by Olivia Burke
Rosie shrugged, but Jill could hear her voice tighten. “Oh, you know, they’re staying far enough away to keep me from slapping them with a restraining order.”
“That bad, huh?” Jill frowned with sympathy.
“We’ve done everything in our power to keep the wedding day intimate, you know?” Rosie said, heaving a sigh. “Every outlet in the world is nagging us for wedding details, from my dress and flowers to the entertainment and guest list.”
“It’s a good thing you kept it as small as you could,” she offered.
“Yes, but thanks to our careers – Jack’s more so than mine, obviously – a few of our good friends have very big names. It’s not their fault, but that unfortunately draws attention.”
Jill nodded. Rosie had said as much at the bridal shower when giving the girls an update. The engaged couple had found paparazzi everywhere from the car wash to skulking near their property. Scarlett had mostly only nodded sympathetically, familiar with the media’s bold moves, but Jill and Courtney had been horrified.
Jill had always found her brother’s career admirable, but the circus that came with it would never be for her. Those stories only sealed the deal for her. She might work and live in the middle of nowhere, Kansas, but at least she didn’t have to deal with that insanity everyday.
No, thank you.
“They’re calling it the ‘Wedding of the Year,’” Rosie added. For the first time, Jill detected a hint of bitterness in her voice. “It’s pulling tourists into town.”
Jill’s heart went out to her and she tried to look on the bright side. “Then at least you’re helping Crystal Springs with tourism revenue. Heads in beds and all that.”
Rosie laughed, and Jill joined her, glad she could break any lingering negative thought.
“How do you do that?” Rosie asked.
“Do what?”
“Always see the bright side in things.” Rosie shot her an admiring look. “You’ve been that way ever since I met you, but Jack says you’ve been like that your whole life, always seeing the positive.”
“You do, too,” Jill tried, but her friend shook her head and cut her off.
“Not like you.”
Jill waved her off as a blush crept up her cheeks, and she changed the subject. “You guys are leaving straight from the wedding venue, right?”
Rosie nodded. “Two weeks in Hawaii, here we come. I’ve always wanted to go.”
“Me too.”
“I can’t wait for the honeymoon,” Rosie said, clapping her hands together in delight. “It’s been at least three years since my last vacation. And that was to some cabin out in the middle of nowhere with Poppy and Robbie and Dad, so you can only imagine how that went.”
Jill snorted. “Not well, I take it.”
“No, but this time, it’s just me and Jack and a bunch of alone time on a private beach.” A dreamy look grew on Rosie’s face.
Jill quickly put a hand up. “Unless you’re about to start talking about the food or the volcano hikes next, I don’t wanna know.”
At that, Rosie burst out laughing, taking a minute to compose herself. She wiped her eyes. “Okay, okay, sorry. I can’t help myself. I still have to pinch myself sometimes, you know.”
Jill grinned. “In any case, I’m sure it’ll be one of the best vacations of your life.”
“Absolutely. And I could use it; we’ve both been working nonstop practically since we met. I need the mental break.”
“I completely understand.” More than she wanted to admit to herself, actually.
“Say, when’s the last time you took some time for yourself?” Rosie asked, raising an eyebrow and shooting her a knowing look. “I’m guessing not since college.”
Jill rolled her eyes. “You sound like my boss. You know he’s got a bet on how many vacation days I can accumulate before I finally use them?”
“Why haven’t you?” Rosie asked. “I mean, you talk about how boring it is there, but you’re always working.”
Jill shrugged. “I mean, I’d love a break, but the other girls need the time off more than I do; Donna’s always got stuff going on with her kids, and Patty had to handle everything when her mom got sick and passed away.”
“You need self-care, sister.”
Jill couldn’t remember the last time she’d done anything for herself that wasn’t somehow job-related. Forget a fancy spa day, when was the last time she’d done something as simple as go to see a movie? Probably not since her brother’s superhero sequel, and that’d only been because of Colt James. Ignoring the flutter of excitement at seeing him in person soon, she heaved a sigh.
“Okay, okay, maybe you’re not wrong.” Jill swept her long hair up into a ponytail. “I’ve been having one of those creeping suspicions that I need to make some kind of move soon, or next thing I know, I’ll be eighty and still working at that office.”
“I have an idea!” Rosie said, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Why don’t you stay at our house while we’re honeymooning?”
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly–”
“Why not? You just said you have a ton of vacation time and you’re completely burned out, that sounds like the perfect time for a little soul searching. I’ll make a list of stuff you can do, like hiking or the museum, and everything!”
Rosie bounced on the balls of her feet, ever the pink-haired pixie of enthusiasm and giddiness. Jill couldn’t help but giggle, her future sister-in-law’s attitude contagious.
“Okay, I could probably swing a week,” Jill said, hardly believing it. “I’m glad I brought plenty of clothes.”
“Two,” Rosie insisted. “And you’re welcome to anything in my closet.”
Jill eventually relented, unable to believe she’d even consider such a plan. But Rosie was right; she’d earned some time for herself, and this was a cheap solution. She could figure out the plan later – along with the inevitable guilt that came with it.
Colt pulled his rental car into the wedding venue’s parking lot, checking his watch as he hustled to the rehearsal dinner. Gravel crunched beneath his feet as he strode across the path, scanning for the entrance.
“Shoot,” said a frustrated female voice.
Colt looked over to see a young woman, her back to him, as she struggled to shut her SUV’s back door while carrying three layers of stacked white boxes.
Colt hurried over to pull the handle down for her. “Here, let me.”
“Oh,” she said, stepping back slightly so he could shut the car door. She peeked at him from over the boxes in her arms.
“Thanks,” she said, smiling brightly at him. The sunlight caught in her sapphire blue eyes, capturing him. Golden waves spilled across her shoulders, complemented by her sunshine yellow cardigan over a dress that nearly matched her eyes.
Colt briefly forgot how to speak, too busy taken in by her beauty. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so dumbstruck – maybe never.
“I, uh, I can help with those, too,” he offered, taking the boxes from her arms.
She sighed with relief, shaking out her arms a little. “Thank you. At least we don’t have to go far.”
The blond woman readjusted the purse strap on her shoulder before she headed towards the venue, leading the way. Sun shone on her shiny hair, her lithe figure never breaking stride. She walked with her head held high and Colt found himself wondering who on earth she was - for some reason, she seemed familiar, but he couldn’t place her. At least there’s no way she’s one of Jack’s exes.
He made conversation if only to try and distract himself from staring at her backside. “So, are you only here to deliver cupcakes or are you part of the guest list, too?”
He couldn’t be sure, but thought she gave him a sideways glance. “Um, guest list.”
“Me too,” he said. “Bride or groom?”
Her lips quirked. “Groom, if I had to pick.”
“Hey, me too.” He was beginning to think it might’ve been his lucky day, running in
to her at, of all places, his best friend’s wedding. “I’m Colton James.”
She laughed, though Colt wasn’t quite sure about what. “Oh, I know who you are.”
That phrase was still a little odd to hear even after all these years in the industry, but Colt brightened and played it off with his go-to I know who you are joke. “You must’ve seen Jack’s movies, then.”
“Something like that.” She raised an eyebrow, humor still playing at the corners of her mouth. “I’ve seen all of yours, too, for the record.”
He grinned widely at her. “I hope you weren’t too bored.”
“Hey, even if a couple of the scripts weren’t the greatest, there was always plenty of eye candy.” Those gold waves swung over her shoulder again as she shot a grin back at him. “Here, let me get this for you.”
Colt’s eyebrows shot up as she moved to the gate door and swung it open. Is she flirting with me? He didn’t mind a bit – in fact, the weekend was most definitely looking up.
They entered the yard together, at the back of the venue that would also play host to the wedding weekend. Colt admired the pretty location, with fairy lights strung up around the tent and a long, family-style table in the center. A few people milled around, sipping drinks or admiring the wedding decor Rosie had already set up, like the childhood photos of her and Jack.
“You can put those there, I think,” the woman said, pointing to a side table with white linen cloth and several empty plates.
He did as instructed, and his new friend opened the boxes and organized a few cupcakes on each plate. He followed her lead, placing a few haphazardly on the china, unable to take his eyes off her. At some point – possibly around the time his gaze had lowered to her long legs – she saw his handiwork and giggled.
“Not to pick on your cupcake arranging skills, but I’m just going to help you out here…”
She rearranged a few so that the colors were evenly distributed and the icing wouldn’t get smushed. When she’d finished, she stepped back to look at her work and nodded with satisfaction.
“You’re right, your work is way better than mine,” he said with a chuckle, offering his hand. “So, I didn’t catch your name.”
“About that…”
Her almost expectant look made him pause. The nagging feeling persisted, and suddenly he felt sure he knew her somehow. Right as he opened his mouth to speak, a heavy weight fell on Colt’s shoulders: Jack, swinging his arms around him and the young woman.
“Hey, I see you two got reacquainted already!” Jack said enthusiastically.
“We did?” Colt asked dumbly.
“Two of my favorite people, after Rosie, of course,” Jack continued with an exaggerated wink. “My sister and my best friend, our whole family in a room together! Man, this is hitting me harder than I expected. Excuse me, I need to go say hello–hi, thanks for coming!”
His sister. The words repeated themselves over and over in Colt’s head, and he was sure he couldn’t hide his horrified expression. I almost hit on Jack’s little sister.
It must’ve shown all over his face; Jack, who had already moved on to the next family member, didn’t see, but Jill sure did. She looked as if she struggled not to burst into laughter, probably at Colt’s stupidity.
“Sister, huh?”
“That’s right.”
“And you didn’t want to share because…?”
She shrugged, blue eyes still twinkling with amusement. “What fun would that be?”
“Jack’s told me all about your pranks,” Colt said, chuckling, “but I didn’t know I’d also be a victim.”
“I couldn’t pass on the opportunity, especially when I’m pretty sure you were flirting with me.” She quirked an eyebrow, clearly teasing him.
Lord help him, he was downright tongue-tied. He rubbed the back of his neck; he’d be more embarrassed if he weren’t so into her daring personality. Before he could answer, however, Rosie skipped up to them with a huge smile.
“Hey Colt,” she said, greeting him with a big hug. “Can I borrow Jill for a second?”
“Don’t you know the bride gets anything she wants on her wedding weekend?” Colt said, making her laugh.
“It was nice to see you again,” Jill said to him in a low voice. She allowed Rosie to pull her away, though kept eye contact for a few beats longer. “Maybe we’ll catch up later.”
“I hope so,” he said without thinking.
Jill’s smile made his foot-in-mouth syndrome worth it. He’d act like a total idiot for the rest of the weekend if it got her to smile at him like that.
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind when another, sterner voice berated him. Jack’s sister, remember?
It was like a bucket of cold water dumped over his head. On the one hand, Colt couldn’t believe he hadn’t put it together as soon as he saw her. But after a second, longer look that Colt had to force himself to break away from, he had to chuckle. There was no way he’d have put it together after meeting her once a decade ago.
Gone were her braces and gawky limbs, replaced by beautiful, straight teeth and toned, tanned muscles. She had an athlete’s body, with curves in all the right places, and those eyes! But really, it was her easy attitude and big smile that drew him in, and now he felt like a grade-A jerk for not remembering her. And for nearly hitting on her, he added quickly, not wanting to forget that part.
He shuddered at the thought of Jack’s reaction to the idea. Jack’s one request, after all, had been to keep Sam and his friends from hitting on her. Colt would just have to mind his manners and resist the urge to get too close to her. No matter how much she smiles at me.
Colt didn’t like the way he immediately wanted to throw that rule out the window.
Jill had replayed the previous night’s interaction with Colt at least a thousand times. She still couldn’t really believe it. After all these years, she’d somehow accidentally caught his eye.
She’d crushed on him, hard, ever since they first met almost a decade ago. But she’d been an awkward teenager then – her mom always called Jill a “late bloomer” – and seeing him in person again after all these years … she was sure she’d never forget it.
Especially the flirting part. Jill had almost hated to reveal her identity to him, knowing that it would be the end of any real chance she had when he remembered her. His sexy smirk and the way he’d smiled at her, at least when she’d been a stranger, was better than every daydream she’d ever had. The spark had been undeniable, and she’d probably spend the next year replaying those moments between them again and again.
Jill’s dreamy reminiscing had to be put on pause as everyone prepared for Rosie and Jack’s wedding day. The morning flew by as Jill helped with last-minute tasks, and giggled through brunch with the girls as Poppy and Martha shared their own wedding stories. Scarlett arrived just in time, hugging and kissing the girls as they finished their hair and makeup.
The photographer took charge as she made them sit together in their matching monogrammed robes, a bridesmaids’ gift from Rosie. She instructed them this way and that, camera clicking like crazy the entire time. She paused long enough for the bridesmaids to slip their dresses on, jumping back in when it was time for Rosie to put on her wedding gown.
Poppy helped with the dress while the other girls took turns with the shoes and jewelry. Rosie took photos with each of them, her smile never wavering. Her dress was beautiful, with a scalloped neckline and lace that added to the femininity.
“I sure wish your mother was here,” Poppy murmured to Rosie as they hugged each other.
“Me too,” Rosie whispered. She touched the necklace that settled in the hollow of her throat, her “something old” from her mother’s jewelry box. “But she’s with us today, I just know it.”
Scarlett passed out a few tissues, snagging her own to dab away a few tears. “You’re a gorgeous bride, Rosie girl.”
After her photos, Jill stepped back for a moment to double-check her hair and m
akeup. She smoothed down the long dress, admiring the way it showed her curves without baring too much. The color – rose gold, of course – went well with her skin tone, not quite as tan as Scarlett’s. The silky fabric was soft on her skin, and it swished around her ankles. I feel like someone else. The thought made her oddly excited for the rest of her stay in Crystal Springs.
Poppy came over to reapply her lipstick, nodding in approval at Jill. “You look like a movie star yourself, sugar.”
Jill smiled at the older woman. “Thanks, Poppy.”
“I can tell you feel good in it.” Despite being several inches shorter, she patted Jill’s upper forearm without problem. “Always wear what you feel good in.”
“You must wear that outfit everyday then,” Jill said, winking at her.
Poppy looked down at her gold dress, patting a few of the sequins. “I should, shouldn’t I?”
Rosie’s wedding planner, a tall redhead named Victoria Stone, came into the bridal suite. “Rosie, it’s time.”
Courtney elbowed the bride. “Are you nervous?”
Rosie shook her head, already taking a few steps to the door. “Not even a little bit.”
The girls exchanged an amused look and Scarlett shrugged. “I think she was more nervous for the Oscars.”
Courtney laughed and picked up the end of Rosie’s dress as they made their way to the ceremony walkway. Before Jill knew it, Victoria was ushering her forward, signaling the start of Jack and Rosie’s wedding.
As Jill walked down the aisle, she grinned at her brother, who winked at her. Colt stood beside him, more handsome than she’d ever seen him in the movies. When their eyes met, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and Jill, unable to look away, felt a stirring somewhere deep in her chest. He didn’t look away, his expression unreadable. For the wildest split-second, she wished she were meeting him at the end of the aisle.
She hated to break eye contact, but took her place with Scarlett and Courtney as Rosie entered the room. The crescendo swelled as the room stood to look at her, and Jill watched her big brother’s face as his almost-wife walked towards him.
His grin might crack his entire face in two. Jill couldn’t help the wave of emotion that came over her at realizing Jack was about to be a married man, and starting his own family soon.
