Tori strolled through the building they called the atrium. It smelled liked cedar chips, moist dirt, and orchids. Her mind flew back to running down the pebbled path of the local indoor botanical gardens. The dining facility for the pre-wedding dinner was walled almost entirely in glass, affording a complete view of the sun melting into the sea as it set. Tori found it charming and romantic.

Based on Zee’s description of his sister, Meri, Tori had expected a stern, cold environment, a stale conference center of sorts, but this room was magical, with its hanging floral plants and unkempt vines.

Tori and Ethan found their name tags at one of the round tables nearest the ocean that seated ten guests.

“I’m starving,” Ethan whined, grabbing his stomach. “When can we eat?” He eyed the buffet-line of chaffing dishes against the far, glass wall.

“Soon, baby. We’re waiting for Annie and Paxton.” Tori scanned the room before grabbing the pre-set dinner roll on the upper side of her plate and handing it to Ethan. “Here, eat this.”

Ethan took a hearty bite, then opened his mouth mid-bite, almost losing his roll.

“Ethan, what in the world?” Tori said, following Ethan’s eyes to a drop-dead gorgeous woman.

Tori’s mind shot back to her days of modeling, when, at an international photo shoot, the top European model strode through the hall, causing all attention to snap in her direction—but this girl was more poised and elegant in her Valentino gown and Cartier necklace. Ethan had reason to drop his roll.

The stunning woman made eye contact with Tori and proceeded in their direction.

“You must be Tori and Ethan,” she said with a smile. “Your reputation preceeds you.”

“My reputation?” Tori questioned.

“When I was apprised of you dating my brother, I Googled you. Love your work.”

The jealousy Tori first felt upon seeing Meri transformed into admiration. Meri’s eyes were the same oceanic aquamarine as Zee’s, but they were set against a clear, pearly, feminine face, and black, straight hair.

“Meri, right?” Tori extended her hand. “So nice to meet you.”

“None of that,” Meri responded, pulling Tori in for a hug. “We need to talk business after the wedding. I’d like you to review the plans for my next hotel, and assist me with the interior design. This place is not decorated exactly as I would have liked.”

“Always business.” Zee sighed, coming to Tori’s side, and lightly skimming his hand on her lower back before resting it on her hip. A warm, squiggly bolt shot through her back at his touch.

“I know.” Meri shook her head. “I’m the big, bad, business woman.”

“I didn’t say that Meri, but we can relax for one evening.”

Tori could feel the tension growing between them. “I’d love to talk about it before I head out, Meri. Thank you.”

Meri nodded as she visibly took in a calming breath.

“You never told me how stunning your sister is,” Tori remarked. “You are radiant, Meri.”

This brought a bright smile to Meri’s face.

“I love that about you, Tori,” Zee said, taking a piece of her hair in his fingers. “You’re not intimidated by anyone. Most women cower and run when Meri comes around.”

Meri narrowed her eyes at Zee.

Tori cleared her throat. “That’s because, we as women, sometimes have a jealous, competitive, nature about us,” she said, calming the storm between Meri and Zee. “Meri shouldn’t be less of what she is merely to satisfy the insecure.”

Meri’s smile returned. “Thank you, Tori. I need to check on the food now.” She walked by Zee’s side, but spoke loud enough for Tori to hear. “If you don’t marry and worship her, you’re a complete idiot.” She turned to Tori and winked before sauntering in the direction of the kitchen.

“You need to stop teasing her,” Tori said firmly. “You’re not kids anymore.”

“You’re right. Why do I revert to the annoying big brother when she’s around? I don’t do that with Kai.”

Tori stared him down.

“Do I?”

“Annie told me that when you and Kai got together last, you wrestled him to the ground, rubbed his face in the sand, and told him he smelled like sea kelp.”

“Oh.” He looked up at the ceiling. “This…is why I need you by my side, Tori.” He took her hands in his. “You make me want to be a better person, a better brother, a better son, a better man…a better lover,” he whispered, pulling her in for a kiss. They exchanged a sweet, simple kiss. Any more than that would’ve prevented Tori from being able to hold an intelligent conversation.

“Ethan,” Zee said, grabbing Ethan by the shoulder. “You must be famished. Grab your plate and let’s hit the buffet.”

“Now, that’s what I’m talkin’ about,” Ethan said, sprinting in the direction of the food.

Annie and Meri stood in the corner, laughing. Tori was drawn in by their spiritedness. Her walk quickened when they waved her over.

“I want in,” Tori began. “What’s so funny?”

“Well,” Annie said. “I have a few cousins who showed up uninvited.”

“I was in a huff.” Meri nodded, “I’m a planner. But—”

“But,” Annie giggled, “then she realized that they were real cowboys; and cute ones ta boot.”

“I want one.” Meri sighed, motioning to three men, resting against a stone pillar. They sported cowboy hats, boots and big belt buckles.

“They’re the real McCoy,” Tori exclaimed. “Aren’t they?” Her gut twisted. Her husband had been the genuine article as well, growing up on a farm in Idaho. He dropped his spurs and cowboy hat to play football in college, but he was always a cowboy at heart.

“Hope living forever on the pages of my novels suits the two of you.” Annie whistled. “Because you’re both serious heroine material.”

Tori had mixed feelings about being a main character in a romance novel. “Just make me nice.”

“Nice, as in goody-two-shoes nice? Because that’s boring.”

“Like you can talk?” Meri bumped Annie with her hip. “You’re the most prudish one here.”

“Excuse me.” Annie snapped her fingers as she circled her hands in the air like a diva. “It’s vintage, not old; Victorian, not prudish.”

“As long as you own it.” Meri laughed. “And as long as you don’t judge others for not being as Victorian as you are.”

“Who’s judging?” Annie retorted. “I promise not to judge you for sinning differently than me, if you can promise me the same in return.”

Meri smiled. “You got it, sister. I’ve always wanted a sister!” she yelled, giving Annie a hearty embrace. “Or two,” she said, pulling Tori in for a group hug.

Tori warmed at their affection, but a pit formed in her stomach. She missed Gussie and Rambo’s scratchy tongue on her ankle.