He laughs, too. “I’m kidding. I’m happy for you. Really. Did you say Thursday at seven?”
“Yeah. I obviously don’t expect you to be there. That’s not why I’m calling. It’s just gonna be a little thing at the church. No big deal.”
He laughs. “No big deal? My baby brother’s getting married. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“But I know you have work?—”
“I’m coming, Hart. Astrid won’t want to miss it, either.”
I gaze out the window, staring across Cathy’s garden, and smile. His reaction—initial hesitation—isn’t surprising. I’m not the “Hey, I’m getting married this week” kind of guy. And if it were to anyone else, I think Gray would’ve had a lot more to say.
But … it’s Mira.
“But you know what? Mira is a good girl, and I think a lot of us felt that this was inevitable.”
Something about that makes my chest feel too full. And pained. Because she’ll never actually be my wife.Thatis inevitable, too.
While I didn’t exactly know what Gray was going to say, this was both what I expected and what I didn’t expect. His shockis on par with my expectations, and his willingness to be happy for me is evident.But to take a day off work to attend this ridiculous wedding?That possibility never crossed my mind.
Even more, I didn’t think it mattered.
But hearing him say he’s coming—being so adamant about it—hits me square in the chest. It does matter. And I realize that what doesn’t matter is that the marriage is a sham. Gray would understand. He’d probably find it highly amusing. And he’d be right beside me either way.
“That really means a lot to me, Gray.”
“Of course.” His car’s engine roars and then goes quiet. “Can I do anything? What do you need? I’d love to take you on a bachelor’s trip, but I can’t swing that in two days.”
“That’s just as well because I don’t want a trip anyway.”
“Makes sense. You’re never much fun.” He chuckles. “Looks like you called at just the right time.”
My brow furrows. “Why?”
“Because I just got eight, make it nine messages from Brooks telling me that you’re getting married. I would’ve been pissed if I found out from him.”
He knows?I cringe.Guess Mira was right. Word is traveling fast.
“You were my first call,” I say.
“I better have been. I’m your brother.”
A commotion rings out in the entryway, and I turn to see Brooks barging into the room. He points a finger at me. “You’re getting married? What the fuck, Hart?”
“Hey, Gray, I gotta go.”
“So I hear. Enjoy. And I’ll see you Thursday. Congrats again.”
“Thanks.” The line goes dead, and I turn my attention to Brooks. “You were saying?”
“You’re marrying Mira?” He puts his hands on his hips. “Is it true?”
This is a lot for one day.I take a breath and gather my wits. “Yes.”
“Motherfucker. I’m supposed to be your second-best friend, and I had to hear this at the gym of all places. That’s so fucked up.”
“They talk about weddings at the gym?”
“Don’t change the subject. I’m hurt. You wounded me.”
