“We need to keep things professional. You’re the best man in a wedding I’m planning.”
“Well, surely there’s no policy against dating the best man?”
I smiled grimly. “I make it a policy never to date any member of the wedding party. It complicates an already complicated job. My focus needs to be on giving Branson and Caitlyn a perfect ceremony.”
Bryson looked uncertain. “Are you sure this isn’t about the twin mixup?”
“Of course not,” I said. “That’s not your fault. It was…an awkward situation, but I made it worse by overreacting.”
Bryson looked at me so hard I thought he might sprain his eyeballs. I picked up my phone and tucked into the inner pocket of my jacket.
“So, that’s it?” he asked finally. “No second date?”
I smiled tightly. “Sorry, Bryson. If I’d known you were the best man, there wouldn’t have even been afirstdate.”
“Well, hell, that’s the first thing you’ve said that soundstrue.”
“Bry—”
He shook his head, his caramel-colored curls falling across his forehead. “I’m glad you didn’t know I was the best man, then, Silas.” His eyes met mine, so intense I couldn’t lookaway. “I’m glad I had that night to know you, therealyou. And I really, sincerely hope I get to see that guy again. Because I liked him. More than liked him. I think that guy could have been real special. I think that guy could have changed my life.”
He turned on his heel and walked out. I stared after him, speechless, heart pounding with all the words I couldn’t say.
I think you’re right.
CHAPTER 10
Bryson
I squattedin the third row, thighs burning, as I unpacked fishing lures into bins. Our shelves were growing fuller—though we were missing some essential inventory due to those delays Greg told me about. There had been no progress updates, and it was looking like I’d have a hell of a busy weekend while Branson went on his honeymoon.
But hell, it wasn’t like I had a personal life anyway, right? Silas had officially put the nail in that coffin.
“Time to pack it in,” Branson said, rounding a corner. “One of the matchmaking ladies stopped by, but I covered for you.”
“Thanks.” I sighed. “I’m sure Silas will make sure they know it’s hopeless.”
He leaned against a shelf, staring at me. “Still feeling like a sad sack, huh?”
“No, I’m not.” My tone was sulky, and Branson knew me too well. “Much.”
He tapped my leg with his boot. “Come over to The Stag Pub with me and Caitlyn.”
“I don’t want to be a third wheel.”
“So, find a fourth wheel at the pub,” he said. “Come on, man. Silas is just one guy. There’s plenty of?—”
“Don’t say other fish in the sea, okay? I don’t need empty platitudes. I’m wallowing, and I know it, but just let it run its course.”
He sighed. “Fine, but you still have to come to dinner. I don’t trust you to eat otherwise. And none of this third wheel bullshit. You’re my other half, and Caitlyn knows it.”
“I thought she was your other half?”
“No, she’s my better half.”
“Three halves don’t add up, bro.”
“Don’t apply logic. Just get your ass off the floor and let’s go.”
