Page 17 of No Vow Broken

“Of course it’s okay.” Slash, as gallant and socially capable as ever, lifted her hand to his lips. “It’s lovely to see you again. It’s been far too long. We’re glad you could make it.”

Bonnie began commenting to him on how pretty the decorations and the house were, so I took a moment to pull my brother aside.

Beau tossed a friendly arm around my shoulder as we walked toward the table. “Before you say anything, sis, don’t get mad. I texted Mom earlier, but from the expression on your face I can see she hadn’t had a chance to tell you. I hope you don’t mind. I know you and Bonnie were friends once.”

“We’restillfriends, I think,” I said. “When did you start dating her?”

“About a month ago. Bonnie and I met when you were in her school and all that crap with the terrorists went down. I happened to run into her several weeks ago, and we kind of hit it off. I asked her out, she accepted, and well, we’ve been having fun since. I wasn’t sure where it was going, so I didn’t say anything to you. I know she dated Elvis for a bit, so I wasn’t going to invite her to the dinner tonight, but when Rock’s date backed out, I figured I might as well save you the loss on the food and take the opportunity to introduce her to the family.”

I couldn’t remember Beau ever introducing a girl to the family, so that was kind of momentous.

He must have seen the startled expression on my face. “Okay, fine. I’m a total jerk for springing this on you. I owe you. I know it sounds crazy, especially coming from me, but this may go somewhere, Lexi. I’m more serious about Bonnie than I’ve been about anyone for the last five years.”

I blew out a breath. I could never get really mad at my brothers because they were so affable. It didn’t help that they always had my back no matter how much they annoyed me. Plus, I genuinely liked Bonnie.

“I’m not mad, Beau. I’m glad things are working out for you and Bonnie. She’s nice. It just took me by surprise when you strolled in with her. You know how I suck at surprises. And it’s my wedding week. I’ll be okay, but I’m worried about Elvis and Gwen and what they’ll think.”

“Come on, Lexi, we’re all adults here. Bonnie’s cool with it, and it’s a situation long over. We’ve talked a bit about how it was before, you know, when she dated Elvis. She really likes you and Slash. I hope this doesn’t change the way you feel about her.”

“Why would it?” I asked. “I’m going to be friendly with my brother’s girlfriend, even if she’s the ex of one of my best friends. Look, Beau, I’m glad you found someone you like, and I’m cool with the fact that it’s Bonnie.”

This time he gave me a full hug. “See, I told her you’d say that. I’m sorry for dropping this on you at the last minute.”

“While I’m happy for both of you, now youreallyowe me one. I will collect.”

“I have no doubt. Did you know you’re my very favorite sister in the whole world?”

“I’m youronlysister.”

He grinned and pointed a finger at me. “Yeah, there’s that.”

Laughing, he strolled off, sliding his arm through Bonnie’s and steering her over to where my older brother Rock sat chatting with Slash’s brother Gio.

I was going to ask Slash how to handle things, but his gaze was fastened on someone over my shoulder. Turning around, I saw Father Armando slip into the hallway.

“Would you mind if I step away for a moment? I need to speak with Emilio.”

“Of course not.”

“You’ll be okay, then? You’re sure?”

“I’m sure.” I glanced over my shoulder. “I’ll go over there and check to see how Basia is doing. She’s chatting with Elvis, so maybe I’ll be able to see how he feels about Bonnie being here. I’ll just kill the proverbial bird with two stones, although I don’t think killing anything is a good idea, especially not on my wedding rehearsal night. At least that’s what I told Gray.”

He had no idea what I was talking about, but he just kissed the top of my head. “Good plan. No killing. Have fun. I’ll be right back.”

Xavier walked past me on my way to Basia and Elvis, so I stopped him. “Hey, how’s Basia doing?” She looked okay, but I just wanted to make sure.

“She’s fine. Just a bit tired. It’s been a crazy week.”

“I feel bad for putting so much pressure on her.”

“Don’t.” Xavier patted my shoulder. “She loves doing this stuff, and she loves you. It’s a win-win for her. Sometimes, she just overdoes it, you know? She’s a perfectionist.”

“I know, and she’s done such an amazing job. Everything looks wonderful tonight.” I looked around the room, appreciating the candles and pretty flower arrangements. Every single decoration matched perfectly with the wooden walls and antique ambience of the structure. From the antique plates edged with gold to the gleaming silver and glittering crystal glasses, it all looked amazing. Even the white bows on the back of the chairs looked nice. I got it now. The devil really was in the details.

“Did you see Bonnie?” I asked.

“I did. She came in with your brother. What’s up with that?”

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