“It’s the big day,” Sully says, voice still sleep-soft.
“It’ll be fun.”
“Yeah?”
I nod and kiss the warm skin under my lips. “We’ll make it fun.”
Sully nods. “I’ve got to get up. Best man duties call.”
“Alright.” I kiss the corner of Sully’s mouth before hopping out of the bed. “I can’t wait to see you in your suit. I know you’ll be so handsome. Most handsome man here.”
Sully lifts one eyebrow as he sits up halfway, looking like every fantasy I’ve had since I discovered fantasies as a teenage boy. “More handsome than the groom?”
I snort as I tug on my wrinkled pants. “Double more handsome than Bailey. That’s my future brother-in-law.”
Sully sighs. “Right. I’ll see you at the wedding, then?”
I nod, shoot him a grin, then open up the door to peek into the hallway. It’s clear. I sneak down the stairs toward the second floor, only to be caught by my father. He wears a grin and hands me a still steaming mug of coffee.
“Olivia was looking for you early this morning.”
“Shit,” I swear just before burning my tongue on the coffee.
Dad lays a heavy hand on my shoulder. “She figured you were up to something better and decided to leave you alone. Not an emergency. You doing okay, kid?”
I grimace slightly as I stare at the ground. “Better than I expected. I thought… thought I’d be thinking about my wedding. But I haven’t been.” I look up the stairs toward Sully’s room. “I’ve had a nice distraction.”
“Just a distraction?” Dad asks, his knowing eyes looking right through me.
“He’s younger… deserves better. Not someone as jaded as me.”
Dad laughs loudly, breaking through my momentary pity party. “You’re not jaded, Tate. You’ve been dealt a shitty hand, fell in love with the wrong person. Happens to the best of us, and it doesn’t mean that your second chance isn’t just around the corner.”
“Yeah?” I ask hopefully, wishing it was true.
“Yeah,” Dad agrees before slapping me hard on the back. He disappears down the stairs as I stare blankly into the coffee. Today is about Olivia, about her future, not mine, so I’m going to set it aside and worry about her today. Make it the best day I can.
Somehow my room still smells like Sully. I close my eyes tight and take a deep breath, wishing I could hold on to it when I return back home to my empty townhouse, with sheets that only smell like dryer sheets. I take an extra-long shower, feeling bad for myself, but doing my best to hype myself up. I can do this! I can be the best big brother in the world.
Standing in front of the slightly foggy bathroom mirror, I adjust my silver tie. I don’t wear suits that often. The last time I wore one was probably for my own wedding day. But today I’m ten years older, salt and pepper slowly taking over my hair, but I’m still the same me.
I sneak down to the first floor where Olivia’s room is bustling with activity. Holding my hand over my eyes, I knock until the door opens, and I hear the soft chuckle of my stepmom.
“Silly boy.” Her warm fingers wrap around my wrist and tug me inside. “Olivia! Tate is here.”
“Tate!” Olivia screams just as I tug my hand away.
She looks gorgeous in her off-white wedding gown. A tight bodice, with flowing tulle that makes her look like the princess she’s always been. I kiss her cheek softly, not wanting to mess up her expertly done makeup.
“You look beautiful,” I tell her as tears gather in my eyes.
“Oh my god, not you too!” Olivia slaps my chest with the back of her hand. “Y’all are going to make me cry on my wedding day.”
I clear my throat and stand straighter, doing my best to yank the tears back in. “We can’t have that. Are you ready? Got your vows all memorized?”
“Yeah, Tate. I’m all set. Are you good?”
Her question puzzles me. “Yeah, Olivia, I’m great. Like always. I love you. I’m going to go see if anyone needs anything outside, help Dad, maybe. Okay?”
