As if on cue, Luke the black Lab barreled through the crowd and found Brooklyn. He sat at her feet while she petted him. “Seriously, Ren. I have to be at your wedding.”
“And you’re saying you and Bowie can’t fly to Vegas?”
“Oh, phew. I thought you wanted to do it by yourself.”
Rennie shook her head. “Oh, hell no. You have to be there. So does Grady.” Rennie nodded toward the area where Grady stood. He wasn’t engaging in conversation unless someone came up to him, which Rennie understood. Most people walked on eggshells around him, except for her.
“Are you ready for tomorrow?”
Brooklyn looked into Rennie’s eyes and nodded. “I am. I’m so ready. I love Bowie with my whole heart. I love the life we have together and how he’s this amazing dad to Brystol. Everything is so perfect, I just—”
“Stop,” Rennie interrupted. “Stop thinking the other shoe is going to fall. Both are planted firmly on the ground. It’s taken both of us a long time to get our princes. I say get because we found them when we were teens but were too wild and rambunctious to see that we had a good thing . . . well, you weren’t, but whatever. What I’m saying is, Bowie is the right man for you, and you need to put whatever lingering thoughts about Austin away and keep them there.”
“You’re right.”
“I know I am. I’m going to talk to Grady and then try and convince Graham to take me to bed. I’m tired.”
“Liar,” Brooklyn said with a laugh.
“I know, but it sounded good.” Rennie hugged Brooklyn and told her she’d see her in the morning. Even though Rennie and Graham could walk back to their houseboat, they were staying at the inn, along with everyone else. Rennie wasn’t exactly keen on the idea, but it was what Brooklyn wanted, and as maid of honor, Rennie would do anything for her friend.
Rennie avoided everyone on her way over to Grady. He stood on the outskirts, holding a water bottle. As soon as he saw her, he held it out for her.
Only she refused to take it. “I trust you.” She looked forward to the day when Grady wouldn’t feel like he had to prove he wasn’t drinking anymore.
“Thanks.”
“Is someone giving you shit?”
He nodded toward the crowd. There were so many people she had no idea who in their right mind would say something to Grady about his sobriety. Rennie had firsthand knowledge of the efforts he put in. Grady met with his probation officer, passed every surprise test, never missed a therapy appointment, and went to AA twice, if not three times, a week.
“I’m going to need a name, Grady.”
“It’s Mila, but I think she’s drunk.”
Everyone in their close-knit group of friends refused to drink around Grady. They were all trying to do their part to help him out, and Grady stayed away from the Whale Spout, and the staff there knew not to serve him alcohol if he did come in. There were times when he’d come in to see Graham. He’d sit at the bar and drink pop or water, never once asking for a drink. On those days or nights, Graham would come home and tell Rennie how proud he was of his brother.
“Eh, gotta look at who is saying crap and ignore. You know you’re doing awesome. I’m proud of you. Jefferson tells me all the time when he gets reports from your PO how well you’re doing.”
Grady raised his water bottle and took a sip. “I know I’ve thanked you before, but I’m really appreciative of everything you’ve done for me. I know you’ve helped Brooklyn out with the contract and stuff she wants me to sign, so thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Grady. Next summer will be an exciting time. Do you know what you’re going to name your boat yet?”
“No, not yet. Everyone tells me I have to name it after Austin—”
Rennie cut him off. “No, you name it after whatever you want to. Austin’s gone. He has been for a long time. It’s time everyone bury him and move on. You could call your boat the Jo or Johanna. I bet your mom would love that.”
Grady laughed. “I think I might try for something comical. I don’t know. Once I get through winter, I’ll start thinking.”
“Hey, are you trying to steal my woman?” Graham hollered as he strode toward Rennie and Grady.
“I think she pays more attention to me than you anyway,” Grady teased his brother.
Graham leaned down and kissed Rennie. When she stood between the two of them, she felt like a shrimp among giants. The Chamberlain twins were tall men with piercing green eyes, and both were currently wearing their hair a bit shaggier than she was used to. From afar, very few people could tell them apart. But up close, Graham carried himself with confidence, while Grady slouched most of the time. The years of alcohol and drug use had done a number on Grady’s skin, but he was slowly healing and looking more and more like Graham every day. He was a work in progress.