Page 222 of A Matter of Time

“And you guys need to pull it together and get ready,” she snarled at the others. “Now!”

No one moved.

“I will come back here with a hose, don’t think I can’t!”

The muffled groans made me smile as she took my hand and tugged me after her toward the door. I heard them moving behind us, and then Rick asked if anyone knew where his sunglasses were. Funny to think that a partner at one of the major law firms in the city could so resemble a hungover frat boy.

“Look how beautiful,” she commented, raising our hands to show me her flawless, smooth sepia skin with warm orange-russet undertones against my permanent golden tan. We looked good together. People told us all the time.

“Hey.”

I looked at her.

“Did you ever think that your brother would get married?”

“I did,” I replied. “Once he met you.”

She smiled wide, and I saw the dimples I loved.

“Truly,” I said, sighing, “the minute I saw you, I knew you were the one.”

“You lie.”

“No.”

She stopped walking and looked at me. “Why?”

“You asked him to dance.”

Quick chuckle from her. “I’m not the only one who ever did.”

“No, but you’re the only one who ever made him nervous.”

She sighed deeply. “I did, didn’t I.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I think we both knew what we wanted.”

“Yep. And you’re perfect for him.”

“Am I?” She was fishing, but that was okay. It was her wedding day, after all.

“Yes. You’re smart—school principals must be—beautiful, wicked mean⁠—”

“Mean?” She gasped in mock surprise as I got us moving again.

“You know you’re mean. You nearly killed those poor guys.”

“They’ll be lucky to live,” she growled, brows furrowing.

“You’re adorable,” I assured her, hand on her cheek. “And you are completely self-sufficient. You want Dane, but you don’t need him.”

Deep sigh. “Make no mistake, Jory, I need that man desperately.”

“You know what I mean. Your whole world doesn’t revolve around him.”

She thought a moment. “No, that’s true.”