Page 48 of Manhattan Bossholes

“Do I have a choice? I want her happy.”

I reached out to grasp his arm. “You’re a good dude, you know that?”

His face went red, and he stared at the ground. “Thanks. I hope Chloe still thinks so. It’s getting to the point where she’s stressed out constantly, and I don’t know how to make it better.”

“Just keep doing what you’re doing,” I said, giving him a final squeeze. “Be her port in the storm.”

“Maybe once it’s over, the four of us can hang out? I want to bask in the kinder and gentler Vincent Forde, which is one hundred percent thanks to you.”

It was my turn to go pink. “What? You really think so?”

He laughed. “Uh, yeah. It’s like he’s back to the old Vincent now. He seems…I don’t know…lighter? I know all about the stress at work, but he’s managing to be present in the moment.” Paul paused. “You’re the change.”

“Change of what?” Vincent asked as he joined us. “What are we discussing? Napkin thread counts?”

Paul threw his arm around Vincent’s shoulder. “It’s brother-sister stuff, don’t worry about it.”

My heart warmed when Paul glanced over at me. His father had been a major roadblock in our relationship, but it was starting to feel like we could finally forge a real siblinghood.

“What about you?” Vincent asked. “Did you weather this latest crisis in one piece? You two gonna fight all the way to the altar?”

There was an edge of sarcasm in his voice I didn’t appreciate, like he doubted the strength of their relationship. I glared at him, but he was staring at Paul.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to marry that woman,” Paul said, his expression softening. “I just want her to feel like everything’s going the way she planned. She deserves it.”

Vincent shrugged. “More power to you. Can’t say I understand brides, but good for you.”

Chloe joined us looking sheepish. “I’m sorry. I know I’m a nightmare.”

I laughed. “You are not, you’re a perfectionist! But I want to go on the record and let you know that I love my dress, and I think it’s beautiful. Not trying to sway you, I just wanted you to know.”

Chloe stuck out her bottom lip like she was about to cry and gave me a quick hug.

“You two make a good team, you know that?” Chloe said as she glanced between us. “Piper talked me off the ledge, then called for reinforcements. And you, Vincent, finessing the seamstress. I can’t believe the shop is willing to let me change my mind.”

I sputtered and pointed at Vincent. “This guy? A sweet talker?”

His forehead furrowed for a moment, so fast I was probably the only one who caught it.

“Yeah, uh, she’s right,” he said. “All I did was open my wallet.”

“Well, you did it, they listened, and I thank you for it,” Chloe said as she linked her arm through Paul’s. “We owe you both. Dinner soon?”

“How about dinner after the honeymoon?” Paul said gently. “You’re pretty booked up these days.”

Chloe giggled. “True, not to mention I’ll probably be more fun after it’s all over. But you have my word, I’m going to be perfectly calm and rational from this point forward.”

“Attagirl,” Paul said. He leaned over and kissed the top of her head, and I melted a little.

We followed behind them on the way out of the restaurant.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Vincent said softly as we headed for his car. “Maybe Paul’s second wedding will be smoother.”

I jerked away from him. “I’m sorry, his what?”

Vincent didn’t look at me. “Nothing. Totally kidding.”

His mouth pressed into a tight line. Vincent could fake it, but deep down it sounded like he had his doubts about the success of happily ever afters.