Page 27 of Vegas with my Brother’s Best Friends

“That might be why he sucks,” Jackson points out as he grabs the empty glass and hands it off to a waiter passing by. “Drinking and gambling don’t mix.”

“That’s why the casinos have all these waiters and waitresses trying to get you to buy drinks,” I reply, glancing around to see uniformed workers roaming past the game tables.

Ryan rubs his hand over his slightly red face. “Safe to say I fell in that trap.”

I chuckle and look over to the left to see Derek and some others playing blackjack nearby. My amusement dies down as I watch him smile and touch a waitress’ back while she takes his order.

I thought he had a girlfriend at home.

Granted, he doesn’t seem like the faithful type.

“I think I’m done here,” Ryan says as he steps away from the table empty-handed.

“To the bar,” I laugh, tossing my arm around his shoulders. “No more gambling for you. You have a very expensive wedding coming up.”

“Sarah gets the best. It’s what she deserves,” Ryan replies.

I can’t imagine settling down any time soon. Marriage. Kids. The whole deal.

It’s hard to see myself as that kind of guy. I’m so busy all the time with work, and I don’t really think I’m father material. Mine was barely home for me to model after.

But I’m happy for Sarah and Ryan. This is the kind of life they want.

We crowd around the bar and order more drinks, enjoying our last night in Las Vegas before we fly home in the morning. It was definitely a hell of a weekend.

One that I don’t think I’ll ever forget.

“So, what’s next for you guys? Kids?” Marcus asks him.

Ryan chuckles and shrugs. “Eventually. Definitely one day. I think we want to enjoy being newlyweds for a little while.”

“Yeah, once you have kids, everything changes,” I say as I lean my forearms against the bar. “We’ll really never see you.”

Ryan nudges me. “Is that you saying you miss me?”

I tilt my head back with a laugh. “You wish.”

In all honesty, I have missed him. I’ve missed all of us hanging out like this. These guys are the only family I really know, and I don’t want to lose that connection.

I guess I need to take Cassidy’s fear more seriously. If I lose Ryan, I lose a brother.

“I’m glad you guys are here,” Ryan says once he gets his drink. “And I’m glad you’re able to come to the wedding. I know traveling so much can be a hassle, but it means a lot to have you there.”

“Of course. Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Jackson replies as he nods to Ryan. “We’re happy for you.”

“Now, you sorry bastards need to find some nice ladies to settle down with,” Ryan tells us pointedly. “Sarah is dying for double dates.”

“Don’t look at me,” I say before picking up my drink and taking a long sip.

“I practically live at the fire station,” Jackson replies.

Marcus shakes his head at us. “You guys are going to end up old and alone if you don’t change your priorities.”

“Last time I checked, you’re single too, lover boy,” I tell him with a slight sneer.

Marcus rolls his eyes. “I’m working on it.”

Not if he’s sleeping with Ryan’s sister.