CHARLEE

The bridal march begins and all eyes are trained on the doorway to the garden where Devyn and Riley are getting married. Most people gasp when the bride makes her first appearance but it’s the man escorting her down the aisle that makes my breath hitch. Don’t get me wrong, Devyn looks incredible, but Drew?

Oh. My. God.

I don’t think there’s anything hotter in existence than Drew Summers in a tux. Between you and me, I’ve always been more attracted to the blue collar guys. They’re real. I don’t want to be with someone who takes more time getting ready in the morning than I do—been there, done that. But there’s something to be said about a man in a tux. Especially this man. His crisp white dress shirt pops against the jet black coat. He still has that artfully tossed hair but you can tell that he took more care today. And he shaved! I don’t think I’ve ever seen him without at least some light stubble. Without the facial hair, he actually has an adorably boyish face, in a giant sexy man way, of course. When he smiles as Devyn takes his arm and begins her march down the aisle, his eyes become brighter than I’ve ever seen them. As he gets closer, I can see why. The alpha beast is on the verge of tears!

Ovaries.

Down.

Guys, allow me to impart some wisdom. Never, ever, be afraid to cry in front of a woman. I mean, don’t be a whiny bitch about everything, because nobody likes those, but in times like these? Times where emotions are strong? It’s sexy as all get out. It doesn’t make you less masculine; it makes you even more so. If you try hiding your feelings just for the sake of being manly, you’re really just being a douche.

The minister greets everyone and Drew says his part about giving Devyn away before taking his place beside his nephew and my brother. As Riley and Devyn recite their beautiful vows, Drew and I sneak glances at each other. I wonder if he’s thinking about our wedding vows like I am. Geez, that feels weird—talking about my wedding. Two weeks ago, I wasn’t even dating anyone and today, I’m married. And now that I actually remember everything that happened that night, I’m not surprised that the evening ended the way it did, if I’m being honest. But am I completely insane for saying that?

“Riley, you may kiss your bride,” the minister says.

My eyes get teary as the bride and groom kiss. When they’re done, Nathan bounces into his daddy’s arms and all three of them make their return down the aisle into the house. Brody waits for his cue from the minister before taking Rainey’s arm and following them. When it’s our turn, Drew squeezes my hand before looping my arm into his.

“Have I told you lately how beautiful you are?” he whispers.

I give him an obvious once-over. “You’re not so bad yourself in that tux.”

He latches onto my arm a little tighter. “That dress is giving me all the dirty thoughts.”

I chuckle. My dress is pretty conservative. Sure, the bodice is strapless and fitted, but the chiffon is flowy and down to my ankles.

“Clearly it doesn’t take much to give you all the dirty thoughts.”

“Not when the thoughts are about you.” He gives me a sly wink.

“You did really well with the whole giving away the bride thing.”

“Thanks.” Drew smiles fondly. “I can’t believe my baby sister is married.”

“Yeah, it’s a big commitment. But they seem really perfect for each other.”

He looks at me thoughtfully. “Yeah. Perfect.”

Our moment is cut off when we step into the house to join the rest of the bridal party. Drew pulls Devyn into a hug and swings her in a circle. He takes his nephew into his arms and gives Riley one of those manly back pats.

Brody walks over to me and pulls on one of my loose curls in that annoying way only a little brother can do. “You clean up well, Charlotte.”

I smack his chest with the back of my hand. “You too, B.”

He looks at Rainey. “I can’t wait until I get her down the aisle.” He nods to Devyn and Riley. “You ever think about it? Wanting that for yourself? Marriage, kids, the whole package.”

“Whoa, that’s awfully deep for you.” Much easier to tease him than getting into that conversation.

He pulls Rainey into his arms when she joins us. “I’m a changed man.”

She looks between us. “Why do you guys look so serious right now?”

“I was just telling Charlee how I can’t wait to marry you,” he tells her.

She grabs his hand and smiles. “We’re needed for pictures.”

I’m starting to feel like a big, fat third wheel so I excuse myself and go ahead of them to the photographer. Of course Drew and I have to be grouped together in almost every photo. He keeps lightly brushing against me or whispering things into my ear. Nothing too obvious, but it’s distracting as hell. I can’t be in the same room with him without wanting to touch him. He seems to have the same problem which is making this situation more dangerous by the minute. I can sense a giant explosion coming, yet as his fingers brush against mine once again, I can’t find the will to care.