Page 23 of One Wild Wedding Weekend

Five

Daley unfastened the back of her sister’s wedding dress, helped her out of it and draped it over the bed. “How are you holding up?”

Tabby sighed, slipped her arms into one of the hotel robes and collapsed into a comfy armchair. “I’m great. But a little nervous, too.”

“About what?”

“All the people watching me when I walk down the aisle.”

“That’s why you and John kept the guest list small, right?”

“Yes. But I’m starting to realize whether it’s sixty or six hundred, I’m still going to be a wreck.”

“But only until John takes your hand.”

Tabby closed her eyes and smiled blissfully. “True.”

Daley kicked off her own shoes and wiggled her toes. “It’s going to be perfect.”

Her baby sister sat up and yawned. “I asked the photographer to show me the funny-slash-sweet picture we all did there at the end.”

Daley froze inwardly, struggling to keep her expression neutral. “Was it cute? Did you like it?”

Tabby curled her legs beneath her and rested her elbow on the arm of the chair, propping her head on her hand. Her gaze was oddly intent. “I love it. But it was surprising, too.”

“Oh?” Daley turned her back and pretended to search the minibar.

“Look at me, Daley.”

Daley turned around slowly. “What?” she asked, trying her best to look innocent.

“One of the kisses in that picture wasn’t fake at all. You and Tristan really did it.”

Daley swallowed, thankful her baby sister didn’t know how true that statement was. For the space of two panicked heartbeats, Daley thought about fibbing. But she sucked at lying, and in this case, it was probably better to own up and spin the facts.

“Oh, you mean the kiss. Well, yes. You know what a tease he can be. Tristan thought it was funny.”

Tabby glared. “Did you think it was funny?”

“It was fine. I knew he was clowning for the camera.”

Now Tabby’s gaze narrowed. “Didn’t he worry that you might punch him?”

“Apparently not,” Daley said dryly. Not for a million dollars would she explain her own eager participation in that kiss.

Tabby nodded slowly. “Okay, then. I just don’t want him disrespecting you.”

“Tristan and I have an understanding,” Daley said firmly. “It’s all good. Honest.” She would have to tell her sister the truth eventually. Or at least a sanitized version of the truth. But John was right. Today was not the moment for Tabby to find out that her big sister and John’s brother had done the nasty.

Tabby yawned. “I need to get my second wind.”

“You want a glass of champagne? I can go find one somewhere.”

“Nope. Just let me close my eyes a minute. Your job is to watch the clock and make sure I’m not late for my own wedding.”

At the appointed hour, Daley tucked her arm in Tristan’s and strolled along the satin runner. At the front, he squeezed her hand and took his place opposite her. The music changed, the crowd stood and Tabby came walking down the aisle.

Daley’s heart caught in her throat. She had known the impact this day would have from the very beginning, but the knot of emotion in her throat caught her by surprise.

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