“You’re doing a bang-up job.”
“Yes, I know. I screwed up big this time. But it’s not fake for me. I-I love her.” I clear my throat and rub the back of my head. “I planned on telling her tonight after dinner. Then all this happened. Her sister hates me, and I’m sure by the time the wedding rolls around tomorrow her brother-in-law will too.”
“What is it with you Summers’ boys not telling people how you feel? The only one who’s managed it is Peter, and he told Callie as soon as he realized he had them. You need to fix this.”
“I know. I’m trying to figure out how.”
“First, you need to make things right with Daniela. That will go a long way.” She pushes me again, but this time I’m ready for it. “Then you need to tell Jasmin how you feel. I can’t believe you would try to fake chemistry that was already there.”
“What do you mean?”
“I knew from the night at the Valentine’s party that the two of you had sparks. It’s why I was shocked nothing came of it right after. But seeing the two of you interact with each other, there’s no way to fake how you feel. Especially after she put that Nicole girl in her place.” She pushes me away from the canopy. “Now go fix things. Tomorrow everything will be fine.”
I hope like hell she’s right. I can’t lose Jasmin. Not because of my brother or because we lied to everyone. She’s, my person. Even thinking it is wild to me because I didn’t think I’d ever find someone, I loved spending time with, even when we’re doing something boring. Hopefully she doesn’t turn me away because she’s scared of the fallout.
The stage is set. I’m standing in the back to make sure we don’t have any canopy issues. It fell apart again overnight, but I fixed it with a clamp. Today will go off without a hitch, just like I promised Daniela when I talked to her this morning.
Piper pulled Jasmin away so I could say my piece. She looked like she wanted to punch me, and was well within her right to do it. But I’m glad she at least listened to what I had to say.
Jacob knew, of course. She had him on speaker phone since he was still at the inn. I’m not sure if we’re completely forgiven, they aren’t holding any grudges. It’ll be a different story when her parents hear the story during the reception.
I know Jasmin doesn’t like big spectacles but I need to show her that she doesn’t need to clean up this mess. I can do it for the both of us.
“I think we’re ready.” Jacob claps me on the back. “Don’t worry, no hard feelings from me. I knew the second you were stalking her socials you were done for. Just don’t screw up the rest of my weekend.”
“You’ve got it.” I shake his hands. “Congratulations, man.”
He nods his head and joins his groomsmen at the front of the tent. I wait a few minutes and press play on my phone. A slow song plays through the speakers as their moms lead the procession. The bridesmaids follow and once they are situated, I stop the music.
My finger hits the wedding march and it begins playing. All of the guests stand and I move out of the way as Abraham leads Daniela down the aisle. She gives me a small smile as she passes by. The fairy lights on the canopy light up and her eyes widen. It was the response I hoped I’d get. They add the perfect glow to set the tone for the evening.
When they make it to the front, I stop the music and take a few steps back. This is their moment. Even if I’ve come to care about them the say way I do my family, I need to give them this moment.
I feel someone move beside me. At first, I think it’s Piper, but a heavy hand falls on my shoulders. “I’m sorry, Park.” Phillips words are soft as not to interrupt the wedding happening in front of us.
“It’s fine.” I brush the apology away. “I’m taking care of it. But whatever has your undies in a twist needs to work itself out. You’re acting a lot like Pierce and it’s not cute.”
“I know. There are some things going on, and I’m not ready to talk about it yet.”
The need to make things right between us is strong. I hate fighting with my siblings. Well, most of them. But he needs to know what he did wasn’t cool.
“You know where to find me when you’re ready. Right now, I have a wedding to attend to.”
He doesn’t say anything and walks away. Do I feel bad? Yes. But I can’t worry about that right now. This requires my full attention.
Dinner is well underway when I get to the reception. I missed all the fun stuff like Daniela and Jacob’s first dance. But I was busy going over my speech and making sure all the guests made their way to event building.
“Is this seat taken?” Jasmin is sitting by herself at the table while her parents tear up the dance floor and her sister is off mingling with other guests.
“I wasn’t sure you were actually going to show up after the text I sent you last night.” She turns to face me. “Things got out of hand.”
“I know.” I lean over and place a kiss on her cheek. “You are breathtaking by the way. I wanted to say something after the ceremony but I had a few things to take care of.
“Thank you.” She blushes and tries to hide her face. “My sister said it would make you lose your mind.”
“She’s not wrong.” I chuckle. “I wanted to shield you from every other guy here.”
“You don’t have to say that you know. The game is up since my sister knows it wasn’t real.”
