile that hits me nearly hurts. “Didn’t take you for a dancer.”
“I’m not. You’re drawing attention from the bar, and I thought I would save you.” He indicates to the side, and I look to see one of the guys by the bar who I remember mentioned they were a former frat brother of Liam’s.
“Ah, here I was thinking that you wanted to dance with me for other reasons.”
He tips me back then pulls me tight to him when I come up. “Shh. I’m not supposed to admit that.”
It causes me to blush, and I make a mental note to find a shot of something strong soon. “Well… you might be able to convince me to keep that secret,” I taunt.
“Oh yeah?” Interest floods his face. “What might that take?”
Before I can answer, my brother appears, still dancing with Ava.
“Your brother’s ballroom lessons paid off,” Ava gushes.
“I’m happy you found someone decent to dance with,” my brother tells me. For a millisecond it sparks my attention.
My eyes travel between Liam and Oliver. Liam is all fun, while I can’t help noticing that Oliver’s face is more hardened.
“Not so bad,” I reply politely.
“Good. He’s a keeper.” Again, my eyes ignite from his words, only to be deflated when he opens his mouth again. “He’s number one on my team to ensure you’re closely guarded tonight.”
