Midlife Love Story

My feet began to move in Carlotta’s direction. She’d moved on from Ryanna, and now chatted with Lacey and Levi at a table near the front of the barn. I knew for a fact that my name card was at the same table, so I made a quick switch so my seat was beside hers. “Anyone need a drink? A server is headed our way.”

Levi lit up with a smile. “Pippa’s Garden is delicious and refreshing. You want anything, babe?”

Lacey shook her head. “I think The Happy Ending is making me dizzy,” she said with a laugh.

“And you, Carlotta?” She hadn’t said anything, and I knew only the direct approach would ensure good manners overrode her desire to ignore me.

“I’m fine, thanks.” Her voice was civil and cool, not the warmth I usually associated with this woman.

When the server stopped at the table, I grab Pippa’s Garden because the purple drink was right up Carlotta’s alley. “Just in case you change your mind,” I whispered softly in her ear.

“Want to dance,” Levi asked Lacey clumsily.

Lacey frowned at him and pointed towards the barn doors. “The bride and groom haven’t showed up yet, there is no dancing until then.”

Levi’s eyes widened, and he and Lacey had a minute long silent conversation. “We don’t need music to dance, do we?”

“Oh. No, we don’t. Come on, then. If you play your cards right, I’ll let you take advantage of me later.”

Levi’s deep rumbling laughter faded as they stood and left the table, giving me a moment alone with Carlotta.

“You look breathtaking tonight, Car.”

“Don’t,” she started. “Don’t come over here and talk to me like that, Chase. You could have been here with me, but you chose not to.”

“I know. You’re right and I was wrong. So damn wrong.”

She stood abruptly. “I need to check on things before Pippa and Ryan arrive. The photos should be finished by now.”

I reached out and wrapped my hand around her wrist. “Car, please. Just give me a moment. Please?”

She softened for a brief moment before she pulled back, regret shining in her eyes. “I can’t Chase. I just…can’t.” The moment my grip loosened, she fled as if being in my presence was painful to her.

I sat there and watched her flit away in search of a reason—any reason—to get as far away from me as possible without leaving the wedding reception. A simple apology wasn’t going to work, not on its own anyway. I finished my Happy Ending—what a joke—and started on Pippa’s Garden, hoping the alcohol would clear my mind enough to come up with a way to win Carlotta back.

A few minutes later, the crowd grew louder as Pippa and Ryan entered, making their first appearance as husband and wife, followed by the matron of honor, Valona, and the best man Derek. Everyone was all smiles as they entered, accepted well wishes and hugs through tears and squeals of excitement.

I hated myself that I wasn’t as happy on my only sister’s wedding day. Pippa was finally with the man of her dreams. They were building a family and a life together here in town, and all I could think about was the sad state of my own nonexistent love life. And worse, I only had myself to blame for my current state.

I stood as Pippa and Ryan made their way to the table front and center of the barn, where their new love would be on full display for the entire town and plenty of Nashville and Hollywood musical royalty. “You look beautiful, Pip.”

My sister smiled brightly and wrapped me in a tight hug. “Thanks Chase. You look handsome too, minus the sad puppy expression on your face.”

I pulled back with a smile. “Despite how my face looks, I am wildly happy for you. For both of you.” I turned and shook Ryan’s hand. “Welcome to the family.”

Ryan wrapped his arms around Pippa and hugged her tight. “It’s about damn time.”

“Better late than never,” I told him honestly.

“Exactly,” Pippa said, a determined look in her eyes that put me on edge.

“Not today, Pip. Just enjoy your day. Eat your fill and dance until your toes hurt. Stop worrying about the rest of the world.”

She hugged me again and laughed. “It’s my wedding, and I’ll do what want I want, baby brother.”

I rolled my eyes because she had that look in her eye, the one that meant she had something up her sleeve, and no one would talk her out of whatever she had planned.

Chapter 29