“Oh, um. They were afraid you were going to try and see Evelynn before it was time, and they went to stop you,” Cole answered.
Jayce chuckled. “I was in the restroom, just like I said I’d be. Knowing those three, they probably forgot all about their search once they got a look at the pretty bridesmaids. I think Phillip was already half in love with Courtney at the rehearsal last night. Anyway, I’m glad they’re gone because I was hoping to get a moment alone with the two of you.”
With my erection in check, I turned around to face my friend, concerned by the seriousness of his tone. “Is something wrong? Is there an issue with the wedding?”
“No, no. Nothing like that,” he assured me, waving the notion away with one hand. “I just had a couple of things I wanted to talk to you about before things get started today.”
“Okay, what’s up?” Cole asked.
“First of all, I want to thank both of you, not only for all the work you’ve done to help us get ready for today, but also for the roles you’ve played throughout my life.” Jayce turned to me, and I swallowed hard as I saw the emotions in his eyes. “You are my best friend and the one I know I can say anything to and you’ll understand. Thank you for always being someone I can rely on and trust.”
His gaze shifted to Cole next. “And you. You were my very first friend, my partner in crime, and the one person who’s always understood me better than I understand myself. Thank you for not giving up on me when I was a teenager with my head up my ass.” Cole snorted out a laugh but then grew serious as his brother continued. “But most of all, thank you for giving me a chance to make things right between us and for loving me despite my many flaws. I could not imagine a better brother or friend than the two of you…which brings me to the next thing I wanted to say.” Cole and I glanced at each other. It was obvious from his expression that he was as clueless as I was with where the conversation was headed.
“I know about the two of you. Or at least, I have my suspicions based off the long looks you two kept sharing over the last couple of weeks.” My jaw dropped with Jayce’s shocking announcement, and Cole let out an audible gasp. Jayce held up both hands to stop us from saying anything just yet, which was good because I wasn’t sure I could’ve found my voice right then if I’d tried.
“Before you say anything, I want you to know that I’m not trying to pry, and I certainly don’t need any of the intimate details, but I love you both, and I can’t think of any better person to be with my best friend or brother than well… my best friend and brother.” Jayce laughed softly, and I realized that in his own roundabout way, he was giving us his blessing. He walked over and hugged each of us. As we slowly came out of our shock, we managed to hug him in return, and I heard Cole whisper a quiet, “Thank you,” in his brother’s ear.
Someone knocked on the door, and Phillip stuck his head in to tell us it was time for the wedding to start. Jayce turned and grinned at us, and we did the same in return. “Just one other thing, guys. Whatever happens, treat each other with kindness and respect, because if either of you hurts the other, I’d hate to have to kick your ass. Now, come on, I have a bride to kiss.”
The three of us laughed as we headed toward the door, but I grabbed Cole’s arm before he could go through it. “Are you okay?” I whispered. I knew he’d be thrilled that Jayce had been happy for us, but it also wasn’t how either of us had envisioned him finding out.
Cole sighed, reaching up to cup my jaw in his hand. “I’m shocked that he knew and touched by the things he said, but mostly I’m just happy, because now, I get to do this whenever and wherever I want.” He leaned up on his toes and kissed me, sweetly. “I love you, Miles Butler.”
My heart danced around like it wanted to beat right out of my chest and I smiled. “I love you too, Cole Morris. With all of my heart.”
Epilogue
COLE
Six months later
“Okay,Mrs. Murphy, we’re all done. I’m seeing a lot of improvement so far. How has the pain been lately?”
“Oh, it’s much better than when I first came in. I was afraid my neck would never be the same after the car accident, but I tell all my friends that you’ve straightened me right up,” she praised. I chatted some more with the older woman as I walked her out to the front door. When she left, I turned to Janice and smiled.
“I know that look,” she said, arching a brow at me.
“What look is that?”
“TheIt’s Friday night and I can’t wait to get out of here because I have a hot man waiting for me at homelook,” she explained.
I rolled my eyes at her assessment, not that she was at all wrong. That was exactly what I’d been thinking. Still, I wasn’t about to admit that to her. “Goodnight, Janice. Have a great weekend.”
“Not as good as some people,” she said in a sing-song voice. I waited until I was sure she wouldn’t see before I let my smile break free.
Things were good, better than good, actually; they were great between me and Miles. Shortly after the wedding, he’d gone with me to New York so I could pack up the rest of my things and bring them home. We’d spent the week there, and I’d shown him my favorite parts of the city, but we’d both been ready to come home after, agreeing that Vintage Ridge was more our style.
When Jayce’s lease had run out at the first of the year, I’d considered signing a new one and making it my own. But then Miles had asked me to move in with him instead, stating that we spent nearly every night together anyway, and it didn’t make sense for us to have two places. Not that I’d needed much convincing. I’d been prepared to say yes as soon as he’d asked me. It may have seemed like we were moving too fast to some people, but sometimes, you just knew. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I wanted to be with him.
About a month after we’d moved in together, Miles showed me a red-brick building near the center of town that had been sitting empty ever since the owner of the beauty shop, decided to retire and move to Florida with her husband. Miles had gotten the key from the landlord and took me inside, pointing everything out and assuring me that the building was structurally sound. When he’d finished and he had asked me if I could picture myself running a chiropractic office out of there, I’d jumped into his arms and rained kisses all over his face in answer.
With a large parking lot, a great location, and room to expand…should I choose to add more chiropractors or even a physical therapy area…the place was absolutely perfect. Within a few hours, I’d signed the lease. Miles was given permission by the landlord to make the necessary modifications to the building so that it would suit my needs and soon, I was running my own business and gaining an impressive list of clients.
Driving home quickly, I pulled into the parking lot and hurried inside, eager to start the weekend. As I let myself in, I was surprised to find the lights all off except a single light coming from the bedroom. I tossed my keys on the table and walked back through the hallway, pulling my bow tie free and unbuttoning the sleeves of my dress shirt as I went. Miles was lying on his stomach in the center of our bed in just a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, and I was immediately concerned that something had happened, or he was sick.
“Babe? You okay?” I asked softly, as I sank down beside him on the bed.
One beautiful blue eye opened to look at me. “Am I getting old?”
