Page 14 of Sweet Twins For My Brother's Best Friend

Eventually, someone went up to him and whispered something in his ear, and he walked out tearfully.

His dad told us all that he’d refund the people from out of town and that he was sorry, but there wasn’t going to be a wedding.

He’d said it was open bar and we should all drink and party, that we should not waste the day, but continue to spend time with friends and family, anyway.

At that point, both the bride’s and groom’s families left.

After an awkward few moments, one brave soul stood up, gathered her purse and cardigan, and walked to the bar. Others then followed.

I had only been 20 back then, so I opted to leave at that point, calling an Uber and high tailing it out of there, leaving Tyler to catch up with old college friends of his and Chris’.

I know it was hard on him; I can’t imagine going through something so publicly humiliating.

He laughs bitterly. “No, I never saw Julie again.”

“Ever?!” I shriek accidentally without thinking. “Sorry, oh, my God.” I clamp my hands over my mouth in embarrassment.

“Nope.” He flips his lower lip out of his mouth casually and shrugs. “I went to Cancun by myself.” He grins at me.

“And I got laid like every day of my honeymoon.”

My hands slither down from my mouth into my lap. “Chris, that’s bat shit crazy.”

“I know.”

Silence fills the space between us, and I go back to answering emails, giving Chris a moment with Lucy. I know personally how healing she can be. I swivel back around in my chair. “Your dog’s name was Noodle?”

He’s winding Lucy’s ears around his finger, and she seems to be falling asleep in his lap as she lets him do it.

His grin is infectious, his dimple deep and his teeth strong and white. He has one small freckle on one of his lips that I find myself drawn to.

“Yeah.”

“That’s adorable.”

“It is, isn’t it?” He looks down at the sleeping Lucy. “Uh oh, I think I put her to sleep. Now how am I going to leave?”

I shrug. “Don’t. Just stay here and keep me company.”

The words slipped out of my mouth so easily, and I’m a little surprised at myself.

I’ve never invited a man to keep me company before, let alone a man about whom I fantasized about just the night before.

I pat my cheeks to discourage the blush I feel rising in them.

“I mean, if you don’t have anything else to do. You’re probably busy.”

“No, no, I’m not busy. I can stay and…keep you company.” His voice is soft, guarding Lucy’s sleep. His smile is just as soft.

Chapter Six

Christopher

The warmth of Hannah's office envelops me like a comforting embrace, contrasting with the chilly reception I received moments ago.

I can't shake off the awkwardness of our interaction, my mind replaying the exchange with Hannah over and over again. Her firm words cut through my attempt at casual banter, reminding me that, to her, I’m just another client.

As I feel Lucy’s warm breath on my thigh as she snoozes peacefully in my lap, I can't help but feel a sense of envy for the connection they share. The ease with which Hannah interacts with her furry companion highlights the stark contrast to my own failed relationships.

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