One Night of Trouble

Brett jumped as AJ sidled up to her, his astonished gaze focused on the same astonishing sight she’d been gawking at. “Never in a trillion years,” she corrected. “No, a gazillion.”

On the other side of the small church, Tom Walsh continued to roar with laughter as Jimmy Conlon told an animated story that involved a lot of hand gestures and several meaningful winks. Next to them, AJ’s mother chuckled over something Brett’s brother had whispered to her. Karen warmly squeezed Mike’s tattooed forearm and leaned in to whisper something in return.

Their families liked each other.

Brett was still reeling from the shock, even though she’d witnessed exchanges like this often in the past three months. AJ hadn’t been kidding when he’d said that his parents were determined to make amends. Not only had they apologized to Brett and promised to stop judging a book by its cover, they’d actually followed through on it. Brett had spent a lot of time with AJ’s mother since then, and it wasn’t long before her hurt and resentment toward the woman had faded away.

Sure, Karen was still old-fashioned about some things, but she was warm and loving, and once she’d taken the time to get to know Brett, she’d been nothing but wonderful to her. Whether they were working in the garden or having lunch by the pool, Brett genuinely enjoyed Karen’s company. It was nice having a mother figure in her life again.

And girlfriends, too. Jeez—figure that one out. Brett glanced across the room at Darcy, who had her hand on Gage’s shoulder and was murmuring something in his ear. Gage looked drop-dead gorgeous in his tux, but he was broadcasting his nerves to the entire room. Brett totally got it, though. She’d be nervous too if it was her wedding day.

Darcy caught Brett’s eye and grinned, as if she were enjoying seeing a man as big and intense as Gage giving in to wedding-day jitters.

Brett grinned back, though a part of her still wondered how on earth she’d managed to become best friends with the woman. Darcy’s apology had paved the way, and after that, she and Skyler had welcomed Brett into the group with open arms. And today, Brett was about to stand up at that altar as one of Skyler’s bridesmaids. Tattoos and all—including the new one on the inside of her right wrist. AJ had finally called in the bet, and as a result, Brett officially had a date inked on her skin. A date that matched the one on AJ’s chest.

“Gage is nervous,” AJ remarked.

“Yeah.” Brett smiled. “But he won’t be once Skyler walks down the aisle.”

“Neither of them likes being the center of attention. I’m surprised they decided to do this whole church-wedding thing.”

“Sky couldn’t say no to her stepfather,” Brett said with a sigh. “He was determined to pay for a big wedding and an even bigger reception.”

AJ’s gaze swept over the beautiful white orchids crammed into every inch of the church. “When we get married, let’s avoid all the fanfare. It kinda scares me.”

“When we get married?” she teased, reaching up to tweak his bow tie. “Are you that confident I’d say yes if you proposed?”

“Yup.”

“Yeah, well, talk to me once I’ve got this manager thing figured out. I can only handle one role at a time. Manager first. Wife? Maybe later.”

“There’s no maybe about it.” He dragged a seductive finger over the tattoo on her arm. “We both know you can’t say no to me, angel.”

Brett couldn’t argue with that. The only words that left her mouth in AJ Walsh’s presence were yes, God yes, and more please. With the occasional Oh God, that’s good thrown into the mix.

And she knew that the second the wedding reception came to an end, AJ would once again be coaxing those passion-laced words from her lips.

Over and over again.

As a shiver of anticipation raced through her, Brett shoved the dirty thoughts from her head and took AJ’s hand. Then she led him to the altar so they could watch his best friend get married.