Page 32 of The Way We Score

“I don’t saythis much anymore, but I wish I could see right now.” Miss Gina leans against my bicep as I walk her down the aisle to a vaguely familiar classical song. “Everything feels magical.”

The elaborate gardens of Miss Gina’s huge, Italian-style mansion on the bluffs north of Newhope are decorated with white twinkle lights in all the trees and shrubs. White flowers are wrapped around trellises and columns, and the towering crepe myrtle trees are adorned in lights and white ribbons.

I don’t know much about decorating or throwing weddings, but this place looks pretty damned good. Craig is in the back in a suit, directing people to their seats, and somewhere his boyfriend Clint is overseeing everything happening today.

“It’s something to see,” I lean down to speak softly in Miss G’s ear. “They’ve got white flowers all over the place, and some kind of sheer fabric over the arch. Those little white Christmas lights are strung in the trees and over the arches. They’re pretty much everywhere.”

“It sounds breathtaking!” Her blind eyes flicker to the sky, and her face glows with happiness. “I’m so glad they had it here.”

“Dylan’s been in love with this place all her life.” I give her a nudge. “Then she met you.”

“I don’t know why she wanted an old maid in her wedding. Isn’t that some kind of bad luck?”

I almost laugh. “I don’t know how it would be, since it’s her wedding. I think having you here is a little like having our mom with us.”

Dylan’s never said it, but I suspect she thinks of Miss Gina as her surrogate mom.

“Garrett, that’s so sweet.” Miss Gina lifts a slim,trembling finger to her lips. “I never thought anyone would think of me that way.”

I hold her hand and wrap my arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her into a hug. “I think you’d be surprised how many people would like to think of you that way. If it wouldn’t be too presumptive.”

We’re at the front with Logan, and I release her. He gives us a grin, and I lift my chin at my best friend. Who knew he’d come here and steal my little sister’s heart? Who knew she’d steal his right back?

The music continues, and I watch as Hendrix escorts Raven down the short aisle. Their lips move almost imperceptibly, but their eyes dance. I can tell they’re cracking jokes the entire way, and I grin. This is an interesting development I’ll be keeping my eye on.

Next up is Zane and Rachel. His brow is set, his expression is serious, but Rachel holds his arm smiling at the familiar faces in the crowd. Her light hair hangs in soft waves around her shoulders, and she holds Zane’s arm so tightly.

I’d think she was clinging, but when they get to the front he looks down at her with an intensity that removes any doubt. My older brother is in deep smit. I’ve never seen him so in love.

Jack and Allie are right behind them, and Jack’s as serious as Zane. At the same time, he gives a little smile when he sees a face he recognizes.

With his square jaw, blue eyes, and straight white smile, I swear, our oldest brother is too perfect. He was a legendary quarterback before he walked away to take care of us. Now he’s turning out legendary players at the high school.

Allie dips her chin, and her thick, dark hair slides in a shiny curtain across her cheek. She says something, and he covers her hand with his so fast. His brow lowers, but she shakes her head. Still his shoulders are tense and ready.

Twisting my lips, I have to fight rolling my eyes. Mybrother might act like he’s immune, but he doesn’t miss a breath where Allie is concerned—or her son. One of these days he’s going to crack. I’m only worried I’ll be too far away to give him shit for it.

Kimmie is up next, skipping down the aisle in a little-girl white tulle dress with a big yellow ribbon. She has a basket of ivory petals she scatters along the way, and a black-and-white kitten chases after her. I’m pretty sure she’s taunting it.

Edward and Austin follow her. They’re dressed in suits and ties, and Edward’s expression is dead serious. He leans down to grab the miscreant kitten, quickly tucking it under his arm. Austin only grins, like the blossoming first-string quarterback he is, cocky but sweet.

It’s our family, and I study them all, thinking how each of us fits exactly where we should be.

The music changes, and everyone stands. My throat tightens, and I’m caught off guard by the surge in my chest when my baby sister steps into the aisle. Thomas escorts her, and his chin is lifted. He’s so proud, and she holds his arm so tightly.

Fuck, I swallow the knot in my throat, doing my best not to cry. I knew this was coming. Dylan told us Thomas was the closest thing we have to our dad. They played ball together. They started the restaurant together. He works with her every day in the kitchen, helping with recipes, guiding her steps. At every major holiday, the two of them prepare all the meals.

Now he’s walking her down the aisle, filling in for our dad, and it’s exactly right.

Dylan lifts her chin, and she’s beautiful. Her dress is straight, ivory lace, and over her head is a long veil extending to the floor in front and back. Her dark hair hangs in thick waves down her back, and her amber eyes shine as they focus on Logan. Cutting my eyes to my friend, I see his jaw tighten. He blinks a few times quickly, and his lips part.

He’s seeing his future, and I can’t lie, I almost feel like I get it. My eyes leave them to travel into the crowd, to find Liv.She’s tapping her eyes with a tissue, and she leans closer to her mom.

Pastor Conrad steps forward to conduct the ceremony, and I gaze around the perfectly planned venue. The sun is setting behind the house, and the sea breeze lifts the curtains and the ladies’ skirts. It ruffles my hair, and when my eyes return to the guests, I watch it slide Liv’s long bangs over her eyes.

She reaches up to move them away, and I remember the feel of her slim fingers in the back of my hair. I think of my hands around her waist.

Our kiss has been on my mind ever since it happened. I told her it didn’t count, but damn, that was a lie. I don’t think it was just me, either. The soft noise that slipped from her throat as I kissed her deeper haunted my mind all night. I had to adjust my fly every time I thought of it.

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