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 Come on, babe, she said.  Let s go get you married.
&
Nate strode into the music-filled barn, his eyes immediately doing a quick scan for blond hair and a
lavender dress. He had to find Lilly. After the way they d left things last night, he had to apologize.
He had to explain. Make her understand that he wanted more with her. He wanted everything, despite
the fact that he was leaving.
They could find a way to make it work. They had to.
Hearing her say good-bye to him had only proved what he already knew. He loved her. He needed
her. And there was no way in hell he was letting her go that easily.
He d seen her flitting around the ceremony and reception, doing what she did best. It really was
amazing seeing her work. She was great behind the camera the way she handled people, how easily
she brought out a smile or a laugh for the shot. The way she found light in even the darkest places.
Not that there were many dark places here today. Watching Jace say his vows to Hayden on that
bridge, seeing the pure joy on his little brother s face, it was the happiest Nate had felt in a long time.
Finally, Jace had gotten a break. Gotten what he deserved. He choked back the emotion the day had
brought on and took a swig of his beer.
He just hoped Lilly would still be willing to see a little light in him. Because he was nowhere near
ready for this to be over between them. Not even close. A long-distance relationship wouldn t be
easy, but he had faith in himself. In them. In what they could have together.
 Hey. Jace clasped a hand on his shoulder and grinned.  Nice toast.
Nate laughed, looking over his brother s tux matched with Converse tennis shoes.  Yeah. A real
crowd-pleaser.
 I especially liked the part about me being an inspiration. The bravest person you ve ever met. You
forgot to mention my brilliant wit and panty-dropping good looks, though.
Nate s grin widened.  And be responsible for spreading lies at my own brother s wedding?
Never.
 I think you have half the bridesmaids ready to climb Mount Nate.
Nate rolled his eyes, watching the crowd thin, still not seeing Lilly.  Not interested.
 Can I give you a word of advice? Jace asked.  If you really care, go get the fucking girl. All the
other bullshit will work itself out.
Nate s lips quirked at hearing his brother practically quote the advice Nate had given him last year
when he d told him to go after Hayden.  Sounds like you ve been listening to one smart bastard.
Jace made a face.  He s got his moments.
Nate scanned the room again, tugging at his tie. The damn monkey suit was suffocating him. Hayden
danced over, laughing, and wrapped her arms around his neck.
He picked her up and spun her in a circle with a grin.  You look like something out of damn fairy
tale, Half Pint. Her ivory dress was simple satin, styled like a corset in the back, secured by what
looked like a million strings and pearl buttons. He smirked, thinking Jace was going to have a hell of
a time unwrapping his bride later. He smiled fondly down at her, wishing like hell his parents had
been here to celebrate with them. He had no doubt they d have been thrilled to have Hayden as part of
the family.  Just beautiful.
She beamed.  Since I m officially your sister now, I think we should vote. Her gaze drifted over
to her new husband.  All those in favor of Nate banishing the nickname Half Pint from his
vocabulary, raise your hand.
He and Jace exchanged a conspiratorial glance, and Nate clinked Jace s beer bottle with his own.
Hayden was the only one raising her hand.
She pouted.  Not fair, guys.
 Brothers rarely are, Jace drawled.
Nate lifted his beer bottle in a toast to her, and smirked.  Neither are uncles, from what I hear.
She gasped, and punched Jace in the arm.  Hey! You told him about the baby?
Jace laughed, rubbing his biceps.  I had to tell someone.
Nate smiled, thinking about a miniature Jace being a part of their lives. If he took after his daddy,
they were all going to be in for one hell of a ride.
He kissed Hayden on the cheek and patted her barely there bump.  This is going to be one lucky
kid, he said.
Watching his brother and Hayden together made the hollow space in his chest throb a steady beat
that pulsed out the name Lilly over and over. He cast another look around the reception hall.  Is Lilly
still taking photos outside?
Hayden frowned and exchanged a look with Jace.
Nate frowned.  What am I missing?
She sighed and laid her hand on his arm. Oh shit.
 Lilly left about an hour ago, Hayden said.  She caught an early flight back to Charlotte.
He took a step back.  What the hell? She s the damn photographer!
Hayden squeezed his arm, then dropped her hand.  I don t know what you said to her, but she
seemed a bit upset.
He stabbed his fingers through his hair and tugged. No. Fuck& Please, no. She couldn t just leave.
It couldn t end like this.
The floor seemed to drop out from under him and he was falling. She d gone.
He thought back to everything he d said last night, and cursed. She d never trust him again. She d
meant it when she said good-bye. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]