Page 63 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Of course you can come, Iris,” I agree, smiling at her enthusiasm. “It might actually be fun to have some company during this…brunch.”

“Yay!” Iris exclaims, clapping her hands together. “I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. Well, as much as I can be,” she adds with a wink.

Rolling my eyes playfully, I can’t help but laugh. “Just don’t cause any scenes, alright?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” she assures me, though I imagine her fingers are crossed behind her back.

While my eyes scan the lobby, they immediately fixate on a familiar figure engaged in conversation with another woman. Theo stands tall and brooding, his athletic physique impossible to miss. Beside him, Avery clings to his arm, her fingers tracing circles on his bicep as she leans in close, whispering something that makes him smirk.

My heart clenches at the sight, jealousy surging like a tidal wave through me. But I can’t let Iris know about my true feelings for Theo—that would only complicate things further.

“Can you believe Avery?” Iris giggles, casting a glance over her shoulder at Theo and Avery still engaged in conversation. “She’s really laying it on thick today. They’d actually make a pretty cute couple, don’t you think?”

I bite back a snarky comment, forcing a tight-lipped smile instead. “Sure,” I say, my voice strained. “Cute.”

Inside, I’m screaming at the injustice of it all. Why should Theo be with someone like Avery when I’ve shared so many intimate moments with him—and his brothers? But I can’t reveal that to Iris, not without risking everything.

“Hey, Theo, Avery,” I greet them, trying to sound casual despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach. “Are you two planning to come to the brunch?”

Theo’s piercing blue eyes meet mine for a brief moment before he shakes his head. “No, Oakley. I’ve got better things to do.”

“Really? On a Sunday?” I question, disappointment tugging at my heartstrings.

“Unfortunately,” he replies, nonchalance in his voice.

Avery is quick to chime in, her fingers still lingering on Theo’s arm. “I’ll stay behind too, keep Theo company.” She gives him a flirtatious smile, and I swallow the surge of jealousy that threatens to spill over.

“Alright then,” I say, forcing a smile onto my face. “Enjoy your day.”

As Iris and I turn to leave, I silently remind myself that today is about me—not them. I push aside my feelings for Theo.

Feelings I shouldn’t have anyways.

33

OAKLEY

My heart races in my chest as I look up at the sign, my nerves threatening to get the better of me.

“Oakley, you’ve got this,” Iris reassures me, her hazel eyes filled with confidence.

I let out a shaky breath, trying to muster up my courage. “I know, but what if it all goes wrong?” I murmur, fidgeting with the hem of my dress.

“Hey, I’ll be right there with you,” she says, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Now, come on!” She ushers me forward.

As we step inside the restaurant, the smell of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee envelops us, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. The hostess greets us with a friendly grin, asking, “Name for the reservation?”

“Price,” I answer nervously, but Iris quickly speaks up, her voice steady and sure.

“Oakley Price,” she confirms, giving me an encouraging wink. The hostess nods and leads us through the bustling dining area to our table at the back of the restaurant.

My heart pounds even harder as we approach the corner booth where everyone is already seated. I can practically feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating. But I won’t let it break me down, not when I have so much support by my side.

“Here we are,” the hostess says cheerfully, gesturing to the table. “Enjoy your meal!”

“Thank you,” I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

The moment our eyes lock, Georgia’s flawless face twists into a scowl, her piercing blue eyes narrowing dangerously. It’s as if my very presence is offensive to her, and honestly, I’m not surprised. Sibling rivalry has always been a thing between us. She made it that way.

---