Page 161 of Butter My Biscuit

“You’re right about that because if we stand here for one more minute with you dressed like that, there’s no way we’ll make it,” she says, adjusting my tie.

“But we’d show up fashionablyjust fuckedlate. Kinda worth it to me,” I say, and she shakes her head as I pull her into my arms, and we dance in her bedroom. “You’re sure?”

“Yes.” No hesitation.

I shoot her a smirk, take her hand, and we leave.

We pull up to my parents’ house and see all the vehicles parked in the front; so many that I think I might have to drop Grace off and then walk, but I squeeze in next to Emmett’s truck. He might have a bitch of a time getting into the driver’s side though because I’m close. So close that I have to climb over the passenger side.

Grace shakes her head. “Never pass up an opportunity, do you?”

“When it comes to my brothers? Fuck no,” I say, interlocking my fingers with hers as we walk across the grass.

I look over at her, her hair blowing in the light breeze, and smile. As always, she returns it, and it’s a snapshot that’s burned into my brain forever.

We walk on the side of the house, hearing the music drifting from the backyard, where the get-together is being held. Somehow, Grace miraculously got someone to cater some snacks and booze, and she even had Sadie, my favorite woman in the world who owns the bakery, make us several strawberry cakes. Then, we stop at the edge of the house and spy, like we used to do when my parents had parties that lasted through the night when we were kids.

Lights are strung above the area. The gazebo is decorated, along with every tree in their backyard. High tables are also set up for people to set their drinks on and chat. It’s a mingle type of event, a simple celebration without all the bigness. Exactly the way I wanted it.

“How did you pull this off?” I ask as she leans her shoulder against the house as we continue to watch from a distance.

“I called in a few favors,” she admits. “From someone who had a lot of this in storage.”

I laugh, knowing she contacted Stephanie, who was probably more than willing to help out. I scan across the backyard, seeing all of our friends, family, and our parents.

Then, I look at her. “You invited your dad and Tanya?”

“Yeah,” she says, turning to me. “I realize people do stupid things for love. I’m over it. After nearly becoming the home-wrecker twice, I get it.”

I tilt her chin up and kiss her ruby-red lips. When I pull away, I see Savannah and her new husband. “Look who else showed up.”

“Wow. Everyone is here,” Grace whispers and grins. “I told her she can’t miss today. It’s a miracle she found a flight.”

Then, I see London with her guitar and a microphone.

“You asked London to play?” I laugh, loving that she thought of everything. Each detail is perfection.

Grace nods, pulling me in for a kiss. “Of course I did. There’s no way you can have a party without having her play. That’s a dick thing to do.”

“I know.” I chuckle as I hear the light strum of her guitar as she tunes it. Then, I wrap my arms around her. “I love you.”

“I love you. Let’s have some fun,” she says.

She grabs my hand and pulls me with her, leading us into the crowd of smiling faces. All eyes are on us as we greet everyone, thanking them for coming. We’re handed champagne from a tray, and my sister and the other guitars strum.

“Yay! Congrats, you two,” Kinsley says, lifting her glass as Hayden holds on to her. “Remember, you can’t get married before me.”

I give her a hug. “I love ya, but I can’t make any guarantees.”

As we make our way across the grass, I meet London’s gaze and shoot her a wink, and she nods at me and whispers, “Thank you.”

I’m so damn glad Grace asked her to be a part of this.

We pass a table with snacks, and Grace snags a tiny quiche. “Look how cute it is!” Then, she pops it in her mouth and nods. “Yep, totally suggesting these to every bride I ever meet, going forward.”

I try one too. “You’re right. We’re taking those home with us if they don’t get eaten.”

“Deal,” she says with a laugh.

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