Pushing off the bar, I grab the special reserve bourbon I’d been saving. “While I appreciate this moment of brotherly bonding, it’s not the vibe we’re going for tonight. It’s your last night as a free man. We’ve got to liven this shit up.”

  “Hell, I haven’t been a free man in a year.” That light is still in my older brother’s eyes.

  “I got this.” Adam hops off his barstool, pointing at me as he heads for the sleek jukebox in the back corner of the room.

  I take down three fresh tumblers and pour us each two fingers from the new bottle. “I’ve been saving this one. It’s my newest batch. No one’s tasted it yet, and I’m pretty sure it's going to knock that fucking Pappy Van Winkle off its perch.”

  Blink 182’s “All the Small Things” blasts through the room, and while I’m not the biggest fan of Adam’s LA surf punk, it definitely shifts the mood to something more bachelor-party oriented.

  He joins us, and we sample my newest blend as our conversation shifts. Seeing Aiden embracing life again renews my sense of optimism that after a decade of heartache, maybe the three of us are moving into a new phase of our lives. One with more positive outcomes.

  The song changes to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ version of “Higher Ground,” and I concede. “Good one.”

  Aiden smiles in agreement before lifting his chin at me. “What are you going to do with Pinky next month?”

  My brow furrows, and I glance up at him. “What do you mean?”

  “Are you kidding?” Adam laughs. “Mom’s been talking about her trip to Lake Como every Sunday for weeks.”

  I’m still frowning as Aiden explains. “She and Aunt Paige are taking Aunt Pearl to Italy to celebrate her 70th birthday. They rented a villa for the month.”

  “A month?” My throat tightens. “Why is this the first I’m hearing about it?”

  “Because you don’t pay attention? They’re leaving right after the wedding.”

  “What the fuck?” My voice rises. “You’d think she’d have warned me.”

  Adam leans on the bar, chuckling. “It’s almost like she expects you to pay attention when she speaks.”

  “I pay attention, but things have changed a lot in the last year.” Since Britt and Aiden got engaged, Britt’s mother Gwen and grandmother Edna have joined the Sunday lunch crew, and occasionally Cass and Piper show up. “It’s not as easy to keep up in the crowd.”

  “Because you like things quiet and sneak off before dessert is served.”

  I can’t argue with Adam’s observation. When the group grows bigger than twelve, plus Britt’s bloodhound, it’s when I miss my fishing trips with Pop the most. I like peace and quiet. So sue me.

  “I’m not sure how anybody knows what’s going on when you’re all talking at the same time.”

  “We can trade off,” Aiden volunteers. “Trust me, her absence puts a crimp in Britt’s and my honeymoon period, too.”

  “I’ve got you both covered.” Adam points to me. “I can help you with P until you find a sitter, and Owen and Ryan are easy to watch. They keep each other entertained.”

  “Thanks, bro, but I’m going to need more than a sitter.” Scrubbing my forehead, I try to think. For weeks, I’ve talked about finding a full-time nanny for my daughter, but there wasn’t a sense of urgency.

  Not to mention, no one has floated down on an umbrella ready to fill the position.

  Unless…

  Cass jumps to the forefront of my mind. She’s looking for a place to live, a job working with kids, and I’d pay her well. It feels like a solution.

  It also feels risky.

  While Aiden and Adam are making plans for the boys, I’m wondering if it’s possible to have a woman I’m lusting after under my roof full time without blurring the line between employee and employer.

  The problem is I want to blur the line, and I’m running out of patience.

  CHAPTER 6

  CASS

  Sunlight burns across my closed eyes, and my head jumps off the pillow. “Ohh… shit.” The pain of a hangover slams me down again. “Too many watermelon margaritas!”

  Last night, when we finally crashed, I made Piper give me the couch, since I have to get to the distillery to meet the florist first thing. Across from me Britt is on her back in the queen-sized bed, eye mask securely in place, making puppy-dog snores. Edward is at her feet, and Piper is beside her with her head under the pillow.

  I try one more time to get up, grasping assorted pieces of furniture for balance as I take the ten steps to the small bathroom. Running cold water over a washcloth, I hold it to the back of my neck while I inspect the damage in the mirror.

  Mascara is smeared under my eyes, and I vaguely remember us sitting on the rug, holding hands as we belted out “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift and crying like a bunch of drunk dorks. I’m pretty sure Edward was howling along with us.

  “I’m never drinking again.” Grabbing a face wipe, I scrub the makeup off my eyes and quickly apply tinted moisturizer and a fresh coat of mascara.

  My hair is a wreck, but I don’t have time. I whip it up into a ponytail, and once the flowers are in place, I’ll cut out early to shower and repair the damage. I grab the bottle of ibuprofen out of the medicine cabinet and swallow two pills with a handful of water from the sink.

  Stepping out of the bathroom, the sound of Britt’s tiny snores makes me grin, and I study my two best friends, plus Edward the dog. I wouldn’t trade last night for anything, even if it does mean I have the hangover from hell.

  The big day is finally here. I’ve been busting my ass for a month, and it’s going to be the very model of a modern Town & Country wedding.

  It’s been a lot of work, but it’s all been pretty straightforward and drama-free. I’m so thankful Britt’s not one of those brides. She’s always been more traditional than her nutty family, but she’s no bridezilla.

  I’m sure wanting such a traditional ceremony has more to do with Aiden’s family than hers. Britt’s family would fit right in at the Elvis Chapel in Vegas, but she wants the fairytale. Hungover or not, I’m making sure she gets it today.

  Pulling my faded denim overalls over my hips, I fasten one shoulder strap over my white tank and grab my phone.

  “Ugh…” Piper groans softly from the bed, pulling her auburn head out from under the pillow. “You’re actually moving? What are you? Immortal?”

  “Hardly,” I whisper, stepping into beige Birkenstocks. “I’ve got to get to the distillery to meet the florist. I’ll see you two this afternoon.”

  “You’re a machine. I’m going to die now.” She shoves her head under the pillow again, and I exhale a laugh.

  Her son Ryan spent last night with Owen at Aiden’s mom’s house. All three of the kids are in the wedding, and Patricia and Gwen are in charge of getting them to the distillery on time, dressed and ready to perform.

  My money’s on Patricia for doing the lion’s share of that job. Gwen is probably telling them supernatural stories and trying to feed them the dusty Fig Newtons she keeps in the pockets of her caftan. I have to hand it to her—it does keep them occupied when things get slow.

  Owen is the ring bearer, Ryan is an usher, and Pinky is the petal girl. They’re so cute, and they take their jobs very seriously, although I am a little worried about Pinky.

  I had the florist make a special basket for her just in case she tripped over her floor-length dress. Alex’s daughter is as serious about dropping petals as her father is about crafting bourbon, and remembering her little face at the rehearsal makes me smile as I drive out to the venue. I don’t know her well, but at four and a half, she’s a pistol.

  Parking in the space beside Alex’s empty reserved spot, I hop out just as the florist truck pulls into the lot.

  “Perfect timing.” I step out and wave at them, shouting over the noise of the truck while shading my eyes from the painful morning sun. “Pull around back.”

  I point to the loading area where the event space is located. God, I need coffee. It’s an hour later and a million trips back and forth unloading flowers before I get a cup, thanks to Alex walking out to check on our progress.

  “You’re looking better than I expected after last night.” He sizes me up from behind dark sunglasses.

  “It’s all an act.” Lifting my chin, I nod towards the kitchen. “If I don’t get a cup of coffee soon, I’m gonna…”

  “Hold that thought.” The smile curling his lips manages to do fuzzy things to my insides, despite my hungover state.

  Get a grip, Cass. You’ve got work to do.

  I return to helping the delivery guys arrange the small, floral centerpieces on each table. Men on ladders are wrapping twinkle lights around the rafters, and burly guys roll in Ficus trees, paradise palms, and yuccas to fill in the gaps at the edges of the room and behind the stage.

  “Here.” Alex puts a cup of coffee in my hand, and I straighten from where I’ve just placed a centerpiece.

  Sniffing the warm, dark liquid, I take a sip, and my whole body shudders. “Oh, that’s so good.” Alex chuckles softly beside me, and my eyes flutter open. “I owe you my life.”

  “We stayed up pretty late, too.” He nods at the small table bouquet. “Hibiscus?”

  “Hibiscus, zinnias, and daisies.” I point to each bloom. “Britt said no matter what, no lilies, especially not stargazers. She made me swear.”

  “Stinkgazers,” he says under his breath, and my ears quirk.

  “Yeah, something like that. Aiden hates them?”

  “We all do.” He lifts a small glass bowl containing the arrangement. “We came off a series of bad years all punctuated by stargazer lilies. These are perfect.”

  He’s so emphatic, it makes me laugh.

  “Whatever you say.” My eye catches on the clock over the door, and my heart drops. “Shit! It’s already three? I’ve got to get out of here!”

  I start to go when Alex catches my arm. “Wait, I need to talk to you about something… A job.”

  If this is about running his event planning, I might be a lot more open to the idea now that Britt’s wedding is over, and I’m facing a long string of endless days of Aunt Carol’s judgy lectures.

  Still, I’m not going to make it if I don’t go now.

  Catching his hand, I meet his eyes. “I’m interested, but I’ve got to get ready. Let’s talk after the wedding.”

  “Done.” His voice is so emphatic, I feel like we don’t even need to talk later. It’s decided.

  We will talk, but for now, I’ve got to get ready.

  “I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Aiden Stone. You may kiss the bride.” Old Reverend Shepherd holds out his hands, and for a split second, Aiden studies Britt’s face.

  She’s absolutely stunning in a white sleeveless gown with a full, tulle skirt. Her blonde hair is arranged in loose waves down her back.

  My heart squeezes in my chest, and Piper’s chin drops. As Britt’s only two bridesmaids, we’re both dressed in tan satin slip-dresses. Mine is knee-length, while Piper’s flows to the floor. Our hair is loose down our backs as well, with two little French braids on each side to hold it out of our eyes.

  The guys are all in black, two-piece suits with ties that match our dresses, the only difference being Aiden’s is a bow tie. I’m doing my best not to look at Alex every few seconds, but it’s difficult.

  He’s the darkest of the three brothers, and the suit fits him perfectly. The light scruff of a beard is neat on his cheeks, and his dark, wavy hair is smoothed behind his ears. I fight my eyes dropping below his waist, and every time his hazel eyes meet mine, I’m sure he knows.

  I don’t want to talk to him about a job later. I want to talk to him about getting to know each other better, about continuing what we started this weekend.

  My rebellious eyes slide to his again, and this time it’s like a roll of thunder. A subtle smile curls his full lips, and heat rises in my cheeks. Imagining him looking at me the same way, thinking what I’m thinking, makes my pussy clench.

  Aiden lifts Britt’s veil for the kiss, and my gaze returns to them. The soft yellow lights behind them cast a glow, and I make a mental note to give this florist a rave review.

  The full effect of the sparkling event space, the flowers on the backs of the chairs, the lights, the family, and the guys standing at the front, smiling and waiting for us is perfectly gorgeous. It’s sacred.

  Aiden cups Britt’s small face in his hands, smiling deeply into her fast-blinking eyes, and the tears I was holding now spill onto my cheeks. Piper presses the back of her hand to her lips, and a few sniffles echo from the front row, where the moms are seated.

  The love between Britt and Aiden is so pure and hard-won, when their mouths unite, the room bursts into applause.

  Britt’s lips curl into a smile, and Aiden’s do the same against hers. One more longing look at each other, and they turn to their friends and family as the recessional music begins.

  I’ve never felt so surrounded by love—love flowing from us to the audience and back again. I might have planned this wedding, but I never could have conjured this atmosphere. It’s all for them.

  Lifting the tissue I hid behind my bouquet, I dry my eyes before nudging Piper. She takes it from me, and I gaze over the crowd as they exit to the tasting room and the lawn while we finish with photographs.

  Happiness shines in my chest like the sun, until my eyes land on the one gaze capable of ruining it all. It’s like a shot of lidocaine in the top of each of my cheeks.

  My smile melts, and I cut my eyes at Piper. Only she’s too busy drying her tears and hugging Britt. I reach for her arm, but the photographer appears and starts barking orders.

  “We don’t have much time before the guests return.” The young woman waves her hand, directing us to our positions.

  “We might have to rethink this part for next time.” Alex is at my side, taking my arm. “If the weather’s bad, we won’t be able to hustle the guests outside for twenty minutes.”

  “It’s true.” I’m distracted, scanning the faces of the guests through the windows, but I don’t see him.

  “We only need a few shots of the entire party.” The photographer orders us back to the places we held for the ceremony.

  We hold as she takes several angles before moving through the groups. She shoots the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, the mothers, the children, the happy couple. While we take photos, workmen break down the chairs and arrange the stage and the DJ booth.

  It feels like an eternity passes of me chewing my nail before Britt grabs my hand. “Finally!” she hisses under her breath.

  Aiden’s finishing up with his brothers, as she hustles us to the doors leading to the tasting room. The little boys have ditched their suit jackets, and Pinky’s running in circles, swinging her empty basket over her head and singing a made-up song about petal girls.

  Britt throws open the doors and calls to the waiting crowd, “Time to party!”

  Smiles and laughter greet us as they return to the event space. The bartenders take their stations, and the catering staff uncovers the large silver platters of food.

  The DJ cranks up the music, and Britt loops her arms through Piper’s and mine. Champagne flutes are placed in our hands, and we do a quick clink before drinking.

  “You did it!” Piper smiles so big, and I hear a camera shutter click.

  “Cass did it!” Britt clinks my glass again, and I take another sip, my eyes scanning the room for the face I saw earlier.

  Maybe he was just here for the ceremony, and he’s gone. Yes, I decide that must be what happened. The fist of nerves starts to unclench in my chest, when fuck.

  “What’s the matter?” Britt slides her arm around my waist. “Why are you frowning? It’s all so beautiful!”

  Turning my face to the side of her hair, I whisper, “Why is Drake Redford here? He wasn’t on the guest list!”

  “Oh.” Her bottom lip slips between her teeth, and her nose wrinkles. “Aiden ran into him yesterday at the Pack-n-Save. He felt bad that Drake was in town for a visit, and he wasn’t invited to the wedding. Everyone is here. Anyway, that’s all ancient history, right?”

  “Of course it is, but it’s ancient history I never want to revisit. Our breakup was not pretty. He told me I’d regret turning down his proposal, and I said I could do better. Now he’ll see I didn’t do better.”

  “But you are doing better! You’re happy!”

  “I can’t even pay rent!” My fingernail is between my teeth again. “I hate being wrong.”

  “Were you wrong?”

  “No…”

  Still, I turned down the proposal of a millionaire real-estate developer, and now I’m unemployed with no job prospects and living at home again with Aunt Carol.

  “Do you still have feelings for him?” Her whisper goes higher.

  “No.” Of that, I’m sure. “He was so annoying. He didn’t like kissing with his tongue, he hated the sound of chewing…”

  “If he didn’t like tongue-kissing, I’m guessing he didn’t like other tongue-things.”

  “You said it, sister. Not a single orgasm.”

  “So what’s the big deal? Don’t talk to him. Stay by me.”

  The DJ breaks through the music. “I need the bride and groom on the floor for their first dance together as husband and wife!”

  Britt’s lips twist, and I shake my head. “I can’t dance with the two of you.”

  “You’ve got this. Drake Redford is the amoebas on fleas on rats.”

  Aiden steps up behind her, smile-frowning at her declaration. “Sorry, Cass, I need to borrow my wife.”

  “Sure.” I shrug, waving my hand. “Take her away.”

  The opening monologue of Shania Twain’s “From This Moment” whispers through the room, and Britt gives my hand a squeeze before Aiden sweeps her into his arms.