Tart

by Lauren Dane

  She patted her hair. “I know. I’m getting dolled up later. Raven is doing everyone’s makeup. She told me exactly when to show up. I’m better with concrete details.”

  Gideon rolled his eyes. “I was just thinking how beautiful you looked right now with no makeup and a messy knot in your hair. Also, we’re aware of how much you like concrete details.”

  “Oh. Well. Thank you.” She blushed and he liked that. He liked the way her face had totally lit when she’d turned to see him standing there in her doorway. Every time that happened he felt as if he were ten feet tall. No one made him feel so fearless and in charge as Jules did. Just by looking at him.

  “How was the boys’ night last night?”

  The coffee arrived and she gave the server her order as she poured coffee for each of them.

  “I drank too much.” Cal sipped his coffee. “Miles and Alexander were there so of course it was mellow until they went to bed. And then we somehow got involved in an epic quarters game and there were shots. I don’t think I’ve had this much to drink since I was in law school.”

  She kissed his temple. “Sorry. Were there strippers?”

  Gideon snorted. “No. That would have interrupted the quarters game. Really, there was drinking and laughing. Smoking cigars. Sharing stories. Nothing wild about any of it.”

  Cal popped some pain reliever. “I think we’re all getting too old for it. Though we did talk about all our pretty ladies.”

  “Well, that’s good. We talked about you guys too.” The way she blushed made Gideon wonder just what it was they said.

  “I’ve only woken up next to you twice this last week. This is not a trend I like.” Gideon frowned as he salted the hash browns on the plate of food that had just been delivered.

  Jules slathered jam on her toast. “It seems like so much in my life has been focused on this wedding and now it’s finally here. Gillian is so happy. God, it thrills me to see her this way. She and Adrian are so opposite on the outside and yet they’re perfect for each other. And Miles is such a great kid, I’m happy for him too.”

  Cal grabbed the hot sauce for his eggs. “It’s hard to share him. I remember at first, when I met Adrian, I was like, dude, back off, that’s our Miles! Can’t deny the kid is thriving through.”

  Gideon knew Jules was a little hurt that Miles was staying with Erin while Adrian and Gillian were on their honeymoon. Oh sure, she understood Miles was Erin’s nephew and he loved his aunt. But she’d been his aunt longer. She’d never say any of it out loud though.

  “Do you want kids?” He hadn’t meant to ask it out loud. Not yet anyway.

  Her head came up. “That’s a random question.”

  “Not really.” Just because he hadn’t meant to ask didn’t mean he wasn’t interested in her answer.

  She held his gaze several moments before answering. “Yes. I do.”

  “Okay, good. Cal?”

  “What’s not to like? I don’t have to do anything but have lots of sex. She does all the grunt work like gestating and breastfeeding.”

  Her brows rose slowly. “I’d most assuredly expect you two to change diapers.”

  Gideon smiled, imagining her pregnant with their baby. Oh yes, he knew it would be complicated. He’d actually had a discussion the night before with Ben about it.

  Ben was a good guy and they’d struck up a friendship. It was a bonus having Ben as a sort of resource for what they were all doing. So they’d been drinking beer out on the back deck of the house and he’d just asked.

  “Can I ask you something? About your relationship I mean.”

  Ben leaned back and nodded. “Yeah, of course.”

  “I know it’s doable to have the three of us living together. The farmhouse has plenty of room. We love each other and have a supportive group around us. But . . . well, I’d like to have kids. How do you work it out?”

  “Well, I think you know the nuts and bolts of how we made Alexander work out.” Ben laughed. “But we talked a lot about it before we made the decision to go forward. We decided not to put any emphasis on which of us was the biological father. I mean should anything happen health-wise and we need to know, we can find out easily enough. But for us, it was important that Alexander be our baby.”

  “Fair enough. It makes sense.”

  “It’s easy now. He’s not old enough to be around kids outside the family. No one is going to make fun of him. We don’t have to explain much to him. Later on it’ll be something we have to work on as we go. The path we’re on.” He tipped his beer at Gideon. “The path you’re on too, it’s complicated. Most of the time no one gives a shit that you have a man and a woman in your life. This is a group of artists and funky people. What we both have isn’t usual, but we’re surrounded by people who only care that we’re good to each other. But sometimes out there in the world you’ll go on your way and suddenly get slapped in the face with it. Someone will take issue with you holding hands with both of them. We’ve gotten grief for sitting together at the movies and me having both my arms on the backs of Todd’s and Erin’s seats.”

  “And sometimes it’s your family who disappoint you most.” Gideon thought of Jules’s brother.

  Ben snorted. “Tell me about it. My father doesn’t speak to me. He’s never even held Alexander. Some of Todd’s siblings don’t speak to him. What you have freaks some people out and it makes them react horribly. I don’t know that I’ll ever have a relationship with my father again and we were close before.”

  “I’m sorry, man. That’s fucked up. What grandparent doesn’t want to be around their grandchildren? I don’t understand it. It’s none of anyone else’s business. If they don’t want to be in a triad, they don’t have to. Why does what we do matter if they’re not involved?”

  “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. I’m old enough to have broken a few hearts by being careless. But being a father is the best thing I’ve ever done. Sharing this amazing experience with the two people I love most is, well, I’ve never had a moment of regret. That’s my boy. I get to watch him grow up. I can’t imagine ever walking away from him. But my father did. And Jules’s brother did. Sometimes love can’t overcome fear. But it’s not that way in my house.”

  Gideon’s stomach clenched a little. He wanted that too. Had wanted it with Alana, but it was a good thing they never did. But Jules was a whole different story.

  Jules and Cal were a whole different story.

  First things first. They needed to settle in and work on their relationship for a while. He knew she was busy with her business just then and he was building the farm up to enter a new era. There was time.

  23

  Jules stepped back to look Gillian up and down. “You’re gorgeous. Oh my god.” The emotion swept through her and she found herself fighting tears.

  Gillian’s eyes widened. “Don’t you cry! I can’t take it if you do. I’ll cry too and my makeup will smudge.”

  “Don’t ruin my work!” Raven called out as she put the finishing touches on Erin’s face.

  Gillian’s dress was a gift from all her friends. Much like its wearer, it was classically beautiful. Elegant. Spaghetti straps with a lovely bit of beading on the bodice. The material seemed to float around her as she moved. A chapel-length train so nothing too hard to manage. And in a nod to her place in life, instead of white, she went with a pale green instead.

  Her long, dark hair had been pinned up with roses tucked at the back. Instead of a bouquet, she’d opted for a single rose.

  “I look all right then?”

  Jules nodded. “Gillian, I’ve never seen you more beautiful. Adrian’s socks will be knocked off.”

  Gillian smiled. “This dress makes me feel like a fairy princess.”

  “You totally are.”

  The day that’d started off perfect had continued that way. Jules really couldn’t have asked for a better one for Gillian. There was a breeze and the sun had been out all day so it was still plenty warm without being too hot. The
water glittered off in the distance. Music drifted up the stairs from the front lawn where the ceremony would be held.

  Jules took a deep breath. “Are you ready? I’ll go tell everyone if you are.”

  “Oh my god, what if I’m the most horrible wife ever? All these women who throw themselves at him. They’re all so young and pretty.”

  Jules cocked her head and grabbed the panic attack by the throat and tossed it away in the only way she knew Gillian would respond to. “Sucks to be an old hag like you. Buck up, sister, it’s time to get your wedding on. I’ll be right back.” She kissed her cheek and headed out to let them know Gillian was ready.

  Cal stood leaning near the doors leading outside and perked up when he caught sight of her. “Looking mighty fine there, Miz Lamprey.”

  And she did. Her dress was deep green and it played against her hair and skin perfectly. It showcased a body he knew intimately. Her makeup was glamorous, with smoky eyelids and lush lips.

  “Flattery will get you all sorts of places.” She smoothed down the front of his suit. “Cripes, you’re handsome.”

  “I like it when you pet me like this. We should play wayward rogue and stern governess later.”

  She laughed and he stole a quick kiss.

  “You’re very good at that. You didn’t even smudge my lipstick. Gillian is all ready. Can you find Brody and let him know?”

  He pushed to stand straight. “You got it.”

  “I’m off to find Miles. I’ll see you in a bit.” She paused. “I love you, Calvin.”

  Touched, he had to force himself not to haul her close for a real kiss but he resisted, not wanting to muck up her lips. Later he’d muck up more than her mouth with great enthusiasm.

  “I love you too.”

  He heard her call Miles’s name and his answer as Cal headed off to find Brody.

  As Brody Brown, Adrian’s brother, was so tall and broad shouldered, it was easy enough to locate him in a crowd.

  “Jules just came down to let me know it’s a go. She’s got Miles too.” Miles was walking his mother down the aisle.

  Brody grinned. “Bet those ladies are looking fine.”

  Cal nodded. “I only saw Jules, but if they’re wearing dresses like hers, it’s going to be a nice evening.”

  Brody laughed. “Give me a few minutes. I’ve got to collect Adrian and get everyone on their marks.”

  Cal nodded and got himself seated. The wedding was small, which he knew Gillian wanted. There couldn’t have been more than fifty people there, which meant he knew most everyone.

  There was that dude who’d been at the engagement party. The one who’d been staring at his sister, most likely imagining her naked. Which Cal did not approve of. He gave the guy another look to underline that.

  Instead the guy smiled and made his way over. “I’m Damien. You’re with Gillian’s friend Jules, right?”

  Cal shook the guy’s hand, not wanting to be rude to one of Adrian’s friends. “Cal Whaley. And yes, Jules is with me.” He looked around and caught sight of Gideon, waving him over. “Him too.”

  Damien turned and then looked back to Cal with one brow raised. “You too, huh? I knew about Erin. Well, more power to you. Oh and you’re Mary’s brother, aren’t you?”

  Gideon came to sit on Cal’s other side and Cal had to admit he liked the way Gideon got close enough to make it clear he was taken.

  “I’m Damien.” He held a hand out and Gideon took it.

  “Gideon.”

  The music came up and everyone got to their seats. Cal remained half turned in his seat, not wanting to miss any entrances.

  A full string ensemble played the wedding party in. They were all musicians Gillian knew. Rennie, Adrian’s niece, tossed flower petals as she walked down the aisle first. Alexander followed behind, picking the petals up and shoving them in a pocket. He had a ring pillow he clutched to his body tight as he motored his way toward the front where Adrian had knelt to get his attention. He ran full tilt the last few feet and jumped into his uncle’s arms. Adrian kissed his cheeks and set him down. Rennie then kissed her uncle and took Alexander’s hand as they moved into place.

  Because of the size of their group of friends, all the bridesmaids came out first. Cal surely did note that Damien seemed very interested in his sister when she walked past.

  And then the groomsmen looking very dapper in their tuxedos. At last Brody came out with Jules.

  “Damn, our woman is fine,” Gideon said in his ear.

  Cal agreed.

  Miles walked his mother down the aisle and Cal could remember back to the days when the kid was only just walking and talking. He was growing into a good man and it was pretty much all down to what an amazing mother he had. Though Adrian had jumped right in when he’d learned of Miles’s existence.

  Adrian hugged his son, taking his face in his hands. “Love you, kid. Thanks for giving your mum away.”

  “Love you too, Dad. Don’t break her.”

  Gillian hugged her son, who then went to stand next to Brody.

  The ceremony was short, with vows the couple had written themselves. Cal caught sight of Jules dabbing her eyes discreetly a few times.

  The minister held her hands up. “I’d like to introduce you all to Gillian and Adrian Brown.”

  A cheer went up as Gillian and Adrian faced the crowd, holding hands, grinning like lovesick fools.

  Damn, Cal wanted forever with Jules so much it made him ache with it. She locked her gaze with him, a smile on her mouth. She wanted it too, he could see it in her face.

  Adrian indicated everyone settle down so they did. “Right around the corner here we’ve got some cocktails and food waiting. Please help yourselves. Thank you all for coming!”

  He led his new wife down the aisle as everyone followed.

  “I’m going to go check on Jules. I saw her head to the left so I know she’s going to check on the cake,” Gideon said.

  “Good idea. I’ll save you and her a seat inside.”

  Gideon kissed him quickly. “Thank you, baby.”

  Miles rocketed over to him, a big grin on his face. “Cal!”

  Cal couldn’t help but grin right back. “Miles! Do you feel any different?”

  “Nah, not really. I like this house though. Did you see it all?”

  “Your mum gave me a tour a few days ago. You’ve got an awesome room.”

  “And a boat.”

  “Can’t forget the boat.” They walked toward the reception tent.

  “I know Jules won’t go out on it. I did tell Mum to be sure she had enough life jackets just in case Jules came along. I’d wear one too, you know, to make her feel better.”

  “Don’t tell her that story today or she’ll get tears and stuff all over you.”

  “Oh, good idea. Mum cried on me already. Did you know Damien Hurley was here? He’s one of Dad’s friends from the old days back in Hollywood. He did all the drum work in the studio for Dad’s new CD.”

  If Adrian had the guy around his kid, chances were he wasn’t a total deviant drug addict or anything.

  Still, Cal watched as the guy sidled up to his sister and began to talk to her. Mary’s face lit as she laughed at whatever he’d said.

  But then he saw Jules. Watched Gideon take her hands to his mouth and kiss them. She wore a bemused, sweet expression as he did it.

  “Let’s go get some grub on, Miles.” He squeezed Miles’s shoulder and they picked up the pace.

  • • •

  The entire day had simply evaporated as she moved through it. Jules had loved every moment of it, from Gillian’s gorgeous dress to the informal reception where everyone from schoolteachers to rock stars mixed and mingled, drinking champagne and eating too much.

  The cake had been a huge hit and she’d actually given out more than a few business cards to people who wanted her to bake for holiday events and parties. It hadn’t been something she’d really thought about, but she’d run some numbers that next week to see
if it was viable.

  The DJ had been great, but he’d gotten off stage and a whole bunch of activity took place as the stage was set for a band. Gillian didn’t know about the song yet so Jules couldn’t wait to see her reaction.

  Adrian tapped the mic a few times. “Hey, everyone, if I could have your attention.”

  Cal and Gideon approached, bracketing her on either side and she snuggled back, putting an arm around each man’s waist as they watched.

  “Gillian and I are really thrilled we could share this day with you. Each and every one of you is important to us. Some people though, well, they get a special nod. Brody, my big brother who raised me. Thank you for all the advice. You’ve been there for me more times than I can count. I only hope I can be half the father you are. My sister Erin, who taught me my first guitar chords way back when. Thank you for driving over here to see Gillian that first day and thank you for coming to my house to tell me I had a son. My son Miles, who teaches me just how old and slow I am, thanks for being patient with all my mistakes. I love you more than I ever imagined was possible. Even if you are a bass player.”

  There was laughter as Adrian teased his son and sister at the same time.

  He turned to Gillian, who said, “No, don’t. You’ll make me cry.”

  “You’re supposed to, English. My English. Man, when I think about how I nearly messed it all up and sent you screaming the other way.” He shook his head. “You are my everything. My partner in life and the other half of my heart. I love you. Thank you for loving me back and giving me a safe place to be. I have something for you. A little ditty I’ve been working on for a while. It’ll be on the new CD; no one’s heard it yet but those of us who were in the studio.”

  Erin got up onstage, along with Miles and Damien Hurley, and the song started. It was slow, with a wending, winding bass line. Erin, even in formal wear, rocked it, her head going forward and a spill of hair covered part of her face. Adrian held the mic in one hand, clearly used to being on stage, but he never took his eyes from Gillian as he sang to her about finding love you never knew you needed. About being whole and happy. About her and the love she brought to him.