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Dinner with Jonsie and Caleb flies by, and before I know it, we’re packing up To-Go containers of the Chinese take-out we ordered way too much of and bidding one another goodbye.
“Call me in the morning and let me know what time we’re meeting up.” J pulls me in tight for a hug, and I lean into her embrace. She promised she’d come with me to the caterer tomorrow to help me finalize the menu for the rehearsal dinner. With my maid of honor away at school, my mother essentially commandeered the entire planning process. Realistically, she would’ve done it either way, but now that J’s home, maybe I can actually enjoy what little is left to do.
I caught her up to speed on most wedding-related news, including how her ex will be in attendance. I must say, she handled it with more grace than I would have. Especially considering I’m fairly certain he’s only coming to see her. If he plans on making a play to get her back, that man’s got an uphill battle to climb. Not to mention, there’s the issue of the C-U-Next-Tuesday he’s supposedly still dating. The wedding will be interesting, if nothing else.
I can’t believe in just over two months, I’ll be Mrs. Lucian Devoreaux. A strange sense of foreboding settles deep in my stomach, while my brain repeats the familiar mantra that this is simply cold feet.
“I will.” I smile, releasing her and turning to the man at her side. “Caleb, Luc left a key with the doorman for you.”
“You’ll probably beat me there since I have to drop Joanna off first.”
Caleb and J’s apartment won’t be ready for three more weeks, so he’s going to be crashing with us while she’s staying with her parents. While I wouldn’t normally be excited by the prospect of a houseguest, I’m actually thankful for his visit. I’m hoping his presence will help mitigate any stormy feelings Luc may have after I share about our little dinner party tonight. That, and the fact that I saved him food.
“Actually, I think I’m gonna run some leftovers to the office so Luc can get some food in him. We’ll see you back at the apartment.”
“Sounds good.” Caleb presses a quick peck to my cheek. “Drag him out of there if you have to. He works too much.”
I promise to do so as Jones and Caleb bid Nicky goodbye. He wraps his sister up into his arms, enveloping her in his embrace where he holds her a second or two longer, slow to let her go. He’s so happy to have her home. J’s the one thing Nicky loves more than anything in this world—his living proof he has a heart.
“What do you think of Caleb?” I ask after they’ve gone and I’m retrieving my Tupperware from the counter.
“He’s a tool, which tracks considering who his best friend is. My sister’s out of his league.”
I accompany him to the door, choosing not to acknowledge the first two parts of his statement. “I won’t argue the last part. She’s the coolest person I know, but she claims she’s happy.”
“J hasn’t been happy since…” Nick catches himself at the last minute, allowing his voice to trail off, though I know what he was going to say.
“He’s coming to the wedding, you know,” I share as we exit the house and descend the front steps. “Elliot invited him, given he’s a client and all.”
“Yeah, I figured that’s the same reason I got an invite.”
I may not know specifics, but I am aware that the money Nicky and Mav pay Elliot is a substantial sum. Lucian was drunk one night and let it slip their accounts alone make up more than half the revenue of the entire firm. Safe to say, they get preferential treatment.
“I was kind of surprised you RSVP’d yes.”
We finally reach my car. Nicky opens the back door for me, taking the containers from my hand and placing them on the backseat. He shuts it, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he looks down at me.
“I’d never miss your wedding, Daph. Even if I disagree with your choice in groom.” He adds on the last part like he’s trying to be funny, but I know the sentiment rings all too true for him. “I’d never miss a milestone.”
“Thank you for coming to my graduation. You didn’t have to do that. Seriously. Especially after I never called for your birthday. And the business cards, Nick. They’re so beautiful. Not to mention, the unicorn. I still can’t believe you remember something so ridiculous after all these years.”
“I don’t know. A little girl in a funeral home once told me unicorns aren’t ridiculous.” He leans in as though sharing a secret. “They’re magic. I’m kind of inclined to agree with her. After all, I made a wish and voila, you’re here.”
I glance down, toeing a small pebble as I fight to control my smile.
“And as far as the birthday goes, forget about it. Twenty-six isn’t even an important one.”
“All of your birthdays are important, Nicky. I’m thankful for every year you’re alive.” I look up in time to catch his Adam’s apple bob in his throat while his eyes seem to shimmer in the glow of the fading light.
“I, um… I should go.” My hand grips the door handle, pulling it open to make my escape, only to be prevented when a wall of muscle presses into me from behind. Nicky’s arm tightens around my midsection, pinning my back to his front.
“What are you doing?” My body trembles within his grasp, the walls of my resolve beginning their familiar quiver, threatening to crumble entirely.
Nicky’s face presses into my hair, his chest expanding as he inhales deep. He holds it for a moment, then turns his face to the side, resting his cheek atop my head as he releases a slow exhale. “Making do.”
He backs away, leaving my body swaying in his absence, mourning the loss of his touch. Slipping my eyes closed, I whisper to the tree line before me while he remains stationed at my back. “Goodnight, Nick.”
