Page 41 of Fall for You
Ronnie took a gulp of her wine and nodded. “Yep, I think so.”
“Ugh.” Dallas groaned loudly. “I know the happy couples at this table justloveto talk weddings, but the rest of us just want to enjoy our meal without discussing napkins and centerpieces.”
Most of the table laughed. But Ronnie shot him a funny sidelong look, and Bailey rolled her eyes. “Don’t mind Dallas. He’s just turned into a bitter old man ever since”—she donned a fake whisper—“the breakup.”
“Bailey!” Willow’s tone was all exasperated amusement.
Brandon snickered.
Giselle’s eyes went wide, and Drew looked at Dallas in concern, which led Dallas to believe that while these two fit into the family like missing puzzle pieces, they still had a ways to go in learning just how King siblings functioned.
Ronnie… He couldn’t read her expression. He just knew she was watching him closely.
Dallas raised his hands in the air. “Guilty.”
Any tension eased, and Bailey shot him a little smirk that he returned. There was no actual bad blood there. At least, not on this topic.
Bailey had arrived on his doorstep the day after news broke of Loretta dumping him, a bottle of champagne in one hand and orange juice in the other.“I officially declare this Day-Drinking Day.”
He’d opened the door wider.“Is this a new holiday I’m unaware of?”
“It’s a new King family tradition that starts…” She’d consulted her watch. “Now.”
And he may not be proud of it, but he got himself royally drunk with his twin sister right there to look after him. She didn’t talk about Loretta once that day. She just kept topping up his glass and let him lead the conversation from football to ice hockey to Converse sneakers (he didn’t remember that part, but she’d taken great delight in reminding him), and apparently after his fifth glass of bubbly, he started crying over the fact that his favorite pizza place had closed down.
Bailey was merciful enough not to call him out and moved to sit beside him, resting her hand on his shoulder and agreeing that deep crust pizza from Amigo’s had always been the best, until he’d fallen asleep on his couch.
She was even there the next morning with a researched hangover cure, and that was that.
Did they have a friendly, sweet relationship?
No.
Were deep, heartfelt conversations their thing?
Definitely not.
But what they had was theirs, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ronnie was still watching him, her expression still unreadable. “Well,” she said slowly, “if wedding talk is off the table, can we at least talk about the bachelorette party?”
Dallas gave an over-the-top wave of his hand like he was a king granting permission.
Ronnie’s lips twitched in response.
“Ooh, bachelorette party?” Bailey said. “Where? When? Who?”
Ronnie laughed and filled them in on the details. “I was actually hoping you ladies would come.” She gave a pleading smile. “Pretty please?”
“I’m in!” Bailey said.
“Me too,” Willow added.
They all looked at Giselle. “I…” She cast a nervous glance toward Brandon. “I don’t even know Margot.”
“I haven’t seen her in years.” Bailey shrugged. “But if Ronnie wants me there, I’m there.”
“Same.” Willow beamed. “The other women will all be there for the bride. We’ll be there to support the maid of honor.”
