Page 47 of Mic Drop

Bennett

“Thanks, guys, for coming out to Aroostook.” I raise my Manhattan to the ceiling, and we all drink. “I really appreciate it.”

“Hell, it’s not every day one of the members of Untamed Coaster gets hitched,” Luke says, sipping his drink.

“Damn straight,” Río joins in. “Let Bennett do that shit for all of us. We’ll be free agents ‘til the end!” He raises his glass. Coop and 007 join him. Tris stays in the background.

I leave the bar area and wander over to our new keyboardist, unsure of what to say or how to say it. So I go for a softball. “Hey. Thanks for coming out here.”

He glances around the basement of my new home—I signed the papers for it last week. “This place is amazing. It has a name, right?”

“Secluded Rest.”

“I get it.”

His gaze travels to the arcade games, where the rest of the band is cheering on Coop. My eyelids lower. The guitarist better not be playing Asteroids Deluxe. Eh, no matter. He’ll never beat my score.

Returning my attention to Tris, I rub two fingers over my nose. “If I didn’t say this before—or ever—thanks for taking care of Jenna in Memphis. It means a lot to me that you helped her.”Just don’t do it again. After today, her happiness will be my singular responsibility.

“I didn’t do anything except offer her my shirt as a tissue.” He pats his torso. “I’m happy things worked out between you two.” He pauses, and I let him collect his thoughts, a bit surprised at where he goes. “Of course, I never knew Darren personally. From all accounts he was a great guy. A real joker.”

A small smile graces my lips. “Can’t argue with you there.”

“I understand he was in love with Jenna, and she with him. But I’ve seen you two together and can’t imagine whatever they had would’ve come close to what you and she share. You’re my relationship goal.”

Thud. My heart skips five beats at Tris’s confession. While I wanted to kill the guy for my ill-perceived thought that he and Jenna were hooking up, this is what he was thinking? How do I respond? I choose my truth.

“You’ll find your path, Tris. Hell, you found your way to UC. How much harder could it be to find the one woman on earth who understands you? Who encourages you. Who supports you.”

He snaps his fingers. “Yeah. Piece of cake.” The corners of his eyes crinkle. “Don’t think I’m stepping onto your crazy train anytime soon.”

“Never say never, my man.”

The doorbell rings and Luke’s discombobulated voice comes over the intercom demanding I get up to the foyer stat. “Better go see what’s up. All good?”

“Definitely.”

Surprising myself, I give the guy a hug, then climb the stairs. Luke’s in the front hall, surrounded by people bringing in flowers. Having a florist on speed dial to send Jenna flowers every day sure did come in handy today. I direct them to place the arrangements on the tables outside and the boutonnieres on the coffee table in the family room. Thank God for King and Angie, who got us neededrentals of tables and chairs from their staging stash. While not matching, everything looks great. At least in my humble opinion. Guess since I’m the groom, only my opinion counts today. Well, and Jenna’s.

Now in the family room, I take in my surroundings. Organized chaos is the best way to describe it, as workers prepare items for our few dozen guests who’ll be arriving in about one hour. Luke strides over to me. “Better go make yourself look pretty or your bride will turn around and run down the aisle.” His hand clamps on my back.

Ever since my conversation with Curtiss, I’ve been feeling all sorts of things. With Luke’s good-natured comment, another chink inside me cracks. He’s always had my back. UC is lucky he’s our manager, and I’m grateful to have him in my corner. “You don’t think my workout gear will do it?”

“Probably not a good idea. I’ve already sent the rest of the band upstairs to their rooms. It’s your turn.”

He leads me toward the stairs. I haven’t taken the elevator in ages, and don’t plan on starting on the day of my wedding. My groin pull still complains sometimes, but it’s less frequent and quieter. Better stay that way throughout the day and night. Especially the night.

With each step, my conviction over this final decision grows. Jenna asked me about it last night, and I know if I don’t do it, she won’t care. Or will pretend it doesn’t bother her. Hell, for the first time in as long as I can remember, I actuallywantto do this.

About halfway up the staircase, I grab the handrail and Luke turns. “Everything all right? Does your muscle pull hurt?”

I shake my head. “No. I feel great. I’d like to ask you a question.”

He smirks. “Seems like you asked Jenna the right question already.”

“That I did. But I don’t want to ask you to marry me, thank you very much. I wanted to ask if you’d be willing—I mean you don’t have to—no pressure at all.” I rub sweaty palms together. In my ear, I can hear Jenna encouraging me. Here goes nothing. “Would you mind standing up next to me during the ceremony?” I suck in my breath.

Luke’s face nearly splits in two, his grin is so wide. His coffee-colored gaze stares right into me. “I’d be honored, B.”

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