I tightened the knot up to his thick, tattooed neck and shrugged in defeat. “You got me there.”
William’s fingers brushed the sides of my arms. “That’s a good thing, love.”
I felt my knees actually tremble as I stared into his rare, warm smile.
Elspeth entered the room. “You guys ready?”
I looked toward her and nodded, grateful for breaking William’s hypnotic stare.
We made our way to the car and got to the church service. Lindsey would often talk about this day with us. Now that it was finally here, a bittersweet melancholy settled over me as I walked through the grand archway. The halls echoed with people’s shuffling feet, and the glow of candles illuminated the stained glass windows. My parents were in the crowd, but I stayed by Elspeth’s side, knowing I’d see them at the pub later.
William was exactly what Elspeth needed today. He exuded strength and tenderness in the same breadth. He took the lead, moving Elle to and from different visitors and held her hand when they sat down for the service. I sat on his other side, and he let his palm open on his lap, waiting for me to take it too.
My parents wouldn’t be able to see us touching from where they were sitting so I allowed myself the physical comfort. Even if I convinced them we were just friends, my parents would rush to conclusions, and I didn’t want the drama today. The butterflies in my tummy took flight when I felt the heat of his hand and the rough callouses against my skin.
The service was short and sweet. Lindsey’s wishes were to be cremated and have her ashes set behind the bar at the pub so everyone met up there.
Later on, William mingled with guests in the ivy-covered back patio. At night, it would glow from the string lights draped at the top of the pergola. Lindsey had named the pub The Highlands after her Scottish heritage and decorated the quaint space with rustic wooden tables and cobbled stone pathways outside. The inside had tartans hanging from the ceiling, and black-and-white photos of every dog Lindsey had ever come across hung on the walls. Every table had a different size chair that created an eclectic feel. There was even a stone fireplace near the back of the room with plush leather couches on either side of it.
I looked at William through the large circular window that led to the courtyard patio. He loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves, revealing his forearm tattoos. His aviator sunglasses made him look more handsome and dangerous than ever.
Elspeth sidled up to me. “So, you and my brother got pretty close this morning.”
I fiddled with the catered buffet, making sure the serving spoons were facing the same direction. “I was fixing his tie, duh.”
Elspeth snorted. “Come on, Ree. I see the way you look at him. If Mom were here, she’d lock you two in a room together. She always thought you’d make a cute couple.”
“Enough about that. How are you doing?”
“I’m fine, seriously. It was kind of healing, to be honest.”
My parents made their way over to give their condolences. They interacted with Lindsey quite a bit since Elspeth and I hung out so much. They didn’t consider her family like I did, but they respected and genuinely liked her.
Mom was wearing her signature bangles that clinked as she reached out to hug Elspeth. “We’re so sorry about your mom.”
Elspeth smiled warmly. “Thank you for coming.”
Baba had a somber look and patted her arm gently. “She was a special lady. Let us know if you need anything.”
I knew he meant it. We were a tight-knit family, but my parents were generous and kind even if they were suffocating.
Elspeth squeezed both of their hands. “I really appreciate it.”
William stepped in and introduced himself. Mom glared at his tattoos, and I knew exactly what she was thinking. Trashy criminal.
William smiled, and that seemed to put my parentsmore at ease. “Hi, I’m William. Mariam, I believe we’ve met a few times over the years. I’m Elspeth’s brother.”
Mom’s eyes widened. “Oh, it’s been so long, William. You’re all grown up now.”
William’s eyes glittered, and it made my heart flutter, a nice distraction from the anxiety I felt when my parents were in the same room as him. I didn’t want to hear them talk badly about his tattoos or anything else for that matter, even behind closed doors. Mostly because I knew I’d defend him.
I never stood up to my parents, but if it came down to William, I might do something brash, and that scared me.
William chuckled. “Thank you for coming. Your daughter has helped our family so much throughout the years, and she did a lot to make today as seamless as possible.”
Mom smiled appreciatively. “She’s a good girl.”
“Yes, a very good girl. ” William looked over at me and winked when no one was looking.
