Page 125 of Letting Go at 40

My sister arrives two days later. She’ll be staying in her new sister-suite as we jokingly call the refreshed bedroom on the main floor. I want her to feel welcome at Lakeside Cottage whenever she wants and I’m hoping by designating a specific space for her, she’ll visit more often. Even if she’s busy, the drive is only two hours from Chicago, and I’d love more long weekends with her.

As we stand in my kitchen, the house is chaos. I’m hosting the rehearsal dinner. The meal is catered, and we’ve been fortunate to set up tables outside in the side yard. It’s a beautiful August evening.

Jenna and Archer’s wedding party includes two of her friends from Elk Lake City, Tricia Ramirez and Britton Scott, along with Amelia and me. Archer has asked Tricia’s husband Leon to be his best man as the two have formed a fast friendship. He also has Noah and Zack standing up with him and a former associate named Braxton Hawes.

“Hello, lovey,” the burly man greets me, instantly giving away he’s from England. His voice is nearly as deep as Archer’s. Their statures match in height and shoulder span, suggesting that he’s had experiences similar to Archer’s past. I’ve only heard his name in passing but it’s Amelia’s reaction to him that has me puzzled.

“Hello, dove,” he greets her, a wide, sheepish grin forming on his face. However, Amelia is stiff and reserved as she extends a hand.

“Amelia McCaryn. Sister of the groom.” Her voice is tight. Her posture rigid.

“Braxton Hawes,” he greets her. The corner of his mouth curls higher as his voice drops. He holds her hand despite her attempt to pull back. “Nice to meet you.”

After dropping her hand, Archer claps Braxton on the back and leads him around the room for more introductions.

“What the hell was that?” I ask, speaking out of the side of my mouth.

“What was what?” Amelia mutters, watching Braxton walk away. He’s thicker than Mason, less polished in his dark gray pants and a silvery dress shirt, but his backside is very fine. And Amelia is staring at it.

“Do you know him?”

Amelia sighs before dragging her gaze away from him. “I don’t.”

Does she want to know him? We’re interrupted when more people arrive and my questions about Amelia and Braxton disappear.

Mason comes down the stairs with Lynlee beside him. He looks amazing in his famous blue suit. The one accentuating his eyes.

“Hey.” His voice is quiet as he tips his head at me. “What can I do to help?” He’s already been a silent assistant, helping Archer set up tables and arrange tablecloths. Earlier, they cleared off the stone patio for the official rehearsal. They’ve already laid the kindling for a bonfire on the beach after the meal tonight.

“I think we’re good.” I glance around the kitchen where hot serving trays are set on the island.

Then I look at Mason and our eyes hold. We have so much to say to one another. The news of his house-finding has spread among us, and questioning gazes have fallen on me with every announcement.

I don’t want him to go, but before I can speak with him, my elbow is cupped.

“Hey, love.” I turn at the sound of Braxton’s rough timbre. “You’re needed outside.”

Glancing back at Mason, he’s already walking away from us, heading toward the bar, and ignoring me once more.

Chapter 44

1 Month Ago

August

Wedding Rehearsal

[Mason]

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Logan mutters as he stands beside me. We both face out the glass door that overlooks the stone patio where the wedding party is being arranged in a semi-circle around Archer and Jenna.

The setting is perfect, but I’m in the shittiest mood.

I want to be in Archer’s position, marrying the woman of my dreams.

Instead, I told her I was moving out when I still haven’t signed the official contract for the house. Normally places go fast in this area. I like the house well enough, but there’s been a missing component in every place.

Anna wouldn’t be there.