Page 18 of One Wild Wedding Weekend

“You doing okay with that five-thousand-mile thing?” Tabby had never even traveled outside the US. Now she was flying halfway around the world to Tahiti.

Tabby scrunched her nose. “I’m not thrilled about it, but I’ll have John. He won’t let me get all panicky. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay. Love you, sis.” Daley grabbed one quick hug and watched ruefully as her sister was spirited away by two of her college friends.

Daley sighed. She might as well head back to her room and sleep.

Before she could make a move in that direction, someone appeared at her elbow. She didn’t have to glance sideways to know it was Tristan.

He folded his arms across his chest, not looking at her. “Did you get a lecture from John?”

“Yep.”

“I’m only cutting him slack because it’s his wedding day.”

“I know!” Daley exclaimed, indignant. “I like to think he’ll be embarrassed later that he came down so hard on us.”

“You want to go for a walk?”

She opened her mouth and closed it. “I thought we couldn’t be seen together.”

“I don’t really care, do you? Besides, I could use the fresh air. My brother can’t legislate the great outdoors.”

Daley chuckled. “You have a point. Sure. Let’s walk. At least I wore flat shoes.”

They strolled outside into the sunshine. Tristan pointed out the path that wound through a double row of Bradford pear trees. “They may be a stinky invasive species, but you have to admit they look bridal.”

“Very true.”

After twenty minutes, they found a teak bench in the shade and sat down. It was a long way back to the house. Surely no one would bother them here.

When Tristan spread his arms along the back of the seat, his fingers brushed her bare shoulder. Accidentally?

He sighed. “I watched your face when Tabby was talking to the group. It looked like you had tears in your eyes.”

Daley bristled. “What are you? The emotion police?”

“Daley...”

“Okay, fine. This is a hard weekend for me. I’m losing my best friend. I’m thrilled for her, and I adore John. But it’s painful being the one left behind.”

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’ll still be her sister. That won’t change. I’ve been told that love grows and widens.”

Daley snorted. “Did you get that from a fortune cookie?”

“I’m serious. He’s not replacing you. Tabby will always have room for you and John in her life.”

“Maybe. Don’t pay any attention to me. I’m just feeling maudlin. It’s probably the lack of sleep.”

“Should I apologize?”

She heard the smile in his voice, even though she was staring straight ahead, taking in the lush green pasture. “Not at all. It was an enjoyable night.”

Tristan put his hands on her bare shoulders and turned her sideways to face him. “Enjoyable? That’s a sad-ass adjective.” His blue eyes sparkled.

She smoothed her thumb over his bottom lip. “Sorry. Did I insult your prowess?”

Tristan ignored her teasing. “I promised John I would stay away from you this weekend.” His expression was wry. His hands continued to glide from her shoulders to her wrists and back again.

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