Page 85 of Restrained

I turn to look at Penelope and Hayden as she straightens his black bow tie and he gives her a hug. She is absolutely stunning. Her long brown hair is also curled and hanging down to the middle of her back. Her gown is a beautiful white with lacey sleeves as well. She looks like an angel and is beaming with a bright smile.

I didn’t ask Hayden what they were talking about last night at the party. It wasn’t any of my business. All I asked him was if she was okay.

And he told me she was.

He’s the model big brother after less than six months, and I'm convinced there’s nothing this man can’t do.

She turns to me, her lips painted a dark red, matching my dress. “Where is he?”

Dread sits low in my stomach. Asher. She’s talking about Asher. We all flew in this morning. Asher was supposed to meet us here after driving in from Kansas City, but he hasn’t been here all day.

The sun is starting to set, and the wedding is supposed to start, but he hasn’t shown yet.

I walk over to her, fluffing her hair out, making it picture perfect. “He’ll be here.”

She doesn’t believe me. I don’t even believe myself. I know he could very well not show up.

But then, like clockwork, we all turn when we hear the front door open and then close. Asher trudges in, wiping the snow from his suit jacket. “Did I miss it?”

Great. I can smell the whiskey from here.

I walk over him, pissed but trying to keep my cool. “Did you drive here like this?” The smell of alcohol is strong, and his eyes are red-rimmed. I grab his arm, but he jerks it away from me.

“Of course not. Uber. Heard of it?”

“From Kansas City?” That’s like a four-hour drive.

He shrugs. “He didn’t have a lot going on today and was happy to make five hundred bucks.”

“Five hundred? Are you insane? Why didn’t you just call me?”

He scoffs, rolling his eyes that then drift over to Penelope and down her gown. “Princess P. I’m here.”

She’s pissed too. I can see it, and Hayden wraps a protective arm around her as her lips purse. Hayden’s voice is deep and controlled. “Why don’t you go splash some water on your face?”

Asher, of course, waves him off as he straightens his bow tie with shaky hands. “I’m good. Let’s do this thing.”

I pull him into a hug and lean into his ear so he’s the only one to hear me. “If you ruin their wedding day, so help me God...”

He squeezes my shoulders as he hugs me, his mouth moving to my ear, his voice cold and void of emotion. “I’m not going to fuck anything up. Relax.”

We release each other and start toward the door where Penelope hands me my bouquet of dark red roses with small white orchids. It’s as stunning as the dresses. I hug her to me, tears filling my eyes. Happy ones. My hands are still on her shoulders as I look at her. “You’ve been my sister since you were eight, but I am so happy it’s about to be government official.”

She smiles, fighting her own tears. “Thank you. For everything.”

I give her another squeeze and then take Asher’s arm as he holds it out to escort me down the aisle. I open the door and we’re greeted by Baz in his little black tuxedo, his hair in an adorable little combover. “About time!”

I laugh. “Sorry, buddy. You could have hung out with us inside.”

He shakes his head and points at Viv, who’s sitting with my mom and Tony in the few chairs in the backyard. He wanted to hang out with her until the wedding started despite being in the wedding party. This wedding is anything but traditional. It’s perfect for them.

“Go ahead, little guy. Your time to shine.” I smile down at my nephew as he carries the ring to Lincoln, who’s standing with the minister.

Lincoln smiles down at him, gives him a hug, and takes the rings from him before Baz joins Viv in the small audience.

“You ready?” I ask Ash.

“Yup. Let’s get this over with.”

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