Page 1 of Playing By His Rules

Chapter 1

Today, Rick Dunne’s stepbrother was marrying the woman of his dreams. While he was genuinely happy for Declan and Summer and knew they were meant to be a couple, there was small part of him that felt a pang of envy at what the two of them had found together, despite all the adversities they’d endured to get to their happily ever after. Theirs was a love that would undoubtedly stand the test of time.

Wearing a dark blue suit, Rick approached his soon to be sister-in-law where she stood by herself on the terrace—keeping out of sight of the wedding guests until the ceremony began. He gave the beautiful bride a reassuring smile, not that she needed any kind of encouragement from him. Summer Hughes’ love for Rick’s stepbrother shone in her eyes and painted a soft glow of happiness on her pretty face.

She held a bouquet of pale pink roses that matched the blush on her cheeks, and she’d secured her long blonde hair into a loose, upswept style that was adorned with flowers. Absently, she smoothed a hand down the front of the simple, but fitted, white wedding gown she’d worn for the small, intimate affair that included only close friends and family.

“Do you think he’ll like the dress?” She bit her bottom lip, more nervous about her choice of wedding attire than her impending nuptials.

Rick chuckled. “Sweetheart, you could wear a burlap sack and Declan would still think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world. For the record, you look absolutely stunning.”

“Thank you.” She beamed at him. “And you’re as charming as ever.”

“At least I still have one thing left going for me,” he replied jokingly. Taking his place beside Summer, he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm while they waited for the sound of the ceremony’s music to begin.

She rolled her eyes at him. “You haveso muchto offer a woman. Someone special is out there waiting for you. I just know it.”

She sounded so confident, but Rick wasn’t so sure anymore. He’d never been the lucky in love sort, despite having given his heart to a few women in his lifetime—all of whom ended up choosing someone else. He didn’t begrudge Summer for falling in love with Declan over him because they were a perfect match, but he couldn’t help but wonder if at thirty-three if he was destined to be a bachelor for the rest of his years.

“Are you ready?” he asked Summer to distract himself from his thoughts.

Her smile was filled with absolute certainty. “I’vebeenready.”

To prove her point, she fidgeted impatiently beside him, anxious to be with the man she was about to marry.

“Are you sure?” he teased affectionately. “Because it’s not too late to change your mind and run off and marry me instead.”

Used to his playful flirtations, she laughed lightly. “I love you both, but Declan has my heart. He always has.”

“I know,” he said, then cleared the melancholy from his voice. “He’s a very lucky man.”

“And I’m an incredibly lucky woman.”

Rick nodded in agreement. At one time, the three of them had a relationship of sorts, but it hadn’t taken Declan long to claim Summer for himself. Everything had been complicated for a while, but despite Rick’s feelings for Summer, he always knew she was Declan’s other half and belonged to him. She was the woman Declan needed in his life to calm and complete him.

“Thank you for walking me down the aisle,” she said softly, appreciatively.

Summer had no family, or a father to escort her to the groom, and she’d asked Rick if he’d give her away to his stepbrother, which was fitting considering everything that had happened between the three of them. “I’m honored to do so.” He lifted the back of her fingers to his lips, pressing a soft, chaste kiss there before tucking her hand back into his arm.

The light melodic music finally started to play, indicating Declan was in place, so they started down the steps that led to the backyard of the new home the couple had recently purchased, which now left Rick all alone again in his own big house. When Summer came into view, everyone stood and watched them walk down the rose strewn path to the floral archway where Declan stood with the minister, looking very dapper in his tailored black suit.

Declan’s gaze was riveted to Summer, as if she was the only thing that existed for him in that moment. Rick couldn’t ever remember seeing his stepbrother so smitten, or so in love. His expression was etched with adoration as he took in every inch of Summer from head to toe, then he swallowed hard right before Rick delivered Summer to Declan.

Declan shook Rick’s hand in brotherly respect before the groom turned his undivided attention to his soon-to-be bride. Taking a seat in the front row, Rick watched as the two of them exchanged vows, then their wedding rings. Once the minister pronounced them husband and wife, Declan didn’t hesitate to sweep Summer into his arms and plant a passionate, possessive kiss on her lips while their friends cheered, clapped, and whistled. A few of the women even dabbed at happy tears.

When Declan finally let her up for air, Summer looked up at him, appearing a bit nervous as she said something that Rick couldn’t hear with everyone else whooping and hollering in celebration. There was momentary confusion on Declan’s face, then a huge, elated grin broke out as his stepbrother grabbed Summer’s hand, then fist punched the air with his other while letting out an enthusiastic shout that had everyone’s attention turning toward them again.

“My wife is pregnant!” he yelled with unmistakable male pride, and up went another round of hoots, hollers, and cheers.

Everyone gathered around the newly married couple to hug and congratulate them on their nuptials and impending parenthood, including Rick, who was genuinely happy for them both. Soon, everyone dispersed so that the photographer could take pictures of the bride and groom, while the guests headed over to a covered area of the backyard where the reception was being held. The entire area was decorated with floral arrangements and twinkling lights as the sun began setting for the evening, while a DJ started playing classic rock tunes in the background.

Summer’s close girlfriends gathered as they always did in party settings, and Rick followed their husbands—and the men he worked with at Noble and Associates—to the bar to order drinks. Rick opted for Macallan neat, as did most of the other guys.

As they stood around and ate appetizers and enjoyed their drinks, Logan glanced over to where the bride and groom were still taking intimate, lovey-dovey wedding photos beneath the arbor, then shook his head.

“Damn, Declan sure didn’t waste any time knocking Summer up,” he said jokingly.

“Agreed,” Rick said, and though the announcement took him off guard, he wasn’t completely surprised. “Then again, it would be just like Declan to claim and impregnate. He’s such a fucking caveman sometimes.”

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