“Probably that, but also, what if things don’t work out? Mom was a bride once, in love, full of hopes and dreams, I’m sure. Then she had us, and our father left her.”
It surprises me to hear that Sadie harbors these doubts, because she’s never expressed concerns about her relationship before. I thought I was the jaded one.
If she’d have brought this up a few days ago, I might have had trouble reassuring her—there are no guarantees, and many men can’t be trusted—but today, I’m brimming with good will. I’m not exactly in love, but I’m full of hope myself, and maybe it’s just a matter of finding the right man—or men.
“Adam is a wonderful man, Sadie, and you’re his world. Everyone can see that. Maybe you’ll have ups and downs, like everyone does, but you’ll both work together to get through the hard times.”
“Do you really think it can be different … from how it was for Mom?”
“Of course. It’s going to be wonderful. You’ll have each other. You make each other happy.”
Her eyes sparkle, and she dabs them with the tissue again. “He really is amazing, isn’t he? Did you see the necklace he gave me yesterday?” She holds out the gold heart that hangs around her neck so I can read it. “It’s my ‘something new’ for today.”
All My Love – Always & Forever
“It’s beautiful.”
She blinks at me and smiles. “Thank you, Callie, for your help. I suppose a moment of panic before the wedding is normal.”
“Perfectly normal,” I say.
Adam is a good man, and maybe I’ve found two good men of my own. Of course, falling for two brothers isn’t conventional or ideal, but maybe there’s a chance for a future with them.
Things last night felt easy and natural—and incredible. The two of them worked together so perfectly to make me feel things I’ve never felt before. They shared me like it was all supposed to work that way. Like we belong together.
“What’s that smile about, Callie?”
I shake my head, rousing from my daydream. “Oh, nothing.”
But her eyes are fixed on me, reading what I’m not saying. “Did you get with Max?”
There’s no stopping my smile. Not now.
“You did! I’m so glad!” She gives me a quick hug and then pulls back to look at me again. “Was it good? You don’t have to answer that. I can tell from your face, you lucky girl!”
“I’ll tell you about it after the wedding. Now isn’t the time. This is your day.”
“I’m glad you told me this much, though, because it makes me really happy. And Max is a million times better than Rick.”
That’s for sure, though if I use her math and add in Miles, it’s two million times better. I can’t wait until Sadie finds out Max has a twin.
CHAPTER 52
CALLIE
All of Sadie’s doubts appear to be gone when she walks down the aisle, and the love in her eyes when she looks at Adam is only rivaled by what’s in his eyes as he looks back at her.
Every detail is perfect—the setting, the flowers, the music, everything—and Sadie is right, Mom’s aggressive attention to detail seems to have been worth it.
I hope Mom is enjoying it too, but she’s currently crying—tears of joy, no doubt, and maybe relief that it’s all finally happening.
Max is several rows back from Mom. At least, I think it’s Max. It’s hard to know with absolute certainty from a distance. He’s not too far away for me to see how handsome he is, though.
Adam is reciting his vows, and the “to have and to hold” line brings up memories of being in the men’s arms last night. I felt so safe and secure when they held me, like I was exactly where I was meant to be. And then there was the way they held me in the shower this morning …each of them supporting one of my legs, pinning me between them … hands and mouths everywhere …
The heat of my cheeks pulls me back into the present moment, and just in time. Sadie is starting her vows, she and Adam exchange rings, and then they are pronounced husband and wife. After they kiss, Sadie turns to me and I hand back her bouquet, offering congratulations. My sister’s smile is like the sun, and I couldn’t be happier for her.
CHAPTER 53
