Page 1 of Then There Was You

PROLOGUE

Seb

Ihang back as my family crowd around Cade and Sophie. They’ve just exchanged their wedding vows, and everyone wants to offer their congratulations. I do too, but I need a minute. I knew this moment was coming, but even so, it hurts more than I’d like to admit.

Wyatt catches my eye and walks over. “You okay? You’re quiet,” he says, bumping my shoulder.

I take a deep breath before looking across at him. I’ve managed to keep my feelings for Sophie under wraps these past few months. No one suspects anything, and I want to keep it that way. Wyatt’s my twin brother, though, and the one person who knows me better than I know myself. Playing for the Arizona Cardinals, he’s not in Hope Creek all that much. I have no doubt if he had been around, he’d have called me out by now.

“I’m good,” I lie, hoping he can’t see straight through me.

“It’s been a long time coming, right?” He flicks his head to where Sophie and Cade are still surrounded by everyone. “They deserve this.”

I give him a small smile. “Yeah, they really do.”

He frowns. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re being weird.”

“I’m not being weird,” I tell him, brushing off his comment. “I’m just tired. The bar is full on.”

“You work too hard. Let’s grab a beer.”

I breathe a sigh of relief that he isn’t pushing the conversation. I hate lying to him, but he can’t know the truth. No one can.

“Aren’t we going for dinner?”

He shakes his head. “Not yet. Cade and Sophie are having some photos taken first. We’ve got time for a drink.”

“Okay. I should speak to them first, though.”

I force my feet to take me to Cade and Sophie. I smile as Paisley steps out of Sophie’s embrace. They’re both crying, but they are undoubtedly happy tears.

“Seb!” Sophie exclaims as she dabs her tears away, careful not to ruin her eye makeup. My breath catches in my throat when she smiles at me. She looks so beautiful, and I can’t take my eyes off her.

“Congratulations,” I whisper as she throws her arms around my neck. I hesitate for a second before circling my arms around her waist and tugging her gently against me. I shouldn’t be holding her, especially not today, but I can’tnot.It’ll be the last time. It’s what I always tell myself, but this time, it has to be. It’s too hard otherwise.

“Thank you for coming.”

I reluctantly step out of her embrace. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, Sophie.” I drag my eyes off her and turn to Cade. “Congratulations, man.” I pull him into a hug and hold him tightly. I might be jealous as fuck, but I love my brother and I know how much he loves Sophie.

“Thanks, Seb.” The photographer calls Cade’s name and he reaches for Sophie’s hand. “I think we’re wanted. We’ll see you in the restaurant?”

“Sure. Go. We’ll see you later.”

I plaster a smile on my face and watch as he leads Sophie to the balcony with the Bellagio fountains in the background. When the photographer begins to shoot some photos, Wyatt places his hand on my shoulder.

“We should get that drink.”

I sigh and follow him off the terrace. My mind is full of Sophie, and we’re both silent as we ride the elevator to the lobby.

“Grab a table. I’ll get the drinks,” Wyatt says as we walk into the bar.

I nod absentmindedly and opt for a high table in the middle of the room. When Wyatt’s been served, he comes over and slides a bottle of Bud across the table before sitting down.

“So, how long have you had feelings for Sophie?” he asks, taking a pull of his beer.

My eyes widen and I freeze, the bottle inches from my lips. I should have known I couldn’t hide anything from him. I take a mouthful of beer, giving me a few extra seconds to think about what I’m going to say. It’s clear I can’t bullshit him.

I place my bottle on the table and drag my hand through my hair. “How did you know?”

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