Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
“What’s that smile about, Callie?”
I shake my head, rousing from my daydream. “Oh, nothing.”
But her eyes are fixed on me, reading what I’m not saying. “Did you get with Max?”
There’s no stopping my smile. Not now.
“You did! I’m so glad!” She gives me a quick hug and then pulls back to look at me again. “Was it good? You don’t have to answer that. I can tell from your face, you lucky girl!”
“I’ll tell you about it after the wedding. Now isn’t the time. This is your day.”
“I’m glad you told me this much, though, because it makes me really happy. And Max is a million times better than Rick.”
That’s for sure, though if I use her math and add in Miles, it’s two million times better. I can’t wait until Sadie finds out Max has a twin.
CHAPTER 52
CALLIE
All of Sadie’s doubts appear to be gone when she walks down the aisle, and the love in her eyes when she looks at Adam is only rivaled by what’s in his eyes as he looks back at her.
Every detail is perfect—the setting, the flowers, the music, everything—and Sadie is right, Mom’s aggressive attention to detail seems to have been worth it.
I hope Mom is enjoying it too, but she’s currently crying—tears of joy, no doubt, and maybe relief that it’s all finally happening.
Max is several rows back from Mom. At least, I think it’s Max. It’s hard to know with absolute certainty from a distance. He’s not too far away for me to see how handsome he is, though.
Adam is reciting his vows, and the “to have and to hold” line brings up memories of being in the men’s arms last night. I felt so safe and secure when they held me, like I was exactly where I was meant to be. And then there was the way they held me in the shower this morning … each of them supporting one of my legs, pinning me between them … hands and mouths everywhere …
The heat of my cheeks pulls me back into the present moment, and just in time. Sadie is starting her vows, she and Adam exchange rings, and then they are pronounced husband and wife. After they kiss, Sadie turns to me and I hand back her bouquet, offering congratulations. My sister’s smile is like the sun, and I couldn’t be happier for her.
CHAPTER 53
MAX
Callie is radiant as she comes back down the aisle next to Adam’s best man. She glances from side to side, and offers smiles to everyone, but the look she gives me is special.
Everything about her is special.
But I can’t get too caught up in those thoughts right now.
There’s a receiving line at the back of the room headed by Ms. Baker, who appears marginally less stressed than she’s been the past couple of days. “Max, how lovely to see you. How are you?”
I make the obligatory small talk and thank her for having me here, but my focus is divided, because the groom’s father is standing right next to her. When it comes time to shake his hand, I’m filled with disgust, but also excitement at the knowledge that we’ll eventually bust him, hopefully sooner than later.
Unfortunately, there’s a gap in the line behind me, so Ms. Baker watches as I greet Hargrove, which isn’t ideal, but with some misdirection, I manage to achieve my objective. Fingers crossed that he keeps the same suit jacket on for the rest of the evening.
I give the man a nod, keeping our interaction as bland and unremarkable as it should be for the boyfriend of the maid of honor meeting the groom’s dad.
There’s a bridesmaid and groomsman in line next, then finally, Callie, giving me that look again. “I thought that was you, Max,” she says.
“Who else would it be?” The two of us laugh with our eyes as I lean in to kiss her cheek and inhale her sweet scent.
“We’ll be taking photos for a while after this.”
“No problem. I’ll keep myself busy and then I’ll see you at the reception.”
“See you there.” Her eyes follow me as I move on to greet the best man, then the bride and groom.
I wish the newlyweds well, and mean it with a sincerity they’ll never know. If things go well for me, things won’t be easy for them, at least for the short term.
With all of that done, I hurry back to our room, the one only Miles and I know about.
“Good job,” my brother says after I let myself in. “It’s working perfectly.”
He’s wearing headphones, already listening in, so I just nod. That’s a relief, though tonight should offer more opportunities if needed.
After a few minutes, he sets the headphones down. “They’re with the photographer.” When I nod again, he says, “We’ve got solid confirmation on the new supplier. I called for backup.”