Page 24 of One Wild Wedding Weekend

Her sister didn’t need her anymore. Not only that, but Daley would no longer be responsible for making sure Tabby was happy. That was John’s task now.

Tabby was as radiant a bride as Daley had ever seen. Despite her professed nerves, she walked at exactly the right pace—chin up, big smile and a clear-eyed gaze fixed on her beloved.

After that, the ceremony was a blur for Daley. She took Tabby’s bridal bouquet at the appropriate moment—and later handed it back—but the words the minister uttered were little more than white noise.

She was very conscious that Tristan spent more time looking her way than at the bride and groom. At one point, his gaze showed definite concern. She gave him a smile and hoped it was convincing.

Why had she opened up to him about her feelings? Despite their recent physical intimacy, Tristan was little more than an acquaintance. She was embarrassed that she had been so vulnerable.

Suddenly, Tabby and John were kissing, the crowd was cheering, and the bride and groom were headed down the aisle.

Tristan met Daley in the middle and tucked her arm in his. “You okay?” he asked under his breath.

She nodded, smiling for their audience. “Yes.”

In the chaos at the back, it was easy to elude Tristan. Daley hugged John and gave Tabby a hug and a kiss. “Congrats, you two.” She barely had a moment with them before the other bridesmaids and groomsmen crowded around, extending their best wishes, too.

Soon, the wedding guests were on their feet, and everyone moved en masse to the reception tent. Daley worked the room, greeting friends and family, and directing traffic to the sumptuous buffet.

Tonight, Tabby and John did have a head table. Tristan was seated at his brother’s elbow with Daley beside her sister. The two sets of parents were on either end.

Daley was in no rush to be seated. She much preferred to mingle. But when the bride and groom finally sat down, she had no choice.

The caterer had prepared plates for the bride and groom. Daley served herself and joined them. She had managed to elude Tristan every time he headed in her direction. Now he sat mere feet away.

Once most people had finished eating, the wedding director gave Daley a nod. “Time for your toast,” she said, handing over a microphone.

Daley stood with only a few butterflies in her stomach. She didn’t mind speaking in public, but she wanted to say what was in her heart.

“Tabby and John,” she said. When she paused to clear her throat, Tabby got tears in her eyes. Daley smiled. “I have watched the two of you fall in love, and it has been such a joy. You each make the other better, stronger. If I had picked the perfect mate for my little sister, it couldn’t have been a more excellent match.” She lifted her glass. “To Tabby and John...”

Glasses went up all over the tent. “To Tabby and John.”

Tabby was pink-cheeked and clearly delighted.

Then it was Tristan’s turn. When he stood, Daley felt a funny twist in her stomach. He was relaxed, handsome, charming. He commanded attention by his mere presence.

He smiled at the wedding couple. “I’m honored to be your best man today. Like Daley, I saw this connection between you blossom into love. I wouldn’t call myself a sentimental man—indeed, some might describe me as cynical—but on a day like today, it’s easy to celebrate love and forever.” He lifted his champagne flute. “May you both live happily ever after.”

Daley was astonished. It was impossible to fake the kind of genuine feeling Tristan had infused in his toast. Her image of him continued to shift and morph. Was he a shallow man who jumped from one physical relationship to the next? Or was there more to him?

According to Tabby, John loved his older brother deeply...and admired him as well. John was apparently a good judge of character since he picked Tabby for his wife. So it would follow that his assessment of Tristan might be valid, even if family loyalty did tip the scales.

While she finished her meal and pondered the enigma that was Tristan, the DJ cranked up the music, and the dancing began. Bride and groom’s first dance. Daddy and daughter. Then John and his mom.

Daley was taken completely off guard when the DJ called for best man and maid of honor. Was that even a thing? Apparently so...

No one else could take the dance floor until she and Tristan did their bit.

She stood and rounded the table, meeting him on the polished but temporary surface. Stepping into his embrace with everyone watching felt awkward and uncomfortable. But when his hand settled on her back and steered her to the music, she exhaled.

Tristan smiled. “Relax. With that deer-in-the-headlights expression on your beautiful face, people are either going to assume you hate me or that you’re covering up the fact that we’re sleeping together.”

“That’s not true.” She knew he was joking, but still she hated the attention.

Fortunately, after an acceptable amount of time had passed, the DJ invited all the wedding guests to take the dance floor. Now Daley and Tristan were insulated by the size and noise of the crowd.

His fingertips grazed the bare skin of her back. “You look smashing in this dress.”

---