Autumn Night Whiskey (Tequila Rose 2) - Page 63
I take a last glance at my reflection in the window. Bridgey keeps calling us princesses. It’s perfection. All of this. The courthouse wedding and Renee at my side, and—
Brody. He steals my gaze from the white of my dress and my heart catches. This feeling is the one I’ll never get over no matter how long we’re together. He’s stunning. Blue eyes and broad shoulders, and a body that speaks of hard work. The new dark suit he’s wearing skims strong thighs. Looking at his tight waist, heat curls in my core. That’s my soon-to-be husband.
He walks shoulder to shoulder with Griffin, who says something with a smile and Brody laughs. Robert walks in tow with them. A soft ache will always be there for him in my heart. I know he’s here for Bridget as much as he is me.
He was the first man in her life and he stands by that. “Whether we’re together or not now isn’t what matters, Mags,” he told me once. “Relationships are. You’re my best friend. And I’m not going to walk away just because I can’t have you in the same way anymore.”
I had no idea how close he and Brody would get. Robert is still one of my best friends and according to Brody, Robert’s given him insight into what makes me upset and little things that make me forgive more easily when I’m mad. I rolled my eyes hard at that one. I love how close they are, though. I get Wine Down Wednesdays and Brody goes out with the boys on Monday nights. The “boys” includes Robert. Their genuine friendship makes everything easy.
The rumor around town is that we’re a throuple. People talk, and I let them because I’m too busy laughing. I don’t care what people have to say. I only care that I have the people I love in my life. All of them.
When the three men push open the front doors, Brody doesn’t slow his gait. He strides straight to me and pulls me in for a long, deep kiss. I let out a startled gasp followed by a laugh, but I don’t miss a beat wrapping my arms around his strong shoulders.
“Hey,” Renee scolds, batting him away with shooing motions. “You’re not supposed to see the bride until she walks down the aisle.”
“Too late,” Brody says, a gruff edge in his voice. He still smiles at me like he did that first night years ago. The only thing that’s changed is that he never takes his hands off of me in public … or in private. He told me, “I’ll never get enough of you,” when I tried to shoo him out of bed this morning. There were things he had to take care of at the bar before the ceremony, but the man didn’t want to leave. He climbed over me instead so he could kiss down the side of my neck. Pulling at the neckline of my maternity top, he kissed me on the collarbone, and then lower.
Feeling the flush climb up my cheeks, I halt those thoughts where they are and focus on my any-minute-now husband.
“You’re the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen,” he murmurs, blue eyes looking deep into mine. “Daddy,” Bridget says and pouts. I’m surprised she heard since his voice was so low.
“Except for you.” Brody kneels down and scoops up Bridget in his arms while she laughs and laughs. “You’re the most beautiful,” he tells her sincerely.
“You look amazing, Mags.” Robert steps in, slipping his hands into his pockets. His smile is genuine. “I’m happy for you two.”
“Thanks.” Tears prick my eyes and I wish they wouldn’t.
“You really do make a good-looking couple,” Renee comments and I don’t miss Griffin’s focus on her at the word couple.
“You need anything before we go in?” Robert asks.
“A picture,” I answer suddenly.
“Excuse me.” The woman behind the check-in desk looks up, her eyebrows raising in surprise. “Could you take a photo of us? It’s my wedding day.”
“It sure is, honey.” She comes to take my phone with a broad smile and steps back. Robert instinctively moves away, but I grab his elbow and pull him in right next to Griffin, who stands beside Renee.
“I mean all of us,” I say. “I want everybody who’s important to be in this picture. And you’re all important.” With an easy exhale, I pat under my eyes, forcing all those emotions down.
“Not now,” warns Renee. “Keep your makeup pretty.”
“I know. I know,” I respond like a petulant child.
The five of us crowd together, with little Bridget right in the middle, and it really does feel like the perfect moment. These are my people. Robert and Renee, my best friends, who would do anything for me and my daughter. Brody, the love of my life. And Bridget, my bright star.
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