Page 28 of On the Slopes of Tahoe
“I know that, but still. I have to figure out who I am now that both my career and my relationship are gone. Spending so much time with Rory felt like it was muddying the process a little. But mostly, I didn’t want her to feel strapped to us either.”
Wes’s brows pinch together. “What do you mean?”
“Well, man, you practically signed her up for this gig. The one where she got saddled with a broken man and his kid. She’d doanything for you, that much is obvious, and I didn’t want her to feel obligated.”
We continue to move through the line and Wes says nothing in response. I’m sure I’ve officially pissed off my best friend, but when we finally reach the end of the line and get our food, he claps me on the back with his free hand and smirks.
“Maybe we all need to work on our communication skills. I never intended for Rory to feel obligated to help you in my place, but I can see how she might’ve felt that way. I appreciate that you were looking out for her, but nothing you just told me matches up with what she got from your conversation. So, either I misunderstood her or she misunderstood you, but figure it out so you guys can stop tiptoeing around each other, hm?”
I nod. He’s probably right, and I feel like a complete ass for it.
“One more thing,” he says, his smirk growing into a cheek-splitting grin now. “Why did my sister call youdadback there?”
I hang my head and chuckle, shoulders lifting and falling. “I might have said something last night about how I’ve helped Willow plenty when she’s been hurt. I didnotmean to imply that I washerdad… but again, my communication skills leave something to be desired these days.”
Wes laughs hard, muttering “daddy” under his breath between his wheezing chuckles. I punch him in the shoulder as we approach the cashier to pay for the mountain of food on our trays.
“Weak sauce, Breck. That was pathetic.” He continues to laugh, playfully dabbing at his eyes. “You should know though, as much as I love you, if you hurt my sister for real, not just this miscommunication bullshit, I’ll punch youfor real.”
With that, he walks back to the table, leaving me standing stunned in his wake. Well, shit. If that wasn’t him drawing a boundary around Rory that screamsdo not cross…
And now, with his brotherly warning bouncing around in my head, I have to smooth over whatever awkwardness is between us.
Easy.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Rory
“You look beautiful, Joss.” I watch her twirl in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of the honeymoon suite, the short train of her fitted dress flitting weightlessly. The neckline is high and wide, seemingly modest with only her collarbones and neck exposed, but when she turns, it cuts down low, exposing the soft skin of her back, all the way down to her tailbone. The bodice and long sleeves are fitted, hugging every curve until it reaches her knees where it flares out, pooling on the floor by her feet.
I’ve been capturing pictures for the last hour while she’s gotten ready for her wedding. I’m giddy with nerves at the prospect of watching my big brother marry this amazing woman. She stops mid-twirl and the dress splays behind her as she stares out the window into the light snowfall beyond. I lift my camera and capture the moment in time forever.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to get pictures of Wes’s first look? I have a feeling his face will be priceless.” My voice is pleading. Joss and Wes agreed to share the moment privately before the ceremony and I want to respect that, but dammit, I want to see the look on his face when he sees his bride like this.
Joss laughs, knowing I’m pouting. “Yes, I’m sure. Why don’t you send him up and then we’ll follow you down in a few minutes.”
I give her shoulders a gentle squeeze, not wanting to muss her dress or her immaculate hair and makeup. “I’m so glad he found you. I can’t wait to be your sister.”
“Oh my god, stop! You’re going to make me cry.” She pulls me in and hugs me tight, unconcerned with her dress or anything else.
I release her and smooth my hands down her long sleeves. “I’ll see you down there.”
Outside in the hall, I find my brother pacing. His head snaps up at the sound of the door closing and a wide smile stretches across his face when he sees me.
“Is she ready?” His eyes are wild, dimples cutting deep grooves into his handsome face underneath the perfectly groomed beard. It suits him, like his new life in Australia suits him. I’ve never seen him so happy, at ease with his life and himself. His deep navy-blue tuxedo suits him too. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen him in a tux. A fancy dress uniform for the Navy, sure, but never a tux.
“She is. You look damn good, Wes. Who knew you could clean up so nice?” He pulls me into a hug and kisses my hair. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m happy for me too. I can’t believe this is really happening.”
“Oh, it’s happening, I’ve been planning it for weeks and it’s going to be perfect!”
He pulls back, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Thank you, Rory, I couldn’t have done this without you.”
My face softens, knowing he doesn’t just mean the wedding.
“I love you, Wes. Now, go get your girl so we can get you married, okay?”
