Uncovering Love: The Wedding

by Kacey Shea

“Not real guns, Mr. Jon!” Eli laughs.

  “There’ve been some epic Nerf wars going down this week while mama was working. Right, little man?” I twist in my seat to catch Derek shuffle Eli’s hair into a crazy mess. I’m so thankful for Derek, a feeling I never anticipated toward my sister’s boyfriend.

  After the hell Carly’s ex-husband put them through, I stepped up to help take care of them until she got back on her feet. She deserves all the best, and Derek treats her and the boys with so much love. He’s also around to take care of the kids while she’s working her twelve-hour shifts at the hospital. The injury that caused him to give up traveling with his band was a bad break for him, but his newfound career as a songwriter has its perks.

  “That’s right.” Ezra glances up at me, his eyes almost a mirror of my own, but his smile fades with concern. “Is this really your last day of freedom, Uncle Tate?”

  Jon and Derek let loose a few laughs, but I smile and shake my head. “Nah, Ez, I’ve been waiting my whole life to marry, Evie.”

  “But Grandma said you just met her last year.”

  “Sure, but she and I were meant for each other.”

  “Like beavers. We learned in class that beavers mate for life, and even if they get separated, they’ll never stop coming back to each other. I’ve never seen a real beaver, but Mama says maybe we can visit one in captivity someday soon.”

  “That’s right, buddy. We’re just like beavers.”

  “’Cept you both wear clothes!” He laughs at his joke.

  Jon chuckles under his breath, but I catch him murmur, “Sometimes,” causing Derek to laugh too.

  “Drew’s not joining us?” Derek asks. Before I can answer, I notice Jon’s smile drop to a tight grimace.

  “Claire has a cold so he’s staying home.” I respond.

  Derek nods. “That’s too bad, but I understand. We’re still gonna have a great time, aren’t we guys?”

  “Yeah!” Eli shouts and Ezra does the same. Their energy is infectious. Today will be a great day. Some much needed guy time with a few of my favorite people.

  A morning out in the desert leaves us starving and Jon drives us to my favorite new joint. “This place rocks. Best hamburger in the city, hands down.” I rub my grumbling stomach through my cotton T-shirt as we climb out of the truck.

  “That’s what you said about Joe’s Farm last year.” Jon laughs.

  I tug my lips into a smile. “Yeah, but then this place opened.”

  “I’m not picky. I’m just starving.” Derek groans.

  “Us, too. Aren’t we, Ez?” My younger nephew agrees.

  “Yeah, Eli. I’m ravished.”

  “Ravished, huh? Big words they’re teaching you in third grade.” I rub Ezra’s hair, messing it up with my fingers as we step inside The Counter, a build your own gourmet burger kind of place in downtown. Evie and I come here all the time. I love the quality and she appreciates a fantastic meal. We’re a match made in foodie heaven.

  “Table for five,” Jon requests of the hostess when she greets us, and she leads us to a spot near the bar. Rolling garage doors serve as windows and open up to the street, allowing a light breeze to cool my skin. We peruse the menu, order drinks, and catch the end of the Dodgers game on the TV screens that line the bar while we wait for our food.

  “Tate? Tate.” I glance to the right where my client Lindsay is walking toward our table.

  “Oh, hey, Lindsay.” I stand to greet her but she opens her arms wide and squeezes me in a tight hug before I can wave or shake her hand.

  She pulls out of my arms and steps back to place her hands on her hips. “It’s so funny to see you here! You’ve been going on and on about this place so I thought I’d give it a try. You must really love it!” She laughs and my smile broadens. I do have a tendency to go overboard about the great food finds Evie and I come across, and with Lindsay new to town, I feel inclined to give her some pointers.

  Lindsay glances over my shoulder, then points behind her. “Well, I better get back to my table for one and let you get back to your friends.” She takes a short step back, but I feel bad for her. I get the feeling she eats alone more than not.

  “Do you want to join us?” The question tumbles from my lips, but when her smile brightens, I know I made the right choice. I remember how lonely it was moving to a new city, but at least I had family. Lindsay’s social calendar involves going to work and the gym.

  “You sure? Looks like guy time.” She pulls the corner of her bottom lip between her teeth.

  “It’s fine. We can pull up another chair. But only if you want.”

  She meets my stare and her eyes crinkle with her smile. “Thank you.”

  I turn back to our group and ignore the way Jon’s brow lifts with his frown. “Lindsay, this is Jon, Derek, and my nephews, Eli and Ezra.”

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “Lindsay’s a client from the gym. We knew each other back in Cali, and she recently relocated to Arizona for a job.”

  The guys offer polite greetings and I pull over an extra chair.

  “I thought no girls were allowed.” Ezra pouts.

  “You’re really pretty,” Eli says.

  She opens her mouth with surprise but doesn’t answer as the rest of us chuckle.

  “Future heartbreaker here.” Derek clasps his hand over Eli’s shoulder and Lindsay laughs.

  “He’s in good company,” she says. It’s one of those compliments that could be construed as flirty, but I don’t have any interest in it.

  Our waiter comes back with our food, and the aroma stirs a loud gurgle from my belly. Lindsay explains she placed her order at the bar, and the waiter hurries off with a promise that her food will be up soon.

  “Don’t wait on me. Eat!” she shouts and that’s all it takes for us to stuff our faces.

  Lindsay’s friendly. Funny too, and it’s easy with her at our table. I’m thankful it’s not weird, because the further into the meal we get, the more I realize how uncomfortable it’ll be to explain to Evie that one of my ex-girlfriends joined our bachelor party lunch.

  After our meals are polished off, she leans over and whispers in my ear, “I know it’s a long shot, but any chance Jon or Derek are single?”

  I chuckle and shake my head. “Happily taken.”

  “Damn it. I figured, but had to ask. Any single friends?”

  “Well . . .”

  “Hey, secret keepers. If you’ve got something so entertaining, let the rest of us in on it.” Derek’s announcement has all eyes zeroing in on where Lindsay and I lean together.

  Her eyes widen and her spine straightens. I’m sure she doesn’t want me to blast the entire table with her inquiry. I also don’t need to be harassed for playing matchmaker, because I actually do have a friend she might connect with.

  I shake my head and grab for my beer. “Telling her about what a crappy shot I am. Nothing like Jon, who could’ve taken out that Gila monster if he wanted.”

  “Where do you go? A range?” She directs her question to Jon.

  He shakes his head. “Nah. We drive out of the city and find a spot in the desert.”

  Derek’s chuckle draws her attention. “Yeah, and if you ever go with this guy make sure you have witnesses. I thought Jon and Tate were gonna bury me in a shallow grave the first time I went.”

  “We might have if it weren’t for the little dudes,” Jon jokes.

  “Good thing you treat my sister right.” I add.

  Derek winks and I try not to visualize just how well he treats my sister. He catches the attention of our server and slips her his credit card. I shake my head because he didn’t have to pick up the tab, but he only smiles.

  “Thank you again for letting me join you all for lunch.” Lindsay’s chair scrapes across the cement flooring and she stands to wave. “See you tomorrow night,” she says to me and I nod.

  “Yep. Be ready to work off that double cheese sirloin,” I tease and she laughs before leaving the restaurant.
I turn back to my nephews. “What’s up next, boys?”

  “We did shooting,” Ezra says.

  I nod. “Yep.”

  “And manly burgers,” he adds.

  “Mmm hmm.” I rub my belly and Eli grins.

  “So, up next is the big surprise!” His eyes widen and he looks from Jon to Derek, and back again. “Can we tell him?”

  “There’s a surprise?” I sneak a glance at my friends because we really hadn’t discussed more than this, except maybe a trip to the park to play a few games of two-hand touch football.

  “Can we tell him? Can we please?” Ezra begs and when Jon nods, a sneaky grin on his face, my nephew jumps up from his chair. “We’re going to a baseball game!”

  “Wow, really?” I exaggerate my excitement because both he and Eli jump with joy. “Giants are in town, right?”

  “Yes! And Dad—I mean, Derek—called his friend and we’re sitting by third base! Isn’t that cool?”

  “Totally cool.” My eyes flick up to my sister’s boyfriend and it fills me with hope when I see him smile adoringly at Eli. The way a father would to a son. I can only hope he and my sister continue down the path they’re going. Derek’s become like family in only a few short months and I can’t imagine him not around anymore.

  “All right, guys. We better head over. First pitch is in less than an hour.” Jon stands from the table and as we make our way outside I hang back with both him and Derek while the boys pile in the cab of the truck.

  “Thank you, both. For being a part of our wedding. For being an important part of our lives. For today. I’ll be proud to have you both at my side when Evie walks down the aisle next week.”

  Derek holds out his fist for me to bump. “Anytime, brother. You know I love your family. I’m the lucky one to get to be a part of it.” I meet his fist and nod.

  “And I don’t hate you anymore,” Jon says, his lips in a tight line. “So there’s that.”

  I burst out in laughter and his lips twitch up with his smile.

  “We’ve come a long way.” I pat him on his back before I walk around to the passenger side of the truck. We really have. A year ago I didn’t know either of these men. Now they’re two of the best friends I’ve ever had. Maybe bachelor parties—at least the way we’re doing this one—aren’t so bad. I only hope Evie’s having as much fun with hers.

  “HERE. YOU NEED ANOTHER.” TATE’S sister Carly hands me another glass of champagne while the girl at my feet props them up to paint each nail. I sigh and lean into the chair with a smile.

  With both my best friend and sister almost nine months preggo, finding bachelorette party activities that suited everyone was a challenge. We ended up with plans for lunch and an epic spa afternoon, followed by a trip to the movie theater for a chick flick and even more food. All of this is perfectly fine with me, but by the look on Carly’s face, maybe she doesn’t agree.

  “Everything all right?” I take a sip of the bubbly and it goes down all too smoothly.

  She tips her glass until it’s gone and slides into the empty seat beside me. “Fine.” When she doesn’t smile I raise my brow. She shakes her head. “Okay, not fine. It’s stupid, but I still get stressed when the boys go out to the desert with guns.”

  Jon and Tate have been taking her sons out shooting for months now, and I thought Carly was on board.

  “Jon’s the best. He’ll keep them safe.”

  “Oh, I know that . . . rationally. But I can’t relax. Not after everything . . .”

  I reach out and grip her hand in mine. “Hey, I get it. I do. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “Drink with me?” She giggles and shakes her head.

  “Carly! I never knew you to be the party girl!”

  “With Kate temporarily out of commission, I feel inclined to step up. Another?” She nods at my glass so I finish the rest in one big gulp and hand it back.

  “Thank you. And thank you for accepting me, for always treating me like family.”

  She holds the glasses in one hand and squeezes my arm with the other. “And now you will be. I always wanted a sister. Shh… don’t tell Tate.” She winks and walks back to where a table is set up with champagne, sparkling cider, and chocolate covered fruit.

  “There. You sure you don’t want a design?” The technician assesses my toes with one last look and I shake my head.

  “No, thank you. They look perfect.” My something blue for next week.

  She helps me into my flip flops and I shuffle over to where my sister sits for her manicure. Both she and Kate finished their pedicures first and are almost done with nails. One of Kate’s endless contacts found us this locally owned spa usually closed on Sundays and called in a favor so we could enjoy the day in private. Manis, pedis, and massages with catered food and beverages—we may never leave.

  “And another . . .” Carly sets a full glass of champagne on the table in front of me and joins Kate one row over.

  Melissa’s eyes dart to my glass and she lets loose a deep sigh.

  “I’m sorry. It’s mean drinking this in front of you.”

  “No, go ahead. I’m big as a whale, and whales don’t hate dolphins for having more fun.” She pouts.

  “Sea analogies. That’s new.” I tip my glass.

  “Oh, God.” She leans back and groans.

  I set my drink down and scoot closer. “Is everything okay? Is it the baby?”

  “She’s kicking. Yeah.” Her hands run smooth strokes over her belly.

  “Can I?”

  “By all means. Tell her to be nice to her mama and stop thrashing around during spa day.”

  I place my hand over the cotton fabric of her top and grin when I feel a body part press against me. “She probably can’t wait to get in on the fun.”

  “Or it’s a sign she’s going to be a handful. What am I gonna do with two of them, Evie?” We’ve joked about this before, but this time when Melissa meets my gaze her chin quivers.

  “You’re the best mom to Claire, Mel. You’ve got this.”

  “But I can’t do it alone.” Tears leak from the corners of her eyes and she sniffles, giving her head a shake while her hands are still held hostage.

  “Here.” I grab a tissue and dab her face. “You’re not alone. You’re never alone. Got that?”

  “But I can’t do this without Drew.”

  “And you won’t have to. Jon and I are on the case. We’ll get to the bottom of it all. I’m sure it’s simply a misunderstanding. Drew would never—”

  “Don’t. Don’t feed me lies.”

  “I’m not, Melissa. I swear. You know of the two of us, I’m the cynic. If I had proof he was cheating, I’d tell you.”

  “There’s another thing.” She takes a deep breath, her belly rising with the expansion of her chest and then falling with the fear etched in the worry lines of her forehead. “I haven’t told you yet. It’s . . . it’s just that I didn’t put two and two together until this week. I’ve been meaning to call you and Jon but . . . I guess I’m still in denial.”

  “What is it?”

  “It’s Drew. He’s been making regular ATM withdrawals, every Tuesday for the past six weeks. For one hundred and sixty dollars. I didn’t notice it the first few times, but since . . .”

  “Oh, God.” Kate gasps.

  “That’s not good, right?” Melissa sniffles back her snotty nose.

  “I have no clue what’s going on, but I’m not drunk enough for this.” Carly stands and returns to the refreshments.

  “Calm down, Melissa. It’s probably nothing. Just a coincidence.” I rub her arm but she only cries harder.

  “We’ll give you a few minutes,” one of the nail techs says, then she and her friend head toward the back room.

  Melissa shrugs off my touch and shakes her head. “No. Don’t feed me your bullshit. You do this for a living. If this were any other client—if it weren’t Drew you were looking into—what would be your first suspicion?”

  Her eyes dare
me to feed her a lie and I almost don’t want to answer. I glance over to Kate, but when my eyes come back to my sister I realize I have to be honest. “That he’s seeing someone.” I bite my lip.

  “And the money?” Melissa raises her eyebrows.

  “I’d guess they’re going to dinner and he doesn’t want a paper trail.”

  She nods, and even though she’s probably come to the exact conclusion, she can’t help but ask one more question. “But since he doesn’t leave her apartment?”

  “Oh, God.” Kate shakes her head, most likely discerning the same thing.

  “I’m thinking it so you might as well say it,” Melissa murmurs.

  I shake my head, because no, I can’t go there. Not when I don’t believe it. Not of Drew. “He would never do that. It doesn’t make sense!”

  “He’s paying for sex, isn’t he? He’s probably into some sort of kinky dungeon crap and he has to pay a woman to get him off. She probably does all sorts of twisted shit! God, does he ask her to spank him? I would spank him if he wanted. Is that what he wants? Does he like it up the ass? I can get a strap on. Well, maybe not until after I have this baby because I’m not sure I could fuck him properly with my belly this big—”

  “Stop! Stop! Stop! Melissa, we know nothing. Everything is speculation. Trust me when I say we have a good handle on this situation. Jon and I, this is what we do. We’ll get to the bottom of it.”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m just—” The waterworks resume and I wrap my arms around her.

  “I know. I know.”

  “Hey! Enough! This is a happy day!” Kate claps her hands as if that will somehow fix this mess.

  “That’s right. We should drink more.” Carly sets down the entire bottle of champagne and a big bowl of candy. “And chocolate for the beautiful whales.”

  A bell chimes behind us with the opening of the front door and I turn to investigate. We aren’t expecting anyone else.

  Two uniformed officers step inside. “Excuse me. We received a call there’s been a disturbance in the area.” The receptionist is nowhere to be found, and the nail techs are still taking a break.

  “I’m sorry, I’ll go find someone who works here. There must be a mistake.” I stand.