Page 24 of Unexpected Kisses

CHAPTER11

–sarah–

I don’t thinkI’ve ever seen my brother so happy. In fact, IknowI’ve never seen him this happy. Molly has been the best thing to ever happen to him, and I’m thrilled they found each other. It’s been so much fun helping Max and Molly prepare for today; everything looks simply stunning with the late afternoon sun shimmering on the ocean as a backdrop. I can’t wait to see my brother’s face when he lays eyes on his almost-wife in her wedding gown. Em and I were with her when she chose it and she looked spectacular. I can’t imagine how gorgeous she looks with her hair and makeup done as well.

Cristo sits beside me, kissing each of my cheeks. “Geia sas ómorfi kopéla.”

“Hi, Cristo.” I chuckle. “I have no idea what you just said.”

He gives me his cheeky smile. “Hello, beautiful lady.”

Heat rises to my cheeks. “Thank you. You’re looking handsome today.”

He pretends to dust lint from his dark pants, a proud smirk on his face, so much like Theo’s. “Why thank you.” He tips his head.

“I bet Kenny was excited today.”

“Oh”—he raises his thick brows—“she was. She’ll be the prettiest flower girl.”

“Yes, she will.”

“Can I please sit next to you, Aunty Sarah?” Austin asks sweetly.

I pat the empty seat next to mine. “Of course. I was hoping you’d keep me company.”

He makes himself comfortable and then takes my hand. “Thank you. I wanted to say hello to Uncle Max, but Mommy said he was busy right now.”

I chuckle as the music changes and Max’s head snaps toward the sand dune. Kenny and Holly are the first to crest the top, looking as pretty as ever in matching blush pink dresses. As the girls reach the chairs, Kenny breaks away and leaps for Max. He catches her easily, his smile as bright as I’ve ever seen. The muscle behind my ribs tightens with a sense of longing so strong, that it’s almost crippling. I suck in a breath to gain control and look back toward the dune waiting for Molly. My breath freezes as she crests the dune. She’s beyond stunning on an ordinary day, but she looks like a goddess today. I glance back at my brother and I’m surprised his tongue isn’t dragging in the sand at his feet. His eyes are locked on her in a way I could only dream of having a man look at me.

“Wow,” I whisper, and Cristo nods.

“Panemorfi,” he whispers on a soft breath. “Gorgeous.”

I can’t peel my eyes away as Max leaves his spot to meet Molly. As I would expect, he kisses her, and with matching smiles, they walk toward the celebrant together. As they exchange their promises, I wipe away my tears. First Emma and Theo blew me away with their beautiful love and now my brother has found his. I’m happy for both of my siblings but I can’t help the thoughts that whisper to me that I may never have what they have. I need to make peace with it and stop hoping for something that’s unlikely to happen. I had my chance, but I chose my family, friends, and job over it. I guess that says it all.

If I wasn’t prepared to walk away from everything for Michael, then maybe the relationship wasn’t the right one. Surely if I felt more for him—that deep, deep connection—I would have moved to Australia with him.

Cheers erupt and I’m startled from my thoughts. Molly and Max are kissing, and I’m pretty sure if there weren’t an audience my brother would be doing a lot more than that. I rise from my seat, lifting Austin with me so we can cheer along with everyone else.

“Ewwww, why does everyone have to kiss all the time?” Austin scrunches up his face.

I chuckle and tap his nose. “Because they love each other so much.”

“I love you and Mommy and Theo and Kenny and Lachlan and everyone else, but you don’t see me kissing everyone like that. It’s gross.” He’s quite appalled and I can’t stop my laughter.

“One day, Austin, when you’re big, you’ll meet someone and you’ll want to kiss them all the time.”

He crosses his arms. “No I won’t,” he says.

“We’ll see.” I wink at him and place him on his feet. “Come on.” I hope he does. I hope he finds a love as true as his mom has with Theo and Max has with Molly. Holding his hand I lead him forward so I can congratulate my brother and new sister.New sister!I’m ecstatic that we get to keep Molly in our family.

Austin and I join the line to congratulate the newly married couple. Max has Molly’s hand in his, and I notice he’s not letting go as each guest congratulates them. I chuckle as I reach my brother. “Are you going to let her go?”

He looks at me as if I’ve grown two heads. “Nope. Never.”

“Okay.” I wrap my arms around him, pulling him in as close as possible. “I’m so happy for you, Max. So happy you found your forever love.” I lay a kiss on his cheek and pull back, wiping a stray tear—damn emotions.

“You know it’ll happen for you, Sare.” I nod, ensuring he sees my smile because I don’t want to put a downer on his mood. I squeeze his arm and move across to Molly.

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