I Never Expected You (I Never 2)

“Yeah, I am,” I respond, my cheeks beginning to hurt from how broad my smile is. I turn to my brother’s grave and hold up my hand that has the combination of the diamond and amethyst stones.

“Did you hear that, big bro? I’m getting married. Can you belie

ve it?” Wow, I’m not sure I still believe it.

I turn back to my best friend. “But you know what’s better than him becoming my husband?”

I roll my eyes at Dani as she brings her hand to her chin and dramatically thinks my question over. “A root canal? Maybe natural childbirth? Falling out of the tree and breaking your arm?”

This girl thinks she’s so funny. And for the record, no, falling out of a tree and breaking your arm is not better, even if it’s enjoyable getting your brother into trouble for it.

I playfully shove her. “Bitch! No, I was going to say, I still get you as my sister. See? That plan didn’t change.”

Not only am I marrying the man of my dreams, but I get my best friend as my sister-in-law. I had always hoped one day we would be real sisters, but I had believed that that dream had died along with my brother. That is, until Zach swept me all my feet and stole my heart.

Dani lunges toward me, almost knocking me to the ground. “I love you, Hails.”

“I love you too, D. Now, what do you say we get back to the house because I’m pretty sure Kyler has officially driven Zach insane and possibly paced the floor away.”

I’ve felt my phone vibrating in my pocket multiple times while sitting here. No doubt Zach checking in making sure she didn’t run again.

Dani nods, and we help each other up, brushing the grass off our clothes. I step forward and kiss the headstone, the same thing I do every time I go to leave here.

“I’ll see you later, big bro. I promise I’ll take care of her.” I look back at Dani, who has her arms wrapped around her waist. “I miss you. Love you, E.”

I step back, and Dani asks, “Can you give me a minute?”

I nod toward the cars and head in that direction. I look back one last time to see her bent down, running her hand over the stone.

I pull my phone from my pocket as I walk away, giving Dani the space she needs to say goodbye. As I predicted, I have eleven texts from Zach. I choose to respond to his texts rather than call.

Me: On our way home. See you soon.

My phone buzzes a moment later.

Zach: Be careful. I love you…fiancée.

A smile appears on my face, and I am overjoyed with love as I type back.

Me: You too. Xo

I lean against the Jeep as I wait for Dani to be done. Once she approaches, we both nod as we get into our vehicles and make our way back to our guys. I follow her the entire way home, decompressing the day. Wow, has it seriously only been one day?

Fights.

Emotional breakdown.

Engaged.

Dani and I arrive home and stand in the doorway watching Zach and Kyler hug. We share a glance before looking back at them. I press my lips together to suppress my laughter. When another minute has passed, I clear my throat, and I must startle them because they both jump back. They both begin to make manly grunting noises. I guess to prove they’re still macho.

Damn, boys are so weird. Am I sure I want to marry one of those?

I finally release the laugh I was holding in. “Ummm, we can always come back, but Kyler, maybe you should remember that this Jacobs is already taken, and I don’t like to share.”

I stalk toward Zach and wrap my arms around his waist.

Zach leans down, whispering against my lips, “I missed you.”