Thankfully, they seemed oblivious to the heavy air in the room.
“We can finish this later,” I said to Will, casually enough Leo and my sister probably thought they’d caught us discussing the weather or our Netflix queues.
“It’s almost time to have cake and do the champagne toast,” Miranda said excitedly. “You two will help us get it all ready, right?”
Leo was only marginally more measured when he added, “I brought the cake from Seattle. I think the happy couple will love it.” He snapped his fingers and made wide eyes at Miranda. “I didn’t bring any candles. Is that okay? For an engagement party? It’s not like a birthday, is it?”
“I think you’re good, Leo-Bear. No candles required.”
“Leo-Bear?” Will smirked at his friend’s brother.
“I dunno.” Leo slung a long, muscled arm around Miranda’s shoulders, his massive Viking-like stature making her appear even more spritely. “She started calling me that a while back, and now it’s just this thing we do. Isn’t that right, Miranda-Panda?”
“That still makes no sense,” she retorted, smiling up at him. I’d gotten used to their friendship over the past year, but I guessed Will had never seen it up close. Miranda and Leo met last Christmas at the talent show and had become fast friends, getting together in Seattle whenever Miranda flew in or out—Leo lived south of the airport in Tacoma—and I knew they texted regularly, too. It tracked since Leo was marginally less effusive, but they were both giant, combustible balls of sunshine.
Miranda pointed at a box on top of the fridge. “There are plastic flute glasses in there for the champagne toast. I thought it would be more special than using plain plastic cups. And I wanted to do something nice for Marley since I’ll be stuck at school from after Christmas until basically the wedding day.”
Leo patted her on the back. “Don’t worry, Mir. Marley knows you love her no matter what. She understands school is important. Especially since you’re finally graduating,” he added with a snicker.
“What are you studying?” Will asked Miranda. “I don’t think I’ve ever asked.”
“Business. I’m finishing my MBA.” Will couldn’t disguise his surprise. “I know, I know.” Miranda laughed. “Everyone thinks since I like to travel and do outdoor things, and I’m so—let’s say peppy—I must be an airhead. Or at least something other than a business major. But I love numbers and problem-solving.”
I leaned over and kissed my sister on the top of her head. “She’s getting her degree in bits and pieces because she can’t turn down the chance to go hiking in Guatemala or rafting in Wyoming. She even spent a month last year volunteering to build houses in Mexico.” I couldn’t help the pride in my voice.
“It’s awesome,” Leo said. “Miranda has the best stories.” He winked at her. “I love doing construction and working with my hands, especially when I can be outside. But I’ve never been anywhere interesting. Unless you count Disneyland.”
“I love Disneyland.” Miranda booped him on the nose.
Good lord. Being around these two was going to give me a toothache. While James would officially be our brother-in-law, we’d certainly be getting a two-fer with Leo. He was the brother Miranda always wanted. Or maybe he was more like the pet dog she used to beg our mom for and never got.
I glanced at Will. I couldn’t believe he’d dared suggest wespend some time together.
He looked back and gave me a small, tentative smile. I scowled at him. To my astonishment, his smile remained.
Although he tried to hide it.
Chapter thirteen
Will
Icouldn’t believe I’d been so bold. I certainly hadn’t planned it. But then I’d seen that look in her eyes. The unmistakable heat.
I’d driven all the way from Seattle hoping to negotiate a cleaner truce, to come away feeling like I could be James’s friend without always having to find out Maureen’s whereabouts. I’d wanted the buzz of being in her vicinity, hungry to take whatever scraps she was willing to offer. Forgiveness had seemed like a lofty, impossible prospect.
But that was before I touched her hand.
What was that saying—something about missing all the shots you didn’t take? The moment presented itself, so I had to try. It remained to be seen if my gamble would backfire spectacularly,but at least Maureen hadn’t punched me in the nuts. Even though I felt sure she was fuming behind her unreadable expression.
As angered as she’d been by my audacity, I couldn’t help but think how she brought out the best in me. I’d felt more alive tonight, igniting first the desire and then the fire in her eyes, than I’d ever been during any of mybigmoments with Rosalyn—first date, moving in together, getting engaged. Nothing with my former fiancée had lit me up the way even the barest moments with Maureen did.
Leo walked between us into the laundry room and through the door connecting to the garage. “The cake’s in the second fridge out here. Along with about a million bottles of champagne.”
“Don’t exaggerate, Leo-Bear,” Miranda said. “It’s only two dozen. I had to make sure there was enough for everyone.”
“Hey, this is good stuff.” Maureen examined the labels on the bottles. “How did you afford this?”
“I know a guy.” Miranda shrugged, uncharacteristically not offering further details.
