Page 13 of Even Ground

Josh frowns. “Of course not. You’ve always been so much more than what you think of yourself.”

I don’t say anything. It’s hard to when I can only focus on what he just said.

“Reece, I love you like a brother. I’m not sure I’ve ever said that. And I can’t imagine anyone else I’d want by my side for my wedding.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I’d have to kill anyone else in my way.” My voice croaks, even though I’m trying to be tough. I feel the same way about Josh. Before him, I didn’t have siblings, and there was no one in my life that filled that space.

He chuckles, and I look out the window, not wanting to say anything else. I’m not a man afraid to cry, but there’s a lot of emotion to come in the next couple of days.

“By the time we’re finished, it’ll be nearly noon. Want to go out somewhere afterward and grab a drink?”

I look back at him. “I think that’s a great idea. It’s been a while.”

He nods. “It has been. With the wedding, and setting up this new business, it’s been hard to find time for anything else.”

“I’m not feeling neglected, if that’s what you’re concerned about.”

Josh drives us to the Beverly Centre. “I’m not worried about that, but I think it’s still important we hang out.”

As we pull into the parking lot, I lean back in the seat. Josh stops to get a ticket.

“Now that we’re here, do we really have to go shoe shopping?” It’s not that I don’t like shopping, but I’m still struggling to see the point.

“And when we go back home and Delaney asks to see what we bought?” He parks the car and turns off the engine.

“Just tell her the bride’s not allowed to see the groom’s shoes before the wedding.” I give him a soft punch on the arm.

He shakes his head. “As if I’d get away with that.”

“You might. Amelia played that trick on you.”

“No.” He laughs. “She actually thinks I’m not supposed to see her dress.”

I roar with laughter. “That’s the cutest thing I think I’ve ever heard.”

“I don’t think Delaney did it herself. I think it took the combined power of Delaney and Pania. But she freaks out if I go anywhere near her closet.” He looks toward the building. “I’ve got to go into Tiffany’s to pick up gifts for the girls. Don’t you dare tell any of them.”

I study him closely. “You left that to the last minute.”

“I didn’t want to try hiding anything in case Delaney found it. We got her engagement ring from the New York store, and she knows what the boxes look like.”

I grin. “Understandable. If you need me to help hide anything …”

“Thanks.”

We get out of the car and head into the mall. The one good thing about being back in LA is that we can go shopping with minimal fuss. There’ll be the odd person who wants an autograph or even a selfie, but it feels as if we blend in a bit better here.

“Where are we going for these shoes?” I ask.

“Fendi. That’s where I got my last pair. And they’re just across from Tiffany’s.”

Nodding in acknowledgement, I walk alongside him as we make our way to Level 7 where we turn into Fendi.

“I thought we could get patent leather to go with our tuxes,” he says.

“Makes sense.” I look around and blow out a long breath, thinking about the two pairs I have in my apartment closet. I guess another pair won’t hurt.

“Is there anything I can help you with today?”

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