Page 5 of One Wild Wedding Weekend

“I promise that’s not gonna happen. If you must know, the two of us shared a drink in the hotel bar earlier and agreed to play nice.”

Tabby’s eyes widened. “I would love to have seen that.”

“It was nothing really. He asked. I said yes. We were civil.”

“Why don’t you like him, Daley? You don’t honestly believe he’s waging a campaign to ruin you. Do you?”

Did Daley really believe that? Maybe not anymore. And maybe her antipathy was a defense against the way he made her feel. All woozy inside. Like something could happen. Something sexual. “I may have overreacted in the past,” she said. “He’s not the villain in this story. But he rubs me the wrong way. He’s arrogant and way too confident.”

“Is there really such a thing as too confident?” Tabby asked. “Tristan can’t help the fact that he’s rich and gorgeous and super talented at what he does. I like him. He loves John dearly, so Tristan and I have that in common. He’s been nothing but lovely and welcoming to me,” Tabby said.

Daley’s throat was tight. “I’m glad. Their family is lucky to have you.”

“Maybe Tristan will find someone, too.”

“I’m surprised he hasn’t already,” Daley said. “Atlanta may be a big city, but the pool of eligible men isn’t infinite.”

“John says Tristan is a workaholic and too picky when it comes to women.”

“Workaholic I’d believe, but isn’t John the pot calling the kettle black?”

Tabby beamed. “My John has seen the error of his ways. He may have been just like his big brother, but now he has other priorities.”

“Such as you?” Daley grinned.

“I’m too modest to boast,” Tabby said, “but yeah. He’s even talking about babies already. And he knows I won’t put up with an absentee dad. Our father lived his life that way, but I want more from my husband. A child needs two fully engaged parents.”

Daley envied her sister’s almost palpable certainty about her decisions. Tabby taught second grade. School was out for the summer, so she would have a couple of months to settle into married life. Daley was happy for her.

But she couldn’t escape a guilt-ridden tinge of envy.

Tabby—completely unaware of her sister’s conflicted emotions—was wearing a couture little black dress that made her look sophisticated and beautiful. She would make a stunning bride tomorrow.

She stood and smoothed her skirt. “I should go and let you finish getting ready. I’m glad you decided on the pink,” she said.

“Oh, well, I was still making up my mind,” Daley mumbled.

“Nope. Consider this an edict from the bride. The teal is okay, but you look luminous in pink.”

“Thanks, sis. If you’re sure it’s not too much.”

Tabby held out her hands. “It’s my rehearsal dinner. I want everyone to see how gorgeous you are. Besides, a couple of John’s groomsmen are single. Who knows what might happen?”

With a naughty grin, Tabby slipped out the door and headed back to her room.

Daley took another look in the mirror. If this was the dress Tabby wanted, that ended it.

Hair and makeup took another half hour. By the time she was completely ready, it was five fifteen. Everyone had been asked to show up in the tent at five thirty.

It was dumb to feel nervous. This was a fun occasion.

Maybe she would flirt with one of the groomsmen.

But not Tristan.

Never Tristan...

Two

---