Page 119 of Nothing to Do

Roux?

She quaked. “You’re… you’re his sister-in-law.”

“Minus the Lowe part, yes. We’re not related to that side of the family. Maybe we mix it up…” Roux let go of Zane to come around to her other side and link their arms. “Maybe she’s the stud today.”

Zane squeezed her hand. “And you were worried about your first impression?”

“We’re sisters now, get your mind out the gutter,” Roux said, then faltered. “Wait, if you’re my brother and she’s mysister… How in the hell is the world okay with incest by marriage. There’s really got to be a better way. Better titles. Better labels.”

His sister? “Roux,” she said. “You’re Roux, Rourke’s—”

“I’m not Rourke’s anything. He’s my something, and damn lucky to be, which I make sure he never forgets.” The doors slid open to reveal a guy already waiting for them in the lobby; he crooked a brow. Rourke? “You know I’d be pissed if that wasn’t so impressive. How did you do that?”

Leaning in, he grabbed Roux and yanked her out of the elevator and into his body, hard. “The husband is always right.”

“Not in this marriage.” When he tried to come down for a kiss, Roux jerked back to avoid it. “I already have a date, sleaze.”

Linking their arms again, Roux got to moving and Zane let go. He just smiled and gave her a wave when she looked back. Without protest, he and Rourke followed a couple of yards behind.

“Roux, I don’t—”

“I’ll introduce you to everyone important. You already know Roxie, so you’re halfway there. We’ll make sure you know every story, who to avoid, who to flirt with, and whose hands wander.” She tightened her hold. “There are a few of them in this circle, and it’s LA, the kissing thing gives them an in.”

“Shouldn’t I stay with Zane?”

“If you want,” Roux said, leading her down some stairs at the other side of the lobby. “But the guys are boring when they’re all together. And knowing their women gets you an in without the need to show cleavage. Okay, that probably wasn’t fair to anyone other than my guy.”

“I want to get to know people.”

“Good, because I’ve heard you work in my field. Let me tell you, getting Huddle Hope up and running will take more than hard work, you need to believe in it, you need to dedicateyourself to it. Huddle Hope will be the difference so many people need in their lives.”

They stopped at a stretch of glass panel doors. Light within and fragrant air beckoned. She couldn’t see people yet, but there were definitely rumblings of conversation.

“It means a lot to you. Roxie told me that.”

Roux smiled and touched her chin to raise it an inch. “And if you let me talk your ear off about it, it will mean something to you by the end of the night. You’ve got Roxie’s approval, when you’re one of her girls, you have a whole posse at your back, ready to stand up for you. You’re one of us now, Thea.”

One of them. Acceptance by a stranger, maybe not so unfamiliar, but definitely a little strange. If they could accept her on Zane’s word, she’d accept them on it too. Clarity gave her relief. These weren’t enemies or an obstacle to overcome. If they were Zane’s family, they were hers too.

THIRTY-EIGHT

THE DINNER ERASED all her fears. Most of the night was spent with Roxie and the gang of women she called her girls. It didn’t seem there was an entrance requirement or initiation. Roxie accepted everyone, helped everyone, and never hesitated to talk to, and accept, anyone.

Jane was maid of honor. Roxie was a bridesmaid. Apparently, given Roxie would be godmother to the baby Lilya carried, Jane got the top spot in the bridal party. Weddings meant more to her too, so it wasn’t a big deal.

Hilarity came in the line of groomsmen, because there were more than a few, including her guy and Roux’s. The latter woman sat next to her, holding her hand, swooning in time as the little flower girl and ring bearer came down the aisle. Jane was quick to gesture them over and help the little ones find their spots in the front row, next to their mother, Rylee, who she’d met the previous night.

She wasn’t supposed to, no one probably was, but she caught the wink Jane got from her guy, standing opposite. Love radiated from everywhere up there. No doubt some people were uncomfortable, maybe some questioned their own life choices.

Her gaze drifted down the line of groomsmen as the Wedding March began. Everyone was supposed to be watching the bride. Apparently, etiquette passed Zane by. His smile provoked hers; as his faded, something else took over his expression. She tried to figure it out, but they were distracted by Lilya progressing to Zachary Kintyre at the altar.

This was a hotel ballroom, not a church. Lilya’s first marriage. Kintyre’s second. The baby was a first for both of them. Witnessing them exchange vows and their deep sincerity, really showed how when life came together, there was a peace that came with it, a certainty. She’d known these people less than a day and already felt invested in their future. Would she be there to see it?

With all the couples she’d met, and stories she’d heard, there was a good chance of other weddings taking place or babies being born. And there was Zane, gorgeous in profile, watching his friend dive into this life choice, this decision to share his life with the mother of his soon-to-be child.

There would be parties, birthdays, anniversaries, receptions, and these people would come together again. Not “these,” but “they.” They would come together again. She’d stick through the hard times, not just the easy ones. It wasn’t all island living and high-class hotels. They were people, all of them, and regardless of economic status, their hardships and choices were as valid as anyone else’s.

And that was it.

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