by Wendy Smith
“Penny for your thoughts.”
I look over at Molly.
“What?” I ask.
“You were a million miles away. Are you okay?”
I nod. “I just really enjoyed this evening.”
She bites her bottom lip. “Jackson’s quite something, huh?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” But I do. Every time I looked across the table, Jackson had his gaze set firmly on me. I’m glad we weren’t drinking a lot, because I’m not sure my butterfly-ridden stomach could have handled it.
“He couldn’t keep his eyes off you.” She laughs.
“I’m sure you’re imagining things.”
She leans her head on my shoulder. “Don’t be so defensive. He’s always been hot. In high school, he was chased by so many girls.”
I let out a long breath. “So, he’s a bit of a player?”
“You’d think so, but no. He’s always kept to himself a bit. I know a couple of women he’s been involved with, but from what Brad’s told me, he’s been focused on his business since his father died.”
I shrug. “He is cute.”
“Love will be in the air tomorrow. Maybe you could share a dance … look deep into each other’s eyes …” She grins, and I roll my eyes. I miss Molly. While we’re both homebodies who used to spend most nights playing computer games both with and against each other, she was also my rock-solid wing woman. It’s not the same without her, but I’m not in town to hook up with someone.
“What? He’s a nice guy too. Much smarter than he’s ever given himself credit for, and I think he’d be a good match for you.”
I walk to the couch and flop onto it. “Maybe, but now’s not really a good time for me to get into anything, don’t you think?”
“Any time’s potentially a good time. Look at me. The last thing I thought would happen was that I’d end up back with Brad.” She sits beside me and her expression softens. “I don’t know if there’s any right time for love.”
“One evening and you’re already marrying me off.”
She laughs. “No. I just want to see you happy. And I’d love to see Jackson happy too. There’s something missing from him sometimes.”
I cock my head. “You know, you’re sounding like my mother.”
“I’m sorry. Do you want a hot chocolate before we go to sleep? Or does that sound like your mother too?”
I pick up a cushion and hit her with it. Her brows rise. “Oh, it’s like that, is it?”
“You’re impossible.”
“That’s what Brad tells me all the time. I don’t take it from him either.” She picks up a cushion. It hits me square in the jaw.
“Bitch,” I yell, launching myself at her. She lets out a loud squeal as I land on top, pinning her to the couch.
“Brad would love to walk in on this.” Molly waggles her eyebrows and I collapse with laughter on top of her.
“Oh, Moll. I am so happy for you. I hope you know that.”
She runs her fingers through my hair. “I know. And I’m sorry if I sound like your mom. I just want you to be as happy as I am.”
“I’m fine.”
Molly sighs. “I should go and make this hot chocolate. I’m so nervous, I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep.”
“You’ll be asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Tomorrow will go without a hitch. I know you.”
She chuckles. “I still worry that I missed something.”
“Who cares? As long as you and Brad make it to the same place, the small details won’t matter.”
As I push myself up, she cocks an eyebrow at me. “You. Miranda Clarke. Telling me not to sweat the small details. Aren’t you the detail queen?”
“Yes, but I’m not the one marrying the love of my life.” I get pangs saying that.
Her grin lights her whole face. “I am, aren’t I?”
“Yes, so if you want to do that without bags under your eyes, go and make those drinks and we’ll get some sleep.”
Molly rolls off the couch and pushes herself to her feet. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“The feeling’s mutual.”
Two months. Two weddings.
I can do this.
How hard is it to pretend my life doesn’t suck for just a few hours?
Apparently, really hard. But just for a little while, I can pull it together for the people I love.
First for Molly, then for my youngest sister, Leia.
It’s not that I’m not happy for either of them. I’m over the moon.
At least Molly’s wedding will be judgement-free. It’s the thought of my sister’s wedding that makes my stomach ache.
I’m the oldest, and still single; there’s no man in sight for me. Nothing serious, anyway.
“What do you think?”
I look up at my best friend and grin.
If you’d asked me a year ago, I would have said Molly was the least likely person to get married other than me. She’d never been one to play the field—her face is usually buried in a screen of some kind—but there hadn’t been anyone serious in her life for a very long time.
Now she stands before me in a satin, cream wedding dress. It hugs her curves and hangs to the knee.
“Turn around.” I let out a low whistle as she spins slowly. Molly has the perfect ass, and long legs. The dress highlights both. I’ve always been jealous of that ass, and Brad is going to go nuts when he sees her.
“Stop it.” She laughs.
“You look beautiful. Brad’s not gonna last the whole ceremony.”
Her eyes glisten with happiness. I’ve been with this woman through the bad times and the good, and I’ve never seen her so alive. She’s back where she needs to be, with who she needs to be with.
“I love you, Miranda. I’m so glad you’re here with me.” She reaches for my hands.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” I take her hands and squeeze them. “We’ve come so far together, Molly. I’m excited for you.”
“I can’t believe any of this. I still pinch myself to make sure it’s all real sometimes.” She laughs.
“Molly.” Molly’s father stands in the doorway. There’s so much love in his eyes, it brings tears to mine. He clearly adores his daughter. I get pangs over it. My own family is close, but not as close as these two are. But today, my feelings about that take a back seat as I’m about to see my best friend marry the love of her life.
“What do you think, Dad?” she asks, as if she can’t tell from the awed look on his face.
“I think you’re the most beautiful girl in the world.” He shoots her a crooked smile. “Just don’t ever tell your mother I said that.”
Molly grins. “I think she’d forgive you today.”
He shakes his head, walking toward her. “You’re beautiful every day. Inside and out. I’m so proud of you.” He holds out his arm for her to take. “Are you ready?”
“I’ve been ready for years.”
Her words make me smile. She’s radiant, and it’s all because of this new life of hers. It makes me ache to find one for myself.
She links arms with her father, and he turns to look at me. “Miranda?”
I grin as he offers me his other arm. God, how I want this. Next month, I’ll watch my dad walk my sister up the aisle in the same way.
Linking my arm in his, I smile at Molly.
“Now. Let’s get going. Brad will be champing at the bit to get started,” he says.
We walk together out of the sliding door that leads to a path around the house. The sun bathes us in a gentle heat, and the only sound is the birds chirping in the trees.
I love this little peaceful town.
Grace is waiting at the end of the path. She’s been with her father, but now she’ll walk with me. She beams at the sight of Molly.
I let go of Molly’s father’s arm and walk up to her.
“Ready?” I whisper to Grace.
She nods. The soft music starts.
I steer her in front of me. “Walk, like we practiced, to your dad.”
Even from my place at the back, the pride in Brad’s eyes at seeing his daughter makes me well up with tears.
Grace skips, leaving me lagging behind and I can’t help but smile. I fell in love with her the moment I met her.
When I reach the front and turn, I cast my gaze over the congregation and catch my breath, locking eyes with the one person I’d hoped to see.
Jackson Booth.
Tall, dark and handsome doesn’t quite cut it with this guy. He appears to be solid muscle, and I’d really like to test that theory.
Down, girl.
We didn’t get much of a chance to talk alone last night, but I got the feeling he was interested. Belle hung off his every word, though, and it irritated me enough to not engage too closely. Molly definitely seemed to think he was. I’m not sure he’s who she thinks he is.
I’ve been burned enough in the past to avoid any situation where there might be another woman involved.
Shifting my gaze away, I smile as I look back down the aisle.
Molly’s on her father’s arm and her dazzling smile beams. She’s scaled the heights of our industry, won awards, given speeches at the world’s top tech conferences but I’ve never seen her as happy as I have today.
I sneak a peek at Brad, and I’m overwhelmed by the look in his eyes. Adoration is written all over his face. I’ve known their story for years, known that Molly had regrets over her teenage decision to leave him behind. So much of her anxiety since then was tied up in that mess.
Now their pasts have healed, and those two have a future together.
What do I have in store for mine?
After a beautiful wedding, and a ton of photos, we return to Molly and Brad’s house for the reception.
The food and wine flow, and for a small wedding, I meet so many people whose names I’ll never remember.
A familiar face stands out in the crowd. As he approaches, I brace myself.
“Miranda. You look beautiful.”
My stomach flips at the sound of Jackson’s voice. “Thank you. I thought Molly looked amazing.”
“She did. But so do you.” He pauses for a moment. “Want a drink?”
I nod. “I could do with one. Being part of the wedding party still makes for a nerve-wracking day when you want it to go right.”
“I’ll bet. Why don’t I grab us one?”
He walks to the nearest server and picks up two glasses of wine, then returns with a smile.
“Here you go.” He takes a sip. “That’s good.”
“It should be, for what Molly probably paid for it.”
He laughs. “Yeah. I can’t imagine Molly skimped on anything for today.”
“I’m so happy for her.”
He pauses for a moment. “What about you? Is there a Mr. Miranda hiding somewhere?”
I can’t help but grin. “No. No hidden boyfriend. Or any other kind of boyfriend.”
“That’s good. I mean . . .” His grin matches mine.
“Glad you think so. There’s no Mrs. Jackson hiding anywhere, is there?”
“Hell no.” His expression straightens. “I didn’t mean that to sound quite so final. I mean, I’d quite like there to be sometimes. Take turns taking out the garbage, stuff like that.”
I laugh. “I could do with that sometimes too.”
“I’d take the garbage out all the time for you.”
For a moment, we just look at each other and grin. I like flirting, and it’s been a long time since I’ve done any of it.
“That’s a pretty big commitment to make,” I finally say.
He shrugs. “Nothing I can’t handle.”
“I like a man who’s good at taking garbage out.” The words are out before I can stop them, and I only hope he doesn’t find them cringeworthy.
“I’m the best.”
I laugh. “No ego either.”
Jackson shakes his head. “I’m as modest as they come.”
“I can tell.”
His eyes are alive with mischief. “Why don’t we go and find a seat? I’d love to spend some time with you.”
“I’d like that too.”
We locate a couple of chairs in the corner and sit together. My heart’s racing at being so close to him. I’ve been so involved in work and Molly’s life, I haven’t made much time for my own. I like that he’s interested. I think I like him.
“I didn’t get much of a chance to talk to you last night,” he says.
I run my finger around the rim of my glass. “No. But I noticed you had a captive audience.”
His brows rise. “Really?” I see the moment it registers. “Ohhh, you’re talking about Belle.”
I nod. “Something tells me you’ve got a bit of a fan there.”
“It’s not mutual.” The words seem rushed. “I mean. She’s a nice person, but she’s not my type.”
My breath catches. “Who is your type?”
Jackson seems to study me closely, and I’m not sure he knows how to answer at first. “The type who likes me taking the garbage out.”
I laugh out loud, and he grins.
“I’m sorry about last night,” he says.
I roll my eyes and can’t help smiling. “There’s nothing for you to apologize for. We had a good, quiet night. I think it was just what Molly needed.”
He nods. “How long have you known her?”
“We met in college.” I smile at the memory. “She was what we all aspired to be—smart and driven. We became close, and shared an apartment later on.”
“And then you started working together?”
I nod. “And we’ve worked together ever since. I did a few things around the company before I worked out what I wanted to do.”
“And now you’re the chief operating officer.”
After taking a sip of my drink, I grin. “I am.”
“You know, I looked you up on the Internet last night. I hope you don’t find it creepy.”
I run my tongue over my upper lip. “Should I?”
“No. Molly will vouch for me. I’m sure. But I wanted to know a little more about you. Not that it told me much.”
I laugh. “I’m a pretty private person. But I’m happy to tell you anything you want.”
He grins. “I want to know everything.”
“I’m not sure where to start.”
“How about your phone number?”
I smile.
“And I’d like to know when you’ll be back in town.”
At that, my heart sinks a little. I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but I know I’d like to see Jackson again. He’s far enough away that I can’t get involved, but interesting enough for a fling—maybe he’s perfect for me.
“I guess, from the look on your face, you aren’t planning another trip any time soon,” he says.
I shrug. “I hadn’t really thought about it. Molly’s here, but my job is in San Jose.”
He nods. “Are you planning to move when the new headquarters is built?”
“I haven’t made any plans yet. There’s still a lot of time and a ton of organizing to do between then and now.”
His lips curl into a lopsided smile. “That’s not a no.”
I grin again. I can’t help it with him. “You never give up, do you?”
Jackson shakes his head. “Not when I know what I want.”
And with that, he makes my head spin.
Because I want him too.
Two hours of banter later, and I know everything there is to know about Jackson.
Or at least, everything he’s chosen to tell me about himself.
By the time we finish talking about my family, his hand is on my knee. The heat of his skin scorches me through the thin fabric of my dress. What would it be like to have those hands all over me?
I close my eyes and breathe in the sweet evening air. We’re out in the garden, and there’s a very slight breeze.
&
nbsp; While I’ve seen next to nothing of the town, I’m already a little in love with Nettle Downs. The sky is full of stars that we just don’t see back home, and Molly’s house isn’t too far out of town, but she has no neighbors. We’re surrounded by empty space.
I shiver.
“Cold?” Jackson asks.
“Just a little chilly. It’s a lovely night.”
He slips out of his jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. I shake my head. “You don’t have to.”
“I’ll be fine. You have no sleeves.”
I laugh. “I guess you’re right.”
He plays his bottom lip between his teeth. “Wanna get out of here?”
I look around. The crowd has thinned right down. There are the caterers cleaning up, and Molly and Brad have long gone inside the house. I’m not in charge of anything. There’s nothing keeping me.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
He grins. “I thought we could go back to my place. Unless you want me to take you to the motel.”
“Your place sounds good.” I suck in a breath.
“I hoped it might.” His gaze is so heated, I think my insides just melted. “I really want to kiss you.”
I’m not sure if he can see me blush in the half-light, but my cheeks feel like they’re on fire. “I’d like that.”
“Want to go and see where tonight leads?”
I nod, and he sets his Coke down on a table beside us, taking my hand in his. It’s warm and engulfs mine. Everything about Jackson seems big.
I wonder . . .
I stare at him, glad that thought didn’t escape out loud.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“I’m good.”
He stands, and I stand along with him. My heart skips a beat as I think about what’s to come, and I’m glad that at least I’m wearing my good lingerie under my bridesmaid dress.
“Let’s go.” His grip is tight as he leads me through the yard and toward his car. I smile at the sight of an older Ford Mustang coupe. It’s such a Jackson-looking car.
When we reach it, he comes to a stop. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
I nod.
He turns me around so my back’s against the window and pins me against the car. “Last chance to change your mind.”
“I don’t want to change my mind.”
