Page 50 of Lush

I laughed. “I think we’re good.”

“Nah, if we gon’ be brothers-in-law, he needs to know the rules.” Erik let go of Reese, giving him one last intense look. “So, let’s keep things smooth, alright? Govern yourself accordingly.”

Though less brash, Reese didn’t look away.

“Holler if you need anything.” Erik glared at Reese.

He left, and when Reese looked my way, his scowl was even deeper.

I quickly turned toward the resort. Staff stood ready, offering crystal glasses of water, their trays gleaming with lemon slices. Above us hung a huge glass-and-gold chandelier.

“Laurene!” Jennie appeared.

Conrad was the eldest Ashbourne; Jennie was a year younger. Like Gigi, Reese’s older siblings were five or six years older.

With a big smile, she rushed over for a hug. We chatted at the party, and she was always sweet.

“I told Reese to swing by my mom’s with you so we could catch up faster.” Jennie shot Reese a dirty look.

She was Conrad’s double. Those piercing blue eyes held an intensity that made me momentarily uncomfortable. While hers were warm, Conrad’s had been colder. He never looked at me with any real feeling. Jennie inherited her mother’s tawny-gold hair; Conrad’s was black.

I used to joke that Conrad was an ice-cold Clark Kent.

He had the looks, the charm, the easy way of making people want to believe in him. But where Superman was all heart, Conrad was… There was nothing. No heart, no soul, no real care. Just a guy who knew how to play the part and make everyone believe it.

I saw it at the gala that night. We’d just taken a photo; his arm was around me, and he had this easy, charming smile. He seemed delightful, gracious, and perfect. But the second the camera flashed and the photographer turned away, his expression dropped like a mask slipping off.

The warmth drained from his face, and all that was left was…nothing. I knew it then. Conrad didn’t feel—he performed.

Reese remained silent as Jennie chattered. “Let’s not keep the wedding planner waiting. Yvonne wants you to do a walk-through of the venue. Just one last glance to make sure nothing’s missing.”

I walked with Jennie, dreading another wedding. Would I make it to three, four weddings in this life?

“How’s running the place, especially now?” I gestured to her stomach.

“It’s a whirlwind, honestly. But seeing everything come together, especially with this little one on the way, it’s like everything makes sense now.” Jennie’s face brightened.

“What are you having?”

“It’s a surprise,” she said. “Everyone hates not knowing. But David and I like it this way.”

“Just like you. Always keeping everyone guessing,” Reese chimed in.

“You’re invited to the baby shower, Laurene!” Jennie told me. “Hopefully baby won’t be at the party with us yet, though.”

We stepped through the grand door of the terrace, and it unveiled a breathtaking ocean view, and a stone pathway lined with seashells and lanterns led to an enchanting gazebo. It was draped in flowing white chiffon, adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, filling the air with the sweet scent of jasmine.

“You like it?” Jennie asked, breaking the spell.

I was speechless.

Rows of elegant white chairs and delicate white silk bows fluttered gently in the breeze. It was far beyond my expectations. Memories of my previous wedding planning flashed through my mind, just stifled conversations and hurried directions.

“Here’s your guide for the tour. I need to catch up on some business,” Jennie said as a staff member approached.

Jennie squeezed Reese’s shoulder as she passed him. “Are you coming to the mansion party next week?”

My brow furrowed in surprise. “Mansion party?”

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