Top Dog

Laughter that made me wince.

Michael and I hadn’t laughed like that together in so long.

“I’m going to go get a drink.”

“You shouldn't be drinking tonight, Katie. You know how you get when you drink,” he said.

“It’s only a small glass of wine,” I said. “Would you like something? A beer, maybe?”

“Since when have you ever seen me drink beer for dinner?”

The look on his face reached out and painted that word on my forehead. Stupid. Michael was looking at me as if I was an idiot.

“Be right back,” I said, murmuring.

I got up from my chair and walked quickly. I made my way for the bar, my hands trembling as tears threatened to flood my eyes. The bartender was looking at me with a sympathetic glance as he poured me a glass of merlot, and I sipped on it as I sighed and closed my eyes.

“Ah, there she is,” a familiar voice said.

“The beautiful blushing bride.”

I glanced up and saw four gorgeous men before my eyes. My heart beat began to quicken as my eyes followed the breathtaking line of O’Conner brothers before me: Dylan, Wyatt, Andrew and Caleb.

Have mercy.

It was like looking at the cover of a GQ magazine, southern gentlemen edition. The same butterflies that flew in my belly for them in the past were back in full swing. All four brothers were clad in suits, tailored specifically to their tall muscular features.

They each had dark hair and green eyes. Their facial bone structures and sun-kissed skin made them stand out in any room.

The O’Conner brothers were tall and well-built. They had broad sh

oulders and muscular physiques.

I used to think that watching them walk away was as satisfying as watching them walk toward me. They all filled out a pair of jeans in a way that was downright sinful.

I embraced them all with bear hugs.

“Hey guys. It’s so great to see you all,” I said, while holding back tears.

“Well, it’s about time, doll” Dylan said, using the nickname he’d had for me since I was a kid.

“We were beginning to wonder if we’d have to wait till you walked down the aisle for your debut,” Wyatt said.

“You look beautiful tonight, pretty lady” Andrew said, using another nickname.

“Stunning. But, wait a minute. Since when do you drink wine?” asked Caleb.

“Oh, wow one at a time boys. I said with a grin. “And to answer your question, Caleb, I’ve been drinking this stuff for years.”

“I can dump it and get you a decent beer if you want,” Caleb said.

“I’m good. The last thing I need to be doing is getting drunk at my rehearsal dinner,” I said.

“Who said anythin’ ‘bout gettin’ drunk?” Andrew asked.

“I just want to make sure Michael knows I’m not getting wasted over here, okay?” I asked.

“Katie, is everything all right? There’s somethin’ in your eyes that’s not right,” Dylan inquired with concern in his eyes.