𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐒
Newly engaged couple Sierra and Nick were eager to graduate college and move in together-finally starting their happily ever after.
But life isn't...
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"SiSi." That voice combined with a light touch on my shoulder tells me Brian wants my attention as I speak to the receptionist who works for the company the Garrett family owns.
I place my hand over his to indicate I heard him, and let Alyssa finish her story. "Wow, I've never made a quilt before. Your hands must ache by the time you put everything together."
She smiles, touching her bouffant bob hairstyle. "Do you sew?"
I shake my head. "The very basics. I can stitch and do a straight line on a machine, but I could never do something like that."
Alyssa's eyes flicker to Brian standing beside me, and she chuckles, squeezing my shoulder. "I'm sorry, dear! I've been monopolizing the bride."
"Not at all," I say, taking her hand between both of mine. "Thanks for the chat. It's nice not to talk only about the wedding."
Once she glides away, B tugs on my arm. "Pay attention to me."
I laugh, spinning to face him. "Hey, it's my ring bearer!"
"Hi!" He gathers me into a warm, familiar hug, and I squeeze his solid frame, inhaling his distinctive, perfect Brian Pena scent. Where my Nick smells like sandalwood, mint, and Tide detergent, Brian's signature smell is warm and earthy, like nutmeg, clove, and a faint floral note.
Nick's embrace is a haze of warmth and lust; a long, sexy kiss and unconditional love. Brian's hugs are like home in another way; an unspoken promise of having the other's back and a million inside jokes.
B gestures to the woman to his left. Willowy, with captivating brown eyes, and a nervous smile, she smooths the dark hair pulled back from her face. "Hi, Abby," I say, holding out my arms. "So nice of you to come!"
"Thanks for having me," she says, accepting my hug.
As we break apart, I hold Brian's coworker's shoulders, smiling. I commend her for bravely accompanying him to this party, knowing that Brian's spiteful ex would likely attend.
"And you," I say, kissing B's cheek next. "El Guapo."
"Beautiful, sweetheart."
I cup my ear in exaggeration. "¿Mande?
Brian throws his head back laughing, and the tension in him snaps like a rubber band. "I said, you look beautiful, cielito lindo." He draws an arm around me and drops his voice. "Listen, is she here?"
"Not that I've seen," I say with a shrug. "But everybody else in Lauren's family is, so I would imagine she will be unless she's working."
