Page 116 of More Than Words

It’d worked out pretty well for his relationship with Chase so far. If it weren’t for me sending her books to him—knowing her work would complement his writing style—he wouldn’t be marrying her today. Then when he’d stood up for her before their book tour, I knew he was serious. I’d watched him retreat into himself after his ex, Simone, had manipulated him and then driven him into seclusion. He’d never told me how bad it’d gotten with her, but the fact he’d completely isolated himself for two years was enough to confirm she had completely shattered his self-confidence. If I could prevent anything like that from happening again, I’d piss him off to make a point.

“How’s it goin’, loverboy?” I asked, walking up behind where he was seated at the desk in the bedroom. His hair was a disaster, so I knew he was stressing over making sure his vows were perfect. He failed to account for the fact Chase thought rainbows shot out of his ass.

“Why did you never tell me how terrible my first drafts were?”

Chuckling, I glanced down at the pieces of paper he’d spread across the desk.

“Quit, you drama queen. You know you’re talented. You don’t need me blowing you up. It’s Chase’s job to blow you.”

Evan growled, turning the chair to look at me. “Keep her name out of your mouth.”

He bristled as my hand clasped his shoulder. “Seriously, though, calm the fuck down. You know she’s gonna love whatever is in those vows. You want to know why?”

He frowned, looking vulnerable.

“Because she loves you for who you are. That’s rare in a person, and you should trust that no matter what you say to her up at that altar will be perfect for you two. Just pretend the two of you are talking to each other. Everyone else doesn’t matter. Because at the end of the day, she’s your partner, and she loves you, perceived shortcomings and all.”

“What happened to you?” he laughed, a smile breaking through.

“I fell in love.”

He nodded, covering my hand with his. “Knocks you on your ass, doesn’t it?”

“Absolutely. But in the best possible way.”

“Thank you.” His shoulders relaxed as he pushed the papers into a neat pile, placing his palm on the top of the stack.

“No problem, man. I’ve diffused your freakouts enough that I’m an old pro by now.”

He looked back at the paper on the desk. “Do you want to read them? Make sure they’re okay?”

“Nope. She’s going to love whatever you wrote. My opinion doesn’t matter.”

A loud cheer came from the other room and we both looked toward the door. “Sounds like your brother-in-law is getting a little wild in there.”

“He hasn’t started stripping yet, so we’re good.” He looked down at his watch. “Looks like it’s show time.”

He stood, grabbing his suit jacket off the back of the chair and pulling it on. “Time for me to get married.”

“You got this.”

He nodded, passing me to head to the other room. I pulled my suit jacket off the rack by the door, ready to get this wedding over with so I could get Isobel home. We had a lot of things to prepare for in the next few weeks, and not a lot of time to accomplish it.

Adrian: How’re you feeling?

Isobel: Tired.

Adrian: Have you been sitting down?

Isobel: Yes, Daddy.

Adrian: Daddy, huh? I like that. And I will be soon. Drinking your water?

Isobel: I’m okay. Back is just a little sore. Your giant child has been trying to use me as a punching bag all morning.

Adrian: It’s cause she loves her mama.

Isobel: Or she enjoys torturing me like her father.

---