Page 79 of Mended Hearts

A slow smile spreads across his face, showcasing a few of the similarities he and his brother share, such as the sharp jawlines. Though Dax doesn’t have the dimples and it’s a real injustice. “You are brilliant, Echo.” He bear hugs me, lifting me off my feet.

“You two have some explaining to do.” I hear as Dustin makes his way over. I giggle, peering over Dax’s shoulder.

Dustin approaches, wearing a humorous expression, and crosses his arms as he leans back against my car. “Enlighten me to what I just stumbled upon.”

“Well, big brother.” Dax strides up to Dustin and places his hand on his shoulder. “We have a wedding to plan. Will you be my best man?”

“Well, duh. But when did you even get engaged?”

“That’s exactly why Dax showed up,” I explain. “He wants to skip that part.”

“You must be pretty damn confident, bro.”

“Well, duh,” Dax shoots back. “I wouldn’t be building a life with her if I wasn’t. That’d be a waste.”

“Then why the rush?” Dustin asks.

“Because my girl is ready to make it official, and I’m in the business of making her happy,” Dax says matter-of-factly.

“Okay, so what all do you want and how long do I have to get this together?”

“We,” Dustin corrects me, and I look over, raising a brow. “How long do we have to get this together, Dax?”

“I’m thinking next month.” Dax hugs me again and gives me a spin. His giddiness apparent. “You’re the best.”

“Ahem.” Dustin fake coughs behind me.

“Oh, hush and just stay back there looking pretty. We both know who’s going to be doing the work.” Dax’s words make me giggle.

“I’ll show you pretty,” Dustin mumbles.

Dax walks off and Dustin pushes himself off my car and walks over to me.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, tipping my chin up, forcing me to look at him.

I let out a breath. “I got?—”

“We,” he corrects.

I smile and roll my eyes. “We’ve got two weeks to pull this off.” I bite my lip with worry. “What did I just commit to? What if I can’t get everyone there?”

“I think this just means you and Dylan need to come home now. You know, so we can plan this wedding.” He winks.

“Is that the only reason?” I raise a brow, urging him.

“No.” He pushes my hair behind my ear then glides his thumb across my cheek. His eyes hold mine with such an intense desire, freezing me in this moment. “I’m ready to have my life within arm’s length at all times.”

“Wow, that sounds very clingy-ish, Dustin.” I tease, gripping his hips with both hands, pulling him closer to me.

He smiles and what a glorious site it is showcasing my favorite dimple in the world.

“Honey, arm’s length is the PG version of my clingy-ness. If it was up to me, I’d be conjoined to you for the rest of eternity, but since we have a son to raise that’s not an option.”

“Speaking of Dylan.” I look around the parking lot, seeing the last of the cars pull out.

“He went with your parents. I hope you don’t mind. I just wanted to have you to myself for the night.”

“Oh,” I say, feeling a bit shy suddenly. Or maybe it’s the butterflies fluttering that have me speechless.

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