Page 134 of The Fast Lane

Abe raked his fingers through his long dark hair and winked at his reflection, clearly pleased. “Have you thought this through? You’ll have to stay on your toes.”

A huff of laughter escaped me. “You do remember I know who I’m dealing with, right? I can handle her.”

Abe’s face swung toward me, incredulous. “You’re hilarious. Not a chance.”

“Not a chance about what?” Cal asked as he strolled into the bathroom, also dressed in the simple white dress shirt and tie Abe sported. Behind him, the lanky form of Travis followed, also in the same outfit.

My brother—still so strange to think I had one—and I had stayed in contact, emailing, then texting and calling. In early January, he’d come for a visit, and we’d taken him to check out the University of Texas at Austin who’d been recruiting him for their swim team.

Scott—I couldn’t call him my father—and I had communicated but only through email. And although I wasn’t sure that would be a relationship I ever wholeheartedly pursued, it had given me closure I hadn’t realized I needed.

And a brother.

“He says he can handle Ali.” Abe shoved a thumb in my direction.

Cal patted my back. “Good luck with that.”

With a slow smile, I nudged Abe away from the mirror and took his place. “I have my ways.”

“Dude,” Abe said, sounding disgusted. “That’s my sister.”

I laughed. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”

Ten months of dating Alicia Ramos had taught me a few things. Like her intense hate of towels not folded properly or how much she secretly loved Hallmark movies. Or that she had a spot right below her right ear that always made her giggle. Or how she’d cried for hours after she’d won the election.

It would take me a lifetime to learn all the little things about her.

Which was exactly what I intended.

“Do I look okay?” I asked.

Abe took his time inspecting me before nodding. “You look good. Calm, even. Why do I feel like I’m more nervous than you right now?”

I shrugged. “You’ve always been highly strung.”

“Hilarious.” He slapped my back. “Seriously, why?”

“Because I get to marry Ali today.” Thinking of that sent a wave of peace through me, a rightness.

Abe threw his arms around me and pulled me into a fierce hug. “I’m glad. I’m really glad.”

Frankie pushed through the bathroom door, crowding an already crowded room. “Break it up, you two. Mom says she wants everyone out and ready.”

Abe released me. “We’re coming.”

Frankie held his hand out. “Welcome to the family.”

With a grin, I shook it.

“He’s always been a part of our family.” Cal slung an arm around my shoulders.

“Well, now it’s official,” Frankie said. “And since you’ll be married and all, any incidents involving gnomes in inappropriate positions fall on your shoulders.”

“Should I ask?”

One of Frankie’s eyebrows arched. “Do you really want to know?”

Ali’s brothers looked at me and then we all said at once, “Plausible deniability.”

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