Page 18 of Wicked Love

“Any hot encounter with your sister?” my friend asked. “I still can’t believe you two had dirty sex. If you keep it in your pants sometimes, stuff like this won’t happen to you.”

“Said the guy who was hung up on his one-night stand for years.”

He lifted in arms in defense. “At least we’re not about to become siblings.”

“Half-siblings.”

“Your dad should adopt her. You would all share the same last name. The Crawfords. Perfect happy little family. The dream.”

I punched his side. “If you don’t shut it up, I’ll kick your ass out of here.”

My friend quirked a brow. “And who’s going to save your stupid self if I’m gone?”

“Fine. You can stay.” I sighed. “The last time I saw her, I said terrible things to her. I was drunk, so the memory is a bit hazy, but I’m pretty sure I made her cry.”

“Fuck. You’re an insensitive bastard sometimes. Okay, she lied to you about her age, but she couldn’t guess you were Phil’s son. Maybe, for her too, it was a memorable night.”

“Not interested to know. I gotta move on and forget about that little incident. How are you doing? Seriously. I know the bomb Abby threw at you changed all your professional plans.”

He scratched his nape, avoiding my eyes. “One day at a time. Somehow, I’m falling harder than I ever thought I could. The reality shook me to the core, but I’ve never been happier. Even when it’s hard.”

I clapped his shoulder. “I’m glad. You deserve it, man. After everything your parents put you through, this is the happy ending you worked all your life for.”

“Thanks, man.” He checked the time on his phone. “Ready? The ceremony will start in less than an hour, and I gotta get settled. My guitar case is still in my truck. I’ll grab it and meet you in the garden.”

My father had rented a big, heated white tent that had been pitched in the backyard. November was cold and snowy here in Pennsylvania, but the wedding planner had come up with a set-up that would mimic a summer wedding. With a winter theme.

Silver and white bows covered the backrests of the chairs.

Soft music played on the speakers that had been mounted in the corners of the tent.

A wall made of white flowers and silver pearls adorned the back of the altar.

Even though I wasn’t excited about this wedding, I had to admit it looked magical. Like a snow globe. And very wintery without being too much.

Winter Wonderland as my dad described it to me when we talked about it.

Today, we wore matching pearl gray suits with a vest over a white shirt and a red tie.

Mason Pierce, one of my cousins who lived out of state with his wife, joined me by the makeshift bar as I grabbed bottles of water to take to Andy. “How is it going, man?” he asked when I handed him one. “Long time no see.”

“Good. How are you doing?”

He cast a glance down. “Better.”

“The day of the funeral…you looked out of it. I’m sorry I left without saying goodbye. I had no idea what to say. My heart broke for you guys. I just—”

“It’s okay. We all react differently to death.”

“How’s Melinda doing?”

“Good. She’s taking care of Ryde. His presence in our lives is God-sent. We have a purpose, someone who needs us. It helps to focus on what we can control.”

“I’m glad it’s working out. We should get together sometimes.”

Mason was almost a decade older than me, and growing up, I had always looked up to him. He was the big brother I never had.

My phone chimed with a notification. “Give me a sec,” I told my cousin.