Page 142 of Blush Crush

“Is there a difference?” I ask hesitantly, not quite sure what the dynamic between Blake and Sierra is.

“They’re ‘best friends,’“ Cole air-quotes.

“Bro,” Blake cuts in. “We are best friends. Unlike you, I’m capable of being friends with the opposite sex and not wanting to jump their bones. It’s called self-control.”

“So you admit it then—you want to fuck her.”

“What?” Blake’s voice pitches high. “No, that’s not what I said. You’re twisting my words.”

I cover my mouth with my hand to hide my laughter.

“Blake,” a woman calls from inside. “Can you come help me really quick?”

“Your girlfriend is calling you,” Cole teases.

Blake turns around but not before flipping Cole off.

I playfully smack Cole’s chest as I watch Blake disappear inside. “Don’t tease him so hard. Maybe they really are just friends.”

Cole drapes his arm around me, guiding us in. “Oh, they are just friends. I just like giving him a hard time because it’s only a matter of time before one of them breaks. Sierra’s a pretty girl and Blake is a Benton—we’re an attractive breed, if you didn’t know.” I laugh at that, shaking my head. “One day they’re going to realize that whatever they are, it’s sure as shit a lot more than friends.”

I've been to lots of weddings. Most of them at Ledger, helping out Elyse in her event coordinator role. Very rarely am I wowed by one after having seen so many.

But this one is definitely wow-worthy.

My expectations were low since Benton Winery doesn't usually host weddings, yet everything has been pulled togetherbeautifully. Decorated timelessly and still small and cozy, mostly family and close friends.

An extravagant affair is nice, though there's something to be said about an intimate gathering.

This is exactly the kind of wedding I would want to have.

I look around, taking in all the details.

And I'm embarrassed to admit this is my first time stepping foot in Benton.

Not because I've actively avoided it, but when your family is in the wine business, there's really no need to check out the other wineries around town. And being a Ledger, I know I'd stick out amongst the sea of tourists.

Where Ledger is very French-inspired, Benton leans more into a Spanish, desert style. A stucco exterior with orange clay tile roofing, warm terracotta walls that glow almost amber in the late afternoon sun. Iron lanterns hang from wooden beam archways, casting everything in a soft, honeyed light. It's a beautiful space and I can see why the estate and property alone keep my family's winery on its toes.

We gather in a grotto-like area, a wall of large rocks serving as the backdrop.

Whitney is escorted down the aisle by her mother, looking stunning in her form-fitting gown as she and Jacob exchange their vows.

The ceremony is short and sweet, and soon we find ourselves sharing a table with Cole's parents and siblings.

Nora made an excuse for Levi's lack of attendance, some work event he couldn't miss. No one prodded her about it but I could tell no one was surprised either.

"That dress looks beautiful on you, Ariana," Cristina, Cole's mom, says.

I smile my thanks at her, my cheeks heating from her compliment.

"Maybe," she continues, "it won't be long before we're all back here for another wedding."

She winks at me like we're sharing a secret when her delivery lacked an ounce of subtlety. Which I think was intentional.

Cole is a stiff rod of tension in the seat next to me. I can't tell if he wants to bolt or scream.

“Mom,” he says sternly. “Not every conversation has to lead to marriage. Can you cool it, please? Ariana and I haven’t been together very long, and you’re going to scare her off. We’re nowhere near marriage.”