Family
“I could just strangle him if I weren’t so happy for them,” Mom says as she fusses with her pearl necklace.
We managed to get everything and everyone together and to the chapel in The Aria, and now we’re just waiting for the happy couple to show up.
“Mom, relax. We’re here now, and Noah had better at least pretend he’s happy to see us,” Diane says as she ties the bow on Saylor’s dress for the third time.
“Of course he’s going to be happy, Mommy. Uncle Noah loves us.”
Jesus, this little girl has a heart of gold. I swoop her into my arms, spin her around, and kiss her cheek. “You’re right, Saylor. Uncle Noah is going to be very happy.”
Maybe if I keep telling myself that instead of wondering if it’s best to stop the wedding, I’ll be better off. Mom isn’t the only one who wants to strangle Noah. No one was happy to hear about the failed elopement.
Mel is lucky she came to her senses or she never would have lived this down. After putting Saylor back on the floor, I step off to the side with the guys.
Jordan moves next to me and leans close. “You doing okay?”
“I’m fine. I don’t think we forgot anything. We booked the restaurant, ordered a shit-ton of cake, made sure there’s an open bar …”
“That’s not what I mean, and you know it.”
“I’m fine. Promise,” I reiterate, and he gives a short nod.
“All right, if you say so. I always knew Noah would be the first to get married, but damn, it makes me feel old.”
“Guess that means you’re next.”
Jordan gives me the evil eye. “Fuck you. You’re next.”
“Hey, you already have prospects. Tyler and Allie are fighting for your attention. I’d say that puts you a lot closer than me to marriage.”
“You’re a dick.”
Darren laughs at us. “I’m not sure I’d bet either one of you will settle down anytime soon.”
“Me either,” Wyatt looks between us, “but I think Jordan will give in before Sawyer. If only because Sawyer is stubborn and wants to say I told you so.”
There’s a commotion at the entrance of the chapel, and suddenly Mel, Noah, and Mac are all inside. Even with her baby belly, she’s positively breathtaking.
Jordan jabs my arm, breaking my gaze, and lifts a questioning brow. I quickly pull myself together as Noah calls our names and directs us to the altar. He hugs everyone but pulls me aside.
“You’re pissed.”
“I’m …” I will my eyes to stop watering. “Hurt. Slightly pissed, but extremely hurt.”
Noah pulls me in for another hug. “I’m so sorry. I was trying to honor her wishes. She doesn’t have a family, and ours can be overwhelming, but I should have at least called you. You have no idea how happy I am to see you. I wanted you here more than anything.”
“You’re forgiven, but never let it happen again.”
“I’m never getting married again. She’s my one and only.”
Noah releases me, and we get a good look at each other. “I know, but it had to be said. It also applies to babies, birthdays, holidays, post-wedding bachelor parties …”
He smiles from ear to ear. “Noted. Whose call was it to bring Eli?”
“Mel asked me to have him come, but it was my idea for him to walk her down the aisle. She needed him.”
“It was a good choice, Sawyer. Thank you.”
I can tell he means it. Then again, I’d like to think nothing would get me down on my wedding day, not even my wife’s ex.
“Hey, Noah?” I reach for his arm, and he turns his attention back to me. “I just want you to know I’m so fucking happy for you and so damn proud.”
“Thanks, Sawyer, that means … more to me than you could ever understand.”
Within those broken words, Noah and I have healed what remained of the rift in our relationship. I’ve accepted his future, and he’s forgiven me for being a less-than-perfect brother.
After the wedding, I went back to my room early. I think Belle’s speech got to me. As much as I’ve gotten to know Mel over the past almost year, I’m not sure I ever put much thought into how much loss she’s suffered in her life.
We’ve had our share of tragedies, but we have a huge family who helps us cope with the pain of those losses. Mel didn’t have that, but now that she’s a Weston, she’ll be surrounded by family and love. Noah saw that need and recognized it, and their marriage will last a lifetime because of it.
Now I’m packing my bags and getting ready to fly out to meet the buses in Oklahoma. Even though we had a week off, I’m exhausted. Once we flew back from Vegas, I put my energy into two projects: The Sunshine Group and baby Nate’s nursery. I told Noah to consider it my wedding gift to him and to enjoy his honeymoon.
Our plan was always for me to help him while they were on vacation, but this way it kept him from calling me and checking every time Mel used the bathroom, which is quite often lately. The room is gorgeous—all the murals are painted just the way Noah wanted—and Mom and Diane are going to accept the furniture deliveries and finish decorating. The nursery will be set up and ready for our next trip home on the Fourth of July. Mel won’t have to worry about a thing, and although I know some women would be offended, I think she will appreciate it for the gift it is.
The next few weeks passed in a blur, and we were home for the Fourth of July weekend before we knew it. Last night, the entire family was over, and Noah and Mel have been spending their spare time making scrapbooks. When I first saw them with their heads together it, was like more of those puzzle pieces slid into place. They’re perfect for each other.
As much as I’m a fan of their domesticated bliss, I’m not looking for that for myself right now. I just dropped off my shit at J’s new house and fed Fat Bastard, and Mac is now driving me to the bar. Even though I’d like to pretend I’m normal and hit the bar looking to hookup like anyone else, I’m not. Plus, after all the shit went down with Sara, the bar is now off limits without a guard.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Sasha drawls and licks her lips when we take our seats at the bar.
My dick jumps at the sight of her. Sasha is always good for a no-strings-attached hookup. “Sasha, it’s been a while.”
She pulls a cherry from the jar and pops it in her mouth. A few seconds later, she pulls out a knotted stem and winks at me.
“Attention whore.”
“Only for you.” She smirks and places our usual drinks in front of Mac and me. “I get a break in an hour if you’re interested.”
“I’m always interested when it comes to you.”
Sasha waves the tips of her fingers at us and moves to the end of the bar. Jordan shoots daggers at her as he makes his way toward us, and Mac laughs.
“Stop,” I tell him, but he only laughs harder.
“You do it to yourself, man, every time.”
“Do you blame me?”
He shakes his head. “Not one damn bit.”
Jordan finally reaches us. “Why her? You know she’s off limits. Do you enjoy torturing me?”
Mac eyes J like a piece of candy, but J’s too busy staring at Allie across the room to notice. He’s got it bad. “Because she’s hot, she doesn’t want my love child, she doesn’t want my number, and she doesn’t care that I won’t call her tomorrow. All Sasha wants is a good time and a hard fuck, and that’s all I want to give. It works for us.”
“Can you two at least wait until the bar closes?”
My eyes follow the curve of her ass as she leans over to grab a bottle of vodka. “Probably not, unless there’s a round two.”
J groans, and although I’d assume it’s because of my reply, Tyler chooses that exact moment to enter the bar. Allie doesn’t miss his entrance, and her eyes bounce between J and Ty before she darts into the restroom.
“Shit,” J says under his breath as Ty approaches. I can see he’s torn and doesn’t know if he should check on Allie or talk to Ty. Sasha notices too.
“Hey, J, you owe me an extra ten since I skipped my break last night. I’m going to take it now.”
His eyes flood with relief, and he moves toward Ty who is now sitting on the other side of Mac. I’m not sure if Ty knows Mac and J have a sexual history. This night just got a whole hell of a lot more interesting.
“Sawyer, you okay for a minute? I’m going to hit the head.” I think this is Mac’s way of giving J some privacy.
“Yeah, do your thing. I’ll be here.”
“Sawyer! What’s up? I didn’t even see you there behind your muscle.” As usual, Ty is overly friendly, and he jumps right onto Mac’s barstool to get closer. He’s a nice guy, and he’s good for J—except when they get too close.
“Hey, Tyler, I’m good.” I look between him and J and back to Ty. “How are you? It’s been a while.”
Ty flashes a huge smile at J. “I’m good. Trying to get this guy to loosen up a bit and let me take him out.”
A crash comes from the back room, and J uses it as a chance to go check on Allie. “You good?” he asks before rushing off.
Ty answers before I even get the chance. “We’re great, go take care of your bar. We’ll be here when you get back.”
Once Jordan is out of sight, I fish for information. Jordan isn’t always forthcoming in his personal life. “What’s going on with you two? Are you back together?”
“He hasn’t said anything?”
“Bits and pieces, but you know J … he keeps everything close to the vest.”
Tyler spins a napkin under his finger. “You know him better than anyone; maybe you can help me. What do I finally have to do to get him to understand he means more to me than what my family thinks?”
Damn, Ty is spun on him again, and with Allie in the picture, this isn’t good at all.
“You know it’s more complicated than that, Ty. The one thing you’re willing to give up for J is the only thing in the world Jordan would give anything to have back. His family. You see it as a no-brainer because you love him, right?”
His eyes soften. “Absolutely.”
“He loves you too. Enough to want you to put your family before him. Enough to push you away and hopes you find a woman you feel equally as passionate about. Aren’t you tired of playing this game with him? As an outsider looking in, I’m not sure you’re ever going to win.”
Tyler leans forward, closing the space between us. “Do you have any clue what it’s like to love someone so much and no matter how hard you try to show them, they just don’t see it?”
“I do, and it sucks balls. Tyler, talk to Jordan. You guys need to get this out of your systems once and for all. Whether it’s an epic goodbye fuck or a new beginning for both of you—make a decision. Don’t waste your life playing this game with him; it won’t end well. The difference between us is, my girl loved someone else. Jordan loves you enough to want more for you than he can give.”
“That’s a good thing though,” he says more to himself than to me.
“With his history, I wouldn’t be so sure about that. How about you let me buy you a drink?”
Sasha is back, but Jordan and Allie are still in his office.
“Sure, as long as I can buy you the next one.”
I laugh as Sasha serves us. “I’m not sure anyone has offered to buy me a drink since I became famous. At least, no one who wasn’t looking to get in my pants.”
Tyler leans back, arches a brow, and bites his lip. “You are pretty fuckable, Sawyer Weston.”
He cracks me up. “If I swung your way, and if you hadn’t been dicking my cousin for years, I might consider that.”
“How do you know he doesn’t dick me?”
I practically choke on my beer. “I’d never thought about it either way, but if I were gay, I think I’d want both. It’s nice to give and receive after all.”
Tyler inclines his head and sips his beer. “Amen to that.”
Allie appears behind the bar and smiles at me. “Hey, Sawyer, how are you?”
“Good, how about you?”
“I’m great. Can I get you another drink?”
“Absolutely.”
She turns her attention to Tyler. “What about you, Tyler? Would you like another beer?”
She seems to like Tyler enough. Unless she’s a good actress, I don’t think she’s faking that smile.
“That would be great, thanks.”
Allie busies herself getting the drinks, and Jordan and Mac reappear. This night is getting more and more interesting. With a smile that seems forced, she turns back to Tyler. “So … did you decide to come and surprise Jordan tonight?”
I don’t know what J said to her back there, but she’s trying to confirm his story. She’s got balls.
Tyler looks from Jordan to Allie, probably feeling the uncomfortable vibe. “I’m not sure surprise is what I’d call it. Jordan knows I like to come hang out when I’ve got the time. I was hoping to take him out later.”
“Actually, Sawyer is spending the next couple of days with me and Fat Bastard,” Jordan says, looking remorseful. I can’t tell if he’s faking or if it’s real, but I’m not going to bow out and leave him stranded if he needs me. I can go home later if he needs time with one or both of them.
“Oh, that’s cool.” Tyler’s face brightens with the news, and I’m sure he’s happy J won’t be with someone else.
“Yeah, now that Noah is a newlywed, I thought I’d give him and his wife some alone time before we get back on the road Monday.”
“That’s right.” Tyler stands, pulls some money from his pocket, and tosses it on the counter. “That’s for my drinks and one of Sawyer’s too. Tell Noah I said congratulations. I’ll talk to you later, Jordan.”
J steps around the bar. “Let me walk you out.”
Tyler shakes his head. “I’m good. Call me next week, yeah?”
Jordan pauses, looking torn. I feel for the poor bastard, but he steps forward and reaches for Tyler’s hand and squeezes it. “I’ll text you later. If you’re up, we can talk. Text me when you get home and let me know you’re safe, okay?”
“Sure, I’ll text you.”
Tyler leaves, and Jordan busies himself behind the bar. J has always been anti-PDA when it comes to his place of business unless it’s in his office with the doors closed. For him to reach for Tyler’s hand and hold it for the world to see … well, that’s new. Maybe Jordan is going to make it to marriage sooner than I thought. Then again, now that Tyler is gone, he hasn’t taken his eyes off Allie.
“Sawyer, want to take a break with me?” Sasha asks a bit later, and my cock immediately jumps back to attention. If only every girl could be like Sasha.
“Fuck yeah.” I toss back my shot and follow her into J’s office. Sasha is exactly what I need tonight.
Later, after Jordan, Mac, and I had more than our share of alcohol and deep conversations, I was lying in bed and looking through my phone. Sasha had taken a picture of her tits so I’d have a nice rack to look at while I jack off. I laughed at the time, but I’m not sure if I should keep the photo or delete it. That’s when I notice a Facebook notification from earlier. I click on it, and it opens to a photo of Noah and me when we were about two years old. It’s just a closeup of our smiling faces.
Spent the night making more memory books with my wife. Not very rock star-ish of me, I know, but I’ve never been happier. When I came across this photo of Sawyer and me, I knew I had to post it before making it the first page of the memory book. This guy has been my best friend from the instant we started growing in the womb. We’ve had our ups and downs but there has never been a time we haven’t been there for each other, and there never will be. Fate knew I would always need Sawyer in my life, so she sealed us together not just by friendship but by blood. As excited as I am about my wife’s pregnancy, I’m just a tiny bit disappointed my son won’t come with an automatic friend like Sawyer. I guess Fate knows he’ll be fine on his own. And if Fate got it wrong, I’m sure Uncle Sawyer will be happy to shower his nephew with the same friendship and love he’s given me all these years. #Bestfriend #Brothers #SoonToBeUncle #BabyWestonIsComing
After reading Noah’s post, I deleted Sasha’s photo. The sex was great as usual, but that’s all it was. Belle’s speech at the wedding resonated with me. I’ve spent many years settling for less, and I think I’m finally at the point where I want more. Not only that, I realize I deserve happiness too. Maybe Darren is right, and the fire I have with Mel will find me again with the woman of my dreams one day. And if I’m lucky, maybe that day will come sooner than later.