Page 27 of Roses in Summer

“Five minutes, Rafe. It’s only five minutes.”

Ignoring me, he walks into my apartment and greets Ava and Bianca with hugs before shaking Greyson’s hand and giving him that weird backslap hug combination all men seem to love.

“Ava, the fuck are you wearing?” Rafe asks, confusion lacing his voice.

“Clothes.”

“And a scarf and gloves, and why are your sunglasses still on?”

Rafe’s words are met with silence, causing me to look at my sister and her boyfriend critically. My eyes survey her form, taking in the beautiful but overly dressy outfit and the shit-eating grin on her face. It’s the grin that tells me something more is happening.

Like a beacon, my eyes zero in on the driving gloves, the most bizarre part of the outfit since Ava would never drive if given the option. Looking at her left hand, I search for an impression on her ring finger. Sure enough, there’s one there.

My eyes widen, and I bring my hand to my mouth. “Aves, are you…? Oh my god.”

Her watery smile is the only confirmation I need before crossing my living room and throwing my arms around my big sister.

“When? Where? Do Mom and Dad know?”

“A week ago, in our apartment after dinner, and obviously. Do you really think Mom and Dad would let this happen without knowing first?”

I’m about to answer when Bianca’s voice cuts in. “Anyone care to explain what is happening here, or are we expected to beBlue’s Cluesand figure this out with Mrs. Pepper and baby Cinnamon?”

“You really are obtuse,” I tease, grabbing Ava’s gloved hand.

“Well, vixen, I told you they’d know as soon as they saw you.”

“In my defense, Bianca and Rafe still don’t know.”

My brother clears his throat. “I figured it out a few seconds after Sera. Congratulations, guys.”

“Okay, what the fuck is going on?”

Rolling my eyes, I cast a glance at Bianca. “They’re engaged, B.”

“Oh! Oh my god, do you know what that means? We’re going to Vegas for the bachelorette party!”

My eyes widen in horror while Ava yells, “Absolutely not.”

Bianca’s pout is dramatic but expected. She’s about to open her mouth again when Greyson holds up a hand, silencing all conversation. “We’re getting married at my dad’s friend’s winery in Italy. This wedding is about what Ava wants, not what Bianca wants.”

“Don’t you mean about whatwewant?” Ava asks, a smile on her lips.

“Vixen, I want you. I could give two shits about the actual wedding, so long as you love it.”

If my sister could melt on the spot, I’m pretty sure she would.

“Alright, let us see the ring,” Bianca yells, interrupting the moment between Ava and Greyson.

Rolling her eyes, Ava slowly removes the glove from her left hand, folding it down over her fingers. My eyes widen the moment the ring comes into view.

“Holy shit,” I mutter, my eyes snagging on the solitaire round diamond that looks like it adds significant weight to Ava’s hand.

Next to Ava, Bianca clears her throat, not taking her eyes off Ava’s hand as she asks, “Greyson, are you sure you don’t have any brothers?”

—

We spent two hours discussing Ava’s wedding plans, their bridal party, and how quickly they plan to get married. I nearly choke on the bite of pizza in my mouth when she tells us they’re planning for an early winter wedding.

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