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by Stacy Borel

  Getting to the end of the hall I saw a door that had a small plaque reading, “bridal suite.” I heard female voices on the other side. This must be it. Reaching my hand up, I knocked loudly. The door was cracked open and an eye appeared on the other side. It looked around then opened the rest of the way. Macie stood front and center in a short black dress looking stunning.

  “He’s not out there, is he?” Keegan called from a back room.

  “No, it’s just Turner,” Macie replied.

  I snickered. “Gee thanks.”

  She winked at me and shifted out of the way so I could move past her. “Welcome, cupcake. Boy, you clean up nice.”

  Stepping forward, I came inside and looked around. There were clothes, make-up, hair pins, brushes, and any other female product you could imagine strung all over the counters that lined the far wall. Two girls that I vaguely remember from the bar were dressed the same. Must be bridesmaids. To the right, my mother was opening a door and out stepped Keegan. She was decked out head to toe in white and looked beautiful. If she wasn’t marrying my brother, I’d probably consider dating her. But she was his match, and he deserved happiness.

  “Ladies,” I said in greeting.

  They all smiled at me as I made my way further into the room. Approaching the bride, I leaned forward and kissed Keegan on the cheek.

  “If all you boys look like this, I’m in for a treat,” she cooed sweetly.

  “Careful, I’ll steal you away from my brother. And speaking of, he sent me down here to give you something.” I lifted my hand, the gift bag dangling on my index finger.

  A sweet little gasp came from her mouth, and she tentatively took it from me. “That sneaky little . . . I told him no gifts.” I couldn’t wipe the smile off her face right now even if I tried. She was beaming.

  “I raised my boy’s right,” my mom replied.

  Keegan leaned into her and kissed her cheek. “Yes, ma’am, you did.”

  “Don’t speak too soon, momma, Camden is the only one putting a ring on it today,” I taunted her.

  She beamed at me and slapped at my chest. “Oh you, hush.”

  Keegan, set the bag atop a sofa and started pulling out pieces of tissue paper. Every female in the room, took a step forward to try and get a better look at the prize inside, while I took a step back. This was their moment. Girls lived for this stuff. When she got to the bottom, she pulled out a little black box. Lifting the lid, she immediately brought her hand to her mouth and tears welled in her eyes. My mother pulled out the item and held it so everyone could see.

  “Awe.” Was the collective sound throughout the room.

  “Oh my gosh, I didn’t even realize that he knew . . .” Keegan’s stunned words trailed off.

  It was a delicate silver bracelet that had two pearls on either side of a small charm. The charm was an infinity symbol. My mom wrapped it around Keegan’s small wrist and clasped it. The girls started asking questions about the meaning.

  “Every night when we go to sleep, I rub Camden’s back.” She paused to wipe at a tear on her cheek. “I always thought he was already passed out when I’d start drawing infinity symbols on him. It was just a thing I did, I guess. He never even indicated that he knew what I was doing, or that he was still awake.” She was staring at the piece of jewelry with wonder.

  I’d have to let my brother know he hit it out of the park with this one. I have to admit, it was pretty clever. Who knew I might be asking for notes from my little brother’s play book? I was considering this my cue to leave, but before I could the door flew open.

  “Okay, I was able to track down double sided tape, but you may be SOL with the vinegar.” The girls all stopped their little chatter and every eye was on a very frazzled looking Annabelle. She blew her bangs out of her face and then asked, “What? What I miss?”

  It was in that moment that she locked eyes with mine, and even if someone was answering her question, neither one of us was listening. Oh this girl, there was something so very intriguing about her. I had to admit, I wasn’t one to keep after someone that would turn me down, but Annabelle made the game of chase a little more interesting. The day of the graduation when she’d said no, I could see it written all over her. She was curious but wouldn’t budge. That next week when I’d gone into work, I’d casually asked around about her to see if someone knew if she was dating anyone, but people either didn’t know who she was, or they said she kept to herself. Since then, I’d run across her in the hospital, but I got the impression she was avoiding me. I let her. ‘Til the other night of course.

  “Annabelle,” I greeted her.

  “Hi,” she said breathily.

  “Vinegar?” I asked.

  Her mouth moved but nothing came out. She watched me like a scared cat that just ran into a vicious dog. Did I frighten her? “Huh?”

  I smiled at her to try and ease her discomfort. “You said you’re SOL with the vinegar.”

  She shook her head. “Oh, right. Yeah, Donna wanted vinegar to see if she could rub out a stain on Keegan’s mom’s dress.”

  These women and their little tricks. “Does someone need me to run to the store and get some?”

  Tilting her head to the side, I don’t think she was anticipating that answer. “No, I’m sure they will find something else that will work. But thank you.”

  We stood there unmoving for a few more beats until one of the girls stepped in between us and took some items out of Annabelle’s hand. “Alrighty, well, I’ll be seeing you girls in a bit.” I looked at Keegan. “And you, look absolutely stunning. My brother is a lucky man.”

  She beamed at me. “Thank you. And tell your brother I’m going to kick his ass for making me cry . . . but I love him.”

  I saluted. “Will do.”

  I would have said something to Annabelle before leaving, but she had effectively turned away from me and struck up conversation with someone else. Oh yes, this girl definitely fascinated me.

  Holy hell in a handbasket, I was not expecting to run into Turner at that very moment. I knew I’d be seeing him at some point today, but not then, and not when I’d been running around like a chicken with her head cut off. Pretty sure I was sweaty too.

  Ewww.

  “Okay, ladies, it’s time to line up. Everyone is seated,” Donna said from the door.

  Keegan shook her hands out, and took her bouquet of white peonies and pink lilies, and marched toward the door like a girl on a mission.

  When we were all in our places, Keegan made sure to say something to us all. “Words can’t express what you girls mean to me. That you all have chosen to take part in a day that I know I’ll never forget. I’m beyond grateful, and I love each and every one of you.”

  “Stop it, or I’m going to cry,” Macie said. “I love you, but I’m going to be pissed if you turn me into a sap before the vows are even said.”

  The two best friends embraced and they said something quietly to each other that only they could hear. Macie was Keegan’s rock for several years before I’d met them, and their bond was special. I loved that about them.

  Pachelbel’s Canon started playing loud enough for us to hear, and Donna and Rowan were escorted in to be seated. Next the bridesmaids were brought in, forming a line, but spacing us out every ten or so feet. As I got closer to the front of the church, I glanced at Camden who stood completely still, with his hands clasped in front of him, and he was anxiously waiting on his bride. There wasn’t a single person in this room that was going to distract him from the moment she stepped foot inside. Next to Camden was a very dashing looking Turner, whom was dressed in a classic black and white tuxedo. The whole theme to this wedding was classic, but rustic country. It was the best of both the bride and the groom. I did everything I could to keep my eyes off of Turner as I passed and stepped into my spot in front. It didn’t help that I could feel his eyes on me though. I really wish he’d stop watching me.

  When Sarah, the flower girl, came down the aisle, the music shifted to �
��Here Comes the Bride” and every person in the church rose. The doors in the back opened, and Keegan stood in her white dress, looking every bit the blushing bride. She had chosen to walk by herself because of her own family situation, but it didn’t seem to phase her in the least. Her eyes were locked on Camden and one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever witnessed passed between them. I hated weddings. I really did. If we could skip all the ceremonial stuff, and everything else leading up to it, it would be perfect. Because this right here was the only part that made me go soft. When the groom sees the bride. The look on his face is pure love. The look on her face is full of pride and adoration. This was where you knew they loved each other and this would be something that would last a lifetime. As Keegan made her way up the aisle, I kept my emotions in check, and smiled as I partook in their happiness.

  If only it would have stayed that way. Unfortunately I made the colossal mistake of turning toward Camden to watch his face and I saw Turner just over his shoulder. In this light, his blue eyes looked like the Caribbean ocean. They were unique and beautiful. That same pull from the club captured me, and held me. His perfectly angular jaw, and lips that were shaped similar to a heart. He looked every bit the business man, but I knew hidden under all of that was a man that would push me to the edge. He scared me. He made me curious. I didn’t want to be curious. Turner didn’t belong in my bubble of safety. He was the opposite of safe. He was someone that would turn me upside down like a snow globe and shake me ‘til I couldn’t see past the flurries in front of me.

  Look away Annabelle. I scolded myself.

  “May I have the rings?” the pastor asked.

  Turner was the one that cut the invisible line between us. He reached into his coat pocket and placed the ring on the pastor’s palm. Macie did the same.

  The whole ceremony went by quicker than I’d expected it too. Neither Camden or Keegan were super religious, so they’d chosen to cut out a lot of the stuff you’d find in a more traditional wedding. They exchanged the rings, said vows they’d written for each other, kissed and then that was it.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Camden Brooks.”

  There was some cheering and whooping in the audience. I was ready to get out of there and get some fresh air. I was certain the damn air conditioning was broken. The happy couple strode out of the church hand in hand while the rest of us filed out in couples. Thankfully, Macie was paired with Turner, and I walked with Dodger. He was eyeing her up and down as we made our way to the foyer where we’d greet everyone. I knew they used to be a couple, but I didn’t know how long they’d been together or how serious it’d been.

  “It’s a good ass, isn’t it?” I spoke out randomly.

  He looked down at me. “Excuse me?”

  “Well, I just noticed you checking out Macie, so I was making a remark about how great her ass was.” I wasn’t one to try and embarrass people but I got the impression, he was the type that could take it.

  He smirked, seeming shocked by my straightforwardness. I could see why the girls were so attracted to him—baby blue eyes, and that quirky crooked smile would melt the socks off of anyone. “Busted. Yeah, it’s a mighty fine ass.”

  I giggled. At least it lightened the mood both he and I seemed to be in. “Sorry, just giving you a hard time.”

  He nudged me with his elbow that I was holding on to. “Eh, no worries.”

  We both stopped as soon as we got into the foyer and met up with Camden, Keegan, Turner, and Macie. Turner was glaring at his brother, his eyes shooting to where I was still holding on.

  “Uh oh.” He leaned down to whisper in my ear, “Might want to release me soon or I may have to roll around and throw a few punches with my big brother over there. Somebody looks jealous.”

  My eyes flew to Turner. Sure enough, his jaw was ticking and he was holding himself back. “I’m not scared, are you?” I had no clue why I was testing him, but I didn’t actually think that Turner’s current expression was just because I was touching someone else. Someone that was his freaking brother!

  “If you’re trying to see who the strongest brother is, I can tell you that without coming to blows. Turner can hold his own. I battled it out with him one time when he was in high school, and I’d accidentally kissed a random chick in front of the locker rooms. Apparently, he’d told her to wait for him while he showered after practice, and I caught her eye.” He shrugged. “How was I supposed to know he was interested?”

  I giggled. “Okay, okay . . . you can have your arm back.” I released him. “Just trying to figure him out is all.”

  “Good luck with that. Most girls try and fail.”

  What was it with these boys comparing me to most girls? I knew Dodger didn’t mean anything by it, so I let it go. I simply responded with, “Well, unlike most girls, I’m not interested. I’m just trying to figure out his game.”

  He chuckled. “Again, good luck.”

  I decided to drop it. The congregation moved out of the church and everyone filed into their vehicles to head to the Brooks’ residence. The reception was set up to take place in their expansive backyard, and no doubt was it decorated immaculately. I managed to remain unscathed and not be spoken to again by Turner during the wedding photos. I’d briefly bumped into him during one shot, to which my eyes shot to his and quickly moved away. I felt that pulling towards him even in that short moment, and I refused to be sucked in again. Most of the wedding party climbed into two different limousines to head to the party, but I decided to drive myself. Keegan understood my need to have that little bit of control and thankfully she didn’t mind. I likely wasn’t going to stay that late because I had an early morning shift anyway.

  Arriving at the house, the guests were greeted with white twinkle lights strung up in the birch trees and hanging lanterns in the willow trees. The backyard had a large tent and music was playing from speakers placed throughout the property. The DJ was busy keeping the guests entertained and the wedding party was lining up to be introduced to enter. When we all got inside and to our designated spots at the head table, Camden and Keegan immediately went into their first dance together. “When You Got a Good Thing” by Lady Antebellum was what Keegan chose. It was beautiful and absolutely fitting for them. They did all the traditional things that go on during a wedding—cutting the cake, mother and son dance, Keegan danced with Paul Brooks. He’d been more of a father to her than she could have asked for.

  Standing at the bar, I had my elbows resting on the bar asking the bartender for a bottle of water when a deep voice that caused my the butterflies in my tummy to flutter up said, “May I have the next dance?”

  Spinning around, Turner was a little too close for comfort. His electric blue eyes were level with mine and my heart galloped in my chest. The scent of his cologne and mint on his breath blew across my face as he gave me the most glorious smile I’d ever seen. Turner had one of his arms leaning against the bar, and it trapped me where I stood. Never mind the draw, that line that pulled me in would have kept my feet planted in their spot.

  “Uh, what?” Genius response.

  Why was he piercing me with those damn eyes? “I said, may I have the next dance?”

  Heat crept up my cheeks and I was tempted to look down. Instead I held his eyes and said, “I don’t really dance.”

  “Oh now, Annabelle, we both know that’s a lie. I’ve seen you dance.”

  Okay yeah, definitely blushing now. “That was a rare occasion.”

  He bent down and spoke into my ear, “Make it another one.”

  I swallowed hard. Feeling tingly all over, I shook my head. He was crazy if he thought I was going to dance with him. If I was reacting to him like this and he wasn’t even touching me, I could only imagine how I would be if he were.

  “Oh come on, Belle, give my big brother a chance.” Wrigley sidled up to Turner, with an identical smirk.

  “You heard the kid.”

  My eyes bounced back and
forth between them. “Why do I feel like I’m being ganged up on?”

  “‘Cause you are,” Turner replied.

  “I don’t dance.”

  “How about a date?”

  “Yeah, how about a date?” Wrigley repeated as if he were asking for himself.

  I giggled. This conversation was ridiculous. “Who’s asking?”

  “Me.”

  “Me.” Turner chimed in right after Wrigley. He glared at his brother and elbowed him in the ribs. Wrigley exhaled loudly with an “ooof.”

  “Didn’t you ask me out on a date just a couple months ago?” I taunted for fun.

  “Yes, ma’am. But I’m fairly certain you hit your head, not twisted your ankle.”

  I bit the inside of my lip to hide my smile. Why was he so charming? “Definitely didn’t bump my head. My poor ankle took weeks to heal.”

  Shiny white teeth glistened in the lights as he flashed me a brilliant grin. “What do you say, Annabelle?”

  Just before I was going to answer, Camden and Keegan strolled up hand in hand. They were glowing from happiness. Camden was laughing hard at something Keegan had told him.

  “Hey you two, what’s the happy couple going on about?” Wrigley asked.

  Turner was drilling a whole in the side of my face with his stare. I was going to make him stew a bit longer. Plus I was interested in what these two love birds were about to say.

  “Did you see who snuck into the pool house, drunk as a bunch of skunks?” Keegan asked.

  “Nope.”

  “Dodger and Macie. Those two better put away some of Mom’s breakables. I have a feeling between how drunk they are, and all that aggression those two have been taking out on each other, some things may get broken.” Camden laughed.

  “Oh geez,” Turner said.

  “He loves her,” I announced out of the blue.

  They all turned in my direction. My eyes got big and I raised my hands in the air. “What? I’m just saying.”