“Yep. Time to start planning a wedding,” I said as the Down by the Bay Container Park came into view, and we could see that the place was packed. Country music boomed through the speakers, and as we approached, the music turned off, and everyone shouted at once.
“Congratulations!”
We both laughed and started making our rounds. A large cake was sitting on a table, and the drinks were flowing. Gracie answered a bunch of questions about the proposal, and I found my way over to the table with my boys.
“So I’m assuming she said yes?” Phoenix asked.
Brody laughed. “Of course she said yes. Would they be here if she didn’t?”
“I mean, there’s drinks and a cake and dancing. I was coming either way.” Phoenix used his hand to cover his smile, but I saw it there. This was his way of congratulating me.
“Man, I love weddings,” Cannon said. “There’s always an open bar and lots of horny single women there. It’s the best.”
“Well, glad to hear it, because you’re all going to be standing up there with me when we do it.” I held up the beer bottle that Brody had just handed me, and they all raised their bottles.
“To Heart,” Cannon said. “I would not have guessed you to be the first one to get married, but I can’t say I’m surprised that you ended up with the girl we all knew you should be with. I will miss my wingman, but I’m happy for you, brother.”
We all clinked our bottles together, and I took a long drink. My gaze moved to the dance floor to see Gracie out there dancing and smiling and having the time of her life.
“Do you think you’ll get married here or in Magnolia Falls or Cottonwood Cove?” Bass asked.
“I don’t know,” I said. “I’ll let her pick whatever she wants. I don’t care about the wedding. I’m just ready to make it official.”
“I’m happy for you, brother.” Brody clapped me on the shoulder. “And who would have thought you’d end up with our Gracie girl? She’s been right there in front of you the whole damn time.”
“Me.” Phoenix held up his hand. “I always thought they had something secretly going on, and they’d end up together.”
Cannon raised an eyebrow. “I’m with Nix. I was shocked they didn’t get together sooner. The sparks were sparking.”
“Did you just say ‘the sparks were sparking’?” Bass bellowed out in laughter.
“Hey, Jovi told me that’s a thing the kids are saying these days,” Cannon said with a laugh.
“Dude. Do not quote my sister or even look at her, you got me?” Bass glared at him before turning back to me. “I also thought you two would end up together eventually. I mean, you barely functioned when she moved to Paris. She’s your girl.”
“Yeah, he never has been happy with anyone other than Gracie, has he?” Brody shrugged. “I think you were just waiting for the right time.”
“I’m just glad we finally figured it out, because I can’t wait to marry that girl.” I held up my bottle again, and we all tipped our heads back at the same time.
“Meatball is one lucky bastard,” Cannon said over his laughter. “His parents are making it official. That dude gets private swim lessons, and Bass keeps sending leftover steak for him.”
“I bet he gets to attend the wedding too,” Phoenix said.
“Damn straight,” I said as I caught Gracie’s eye as she moved down the dance floor with a big smile on her face.
I just sat there watching her while they all made fun of me, and I didn’t give a shit. Because I could sit here watching her all night.
“For fuck’s sake,” Bass hissed beside me, pulling me from staring at my future bride.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“I keep getting these emails from this woman named Briar Sinclair telling me that her company wants to buy the land beneath Bennett’s. She’s called me multiple times over the last few weeks, and I just ignore the calls. And now she keeps fucking emailing me, and she says she’s going to come to town and meet with me in person. I’ve told her that I’m not interested in selling.” Bass rubbed his face.
“Why does she want that land?” Brody asked.
“Apparently, they want to build a hotel on the corner, and they already purchased the two empty surrounding lots beside my restaurant, which is why I couldn’t expand when I’d attempted to do so last year. They’re obviously trying to force my hand.”
“I do love a persistent woman. Is she hot?” Cannon asked, and Bass flipped him the bird before Cannon threw his hands in the air in surrender. “I’m kidding, dude. We’ll figure this out.”
