Page 132 of Reckless King

“Let me know what her decision is.”

“I will.” I’m hoping Violet will be interested in expanding True Brew. We need a coffee shop for the foyer of Genesis-1, and I don’t just want True Brew because it’s Violet’s. I genuinely believe the sustainable, community-minded feel of it fits within the purview of Genesis-1, while the quality of the coffee will keep the wealthy residents happy.

I also plan to broach the subject of stealing Jarrod to run the place now that she has plenty of help at the shop. Not that I’m trying to separate them. Violet told me what he said the night I saw them hugging, and I admitted he was right. I may not like his confession about being attracted to her, but I can’t exactly blame him either. And I don’t have any concerns over Violet having more than friendly feelings for him. How could I when she shows how much she loves me every single day? No, jealousy isn’t the reason I’m considering offering Jarrod management of a potential new True Brew. He’s more than proven his dedication to Violet’s family and the shop. He helped her when she needed it, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful. But most of all, I know he’s the person Violet would trust the most to keep the spirit of True Brew alive, even if it’s in a different location.

That’s a discussion for later though.

When I catch Violet’s eye, she wanders our way, a smile on her pretty lips.

She slips under my arm and looks up at Roman. “Are you having a good time?”

His eyes are dark as he watches us. “I like seeing my brother happy.” Then he gives her the ghost of a smile. “Both of them.” He downs the rest of his drink and puts the glass down on the bar. “Have a good night, you two.” And then he’s gone, wandering off with his hands in his pockets.

Violet sighs. “Do you think he’ll ever open himself up to meeting someone again?”

I set my own glass down and wrap her in my arms. “I don’t know. He’s pretty hard-headed, and he’s stuck on the idea that he’s done with love. I’m not sure anyone can convince him otherwise.”

She nods sadly, but before she can respond, we’re summoned so the toasts can begin. After mine, where I onlysubtlyemphasize my role in Cole and Delilah’s current happiness, it’s time for the couple’s first dance.

Strangely enough, Violet and I end up standing next to Mom as we watch the newly married couple float around the small wooden dance floor set up on the lawn. I’m surprised to hear a quiet sniff from beside me, and not from the side Violet’s standing on. I turn just in time to see Mom blink away a faint sheen from her eyes.

She catches me looking and pulls her shoulders back. “I told Cole he should consider an indoor wedding. So much dust and pollen floating around outside.”

I can’t stifle the laugh that escapes me. “Mom, you know the old ‘must have gotten some dust in my eye’ excuse doesn’t fool anyone, right?”

Her lips purse, but a moment later, the tension seems to leave her. “Yes, well.” She looks back at where Cole is staringdown at his bride with so much adoration it’s almost painful, and her cool expression softens, just a fraction. “It’s a beautiful wedding. Much lovelier than mine.”

Next to me, Violet squeezes my hand. I know what she’s telling me. I could let this moment slide, make a smart-ass comment and walk away, or I could find some forgiveness for a woman who was the product of her upbringing and her marriage. A woman who I hope may be beginning to learn the value of love and family.

“You have plenty of time, Mom. Maybe one day you could have a wedding of your own like this.”

She shoots me a startled look, and I grin back. I’ve been shocking her my entire life, but this suggestion seems to have taken her by surprise more than most of the things I’ve said over the years.

When she turns back to where Cole is kissing Delilah, I think she’s going to ignore me. Then the corners of her mouth turn up just a bit. “If I do, I hope it will be with a man who makes me laugh.”

Then, with a tight, self-conscious smile at Violet and me, she glides off, her posture as stiff as always.

I watch my mother’s retreating back, then shoot Violet a bemused look.

Her gaze is warm. “I joined team ‘leopards can change their spots’ a while ago.”

I pull her to me and nuzzle my nose into her hair. “Would you like to dance, butterfly?”

“I’d love to.”

I lead her to the dance floor, then pull her against me.

“Your mom is right. It is a beautiful wedding,” she says.

“It is. They did a good job of pulling it together so quickly.”

She lifts her chin and assesses me, the love in her eyes making my chest squeeze tight. “Do you think we could do a good job of it too?”

I cradle her cheeks and search her face as my heart beats wildly in my chest. “Are you saying you’re ready to marry me, butterfly?”

She looks at me through her lashes. “Maybe?”

I lightly grip her hair and tug until her chin tips up a little higher. The way her eyes slip half-closed sends a rush of heat up my spine. I know how much she likes it when I do that, and when I pin her down and hold her with my hand around her slender throat. It makes my beautiful fiancée go wild. Her lips part, but I won’t kiss her until she gives me an answer. “Yes or no, butterfly?”

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