Page 103 of My Favorite Sin

The night is getting on, with the three-course meal and speeches behind us. All the guests are partying, mingling throughout the dining area or on the dance floor. The three of us are gathered around an upright wine barrel table, each with a flute glass in our hand. Mom’s among the guests somewhere, dancing and having fun. I’m pretty sure she’s tipsy. Josh too. It’s a sight I’m not used to, but I’m glad they’re enjoying themselves at Daxton and Jordan’s wedding.

I’ve been to this vineyard a few times in my childhood. It first belonged to Daxton’s parents before his brother took over the family business a few years back. The vineyard is beautiful. Rustic and timeless with a Mediterranean feel, like we’re partying in an Italian villa. The weather isn’t too cold either, being in California. It’s the perfect place for a wedding, with the most perfect bride and groom.

I’ve spent the entire day consumed with bridesmaid duties, puffing up Jordan’s dress and holding her bouquet, pampering her in the morning when we got our hair and makeup done. She went for a princess ballgown style wedding dress and looks stunning. All the bridesmaids are in champagne satin dresses.

“I could teach you how to play poker,” Dan says to Josh, the suggestion sarcastic and a joke.

To my surprise, Josh laughs, patting Dan on the shoulder. It has to be from the alcohol. “You know what, let’s do it. But absolutely no money involved. All right, I’m off to find Amabella. Have fun, you two.”

I watch Josh leave before making a comment. “Things are going well between you two, by the looks of it.”

“So far.”

Felix, Tyler, and Killian join our side, looking handsome in their suits. “Bro, becoming best friends with Dad. Have you painted each other’s nails yet?” Felix taunts, laughing a little. “Is this an act to please him so he’ll approve of you and Ally?”

Dan shrugs the comment off, lifting his drink to his mouth. “Dad and I had a long chat. He seems genuinely sorry about a lot of shit that happened in the past and is trying to be a better father. He’ll probably try to speak with each of you soon about the same thing.”

Killian laughs. “Oh, God. Something to look forward to.”

Beyonce’sSingle Ladiesstarts playing over the speakers and guests are suddenly cheering. All the unmarried women flock to the dance floor.

“Isn’t this your cue to join the bouquet toss?” Tyler asks me, hands in his pockets.

“I’m happy to sit this out. I’ve always found itembarrassing to be in the crowd, fighting to catch the bouquet. Oh…shit. Hide me.” I step back, trying to get behind Dan when I see Mom and Harper heading in my direction.

“Not a chance,” Felix chuckles, nudging me forward. “Join in, baby sis. You and Dan could be the next ones getting hitched.”

My cheeks heat up at the suggestion. I glance at Dan, finding a smug grin on his face over Felix’s comment.

“Ally! Come on! You’re not getting out of this,” Mom shouts over the rabid women on the dance floor. Both her and Harper grab my hands and pull me along with them.

I give up the fight when grinding my heels into the floor gets me nowhere, and follow, calling back to Dan over my shoulder, “You’re in trouble later.”

“Looking forward to it,” he calls back, and I pray to God my mother hasn’t heard.

My relationship with her is doing well, but I don’t want to push my luck. She’s been acting her normal self with me again, minus the babying, which I’m grateful for. Most importantly, none of the recent family tension has been brought to the wedding.

“Go catch the bouquet, girls,” Mom says, leaving me and Harper at the outskirts of the crowd.

I stand beside Harper, waiting for this to be over, glad I’m not in the thick of the group where everyone is squished together and being pushed about.

“You and Dan look good together,” Harper says as we wait for Jordan to step up to the stage and toss her roses.

“Thank you. I know it must be weird seeing us together.”

“I’ve dealt with weird. You two are not weird when I can see how happy you make each other.”

“You’ve dealt with something stranger?”

“Let’s not get into the specifics.” She rolls her eyes, not at me but at the topic, which sparks my intrigue. I couldn’t even guess what she’s referring to if I tried.

The cheering grows louder. I look over the heads of all the women in front of me, realizing Jordan is now standing on the stage with her back to the dance floor. She tosses her flowers into the air, and it’s as if I’m watching in slow motion, mortified as the bouquet travels in my direction.

Being with Dan has felt impossible for so long that I’ve never entertained the idea of marrying him. In these last few months, it’s become clear that we’re in this relationship for the long run. We wouldn’t have gone through all this pain if we weren’t. Dan is my forever. But I could seriously do without the whispers and strange glances that are bound to happen from the guests at this wedding if that bouquet lands in my hands.

I let out a breath of relief when Harper catches the bouquet. Everyone turns to look at her, clapping in applause. She smiles but it doesn’t touch her eyes.

“You and Tyler are next!” Mom appears out of nowhere, wrapping an arm around Harper and kissing her cheek. I try to slink away unnoticed, back to Dan, but Mom wraps her other arm around me. “The garter toss is next. Let’s watch together.”

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