Open Case File [COMPLETED]

Link's Wedding

This is probably not what you wanted but I hope you enjoy it anyways. ☺️

Yvette didn't exist when this was written.
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Carter lifted her foot, tugging on the high heel and cursing the contraption. Around her, the twittering of fellow bridesmaids filled the room like the scent of perfume. While the ones already dressed and ready hovered around Maddy, the rest scurried around trying to locate earrings, shoes, and hairpins.

As Carter slipped on the other shoe, a knock came on the door. Being the closest one, she answered it, yanking it open.

"What?" she said, glaring at Donovan.

Donovan opened his mouth, but nothing came out, his eyes roving over her bare shoulders, the strapless, soft peach dress, and her long legs.

"Wow," he breathed.

"What do you want?" she snapped.

At this response, an amused smile curled his lips.

"Not the typical answer to a compliment," he said.

"I'm in high heels so tell me why you're here or I'll stab you with one."

Donovan chuckled. "Always lethal."

"Spit it out," she hissed.

The shoes were pinching her feet, her ankles felt unstable, her patience was fraying, and there was a sense of complete and utter lack of control that was slowly mounting with each second. Donovan's face lost its joviality.

"It's Link."

All of Carter's previous thoughts vanished and she could no longer remember why she was annoyed.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her worry playing out in her face.

Donovan nodded to the hallway. "Come with me."

Without explaining why she was leaving, she closed the door and followed Donovan. He took her through the back corridors of the church. Even from where they were they could hear the chatter of guests beginning to arrive. At a door off of the hallway, Donovan stopped and looked at Carter.

"Nothing, I'm saying is working."

He opened the door and they walked in. Sitting by the window, wearing a tux with his head in his hands was Link. In that moment, he looked like the kid Carter had first met, not the promising law student he was now. Giving a worried glance to Donovan, she stepped forward. Link made no sign that he registered her presence. Donovan took up a spot on the wall, crossing his arms. His tux jacket was draped over a chair and his bow tie hung loosely around his neck.

"Link," Carter said, sitting down into a chair beside him.

"I can't do it," he said.

"Can you clarify?"

Link dropped his hands and stared down at them, his whole face crumbled up with sadness.

"I can't marry Maddy."

Carter let the words hang in the air. When she was certain he wasn't going to keep talking, she nodded.

"Okay, Donovan has a car, we'll get you out of here."

Surprised, Link raised his head, blinking at her. Donovan gave no impression that this was a bad idea, his face remaining the same.

"It will be fine," she said, keeping her tone matter of fact. "We'll text from the car telling Maddy the wedding is off. I'm sure she will be fine walking up to the front of the church and telling all your friends and family that the wedding is off cause you bailed. It will be fine."

Carter stood and waved Link up.

"Let's go. We wait any longer and the guests might spot you leaving."

Link stared up at her, stunned. Crossing her arms, Carter stared right back.

"That's what you want, right? You said you couldn't marry Maddy, this is what you must have meant?"

Donovan's lips twitched but he kept his smile in control. Link dropped his head.

"No," he said. "That's not what I meant. I meant that I can't marry Maddy because I will be no different from my father."

Not saying anything, Carter sank back into the chair, crossing her legs. Sighing, Link ran a hand through his hair, contemplating the floor.

"No matter how much I care for him, I can't ignore the fact that he had an affair. He did that to Mason's mother. I know my mom isn't blameless but who they are is a part of me. How can I trust myself to be different when my example of a relationship is so screwed up?"

Hand buried in his hair, he shook his head. Carter looked up at Donovan and he nodded understanding without being told. As he slipped out the door, Carter laid her hand on Link's shoulder.

"You're not your father. Just like I am not my mother. You choose who you are going to be. What our parents have done before us does not define our paths. We make our own roads."

When he nodded but didn't look at her, Carter went on.

"I know it's hard to believe me, especially when I haven't been in your situation but there is someone who has."

Link raised his head, his brows furrowed. Before he could ask the question on his tongue, the door open and Donovan walked back in followed by Mason, wearing a similar tux. Link's brother took in Link's dejected state and seemed to understand.

"Don't tell me you're wimping out," he said.

Carter cocked her head. "Not the motivational speech I was hoping for, Mason."

Mason waved away her comment. When he kneeled before Link, Carter leaned back, giving them space.

"Link," Mason said, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Look at me. You love that girl. I know it and you know it. You're not our father, so stop doubting and go marry her."

Where Carter's words had barely managed a reaction, Mason's word cut through something neither Donovan or Carter could fully understand. Nodding, Link stood and Mason followed.

"Thanks," he said.

"Course. Just don't make the same idiot choices he did or I'll have to punch." He pointed between Carter and Donovan. "Or get one of them to punch you."

Smiling, the two brothers embraced.

"Now let's get this over with," Mason said, "because one of the hot bridesmaids has been eying me since the rehearsal and I'm curious what she has in mind."

Carter smacked his arm. "Real classy."

Mason shrugged, unconcerned. He left and Carter stood before Link, straightening his bowtie.

"You have some brother," she said.

Link smiled, the look full of amusement and affection. "Yeah, I do."

"You ready to do this?" she asked.

Link nodded and then seemed to actually see her.

"Carter, are you wearing heels?"

"We are not talking about it," she growled and left the room.

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Better watch your back!

(Cause you never know when you'll sit in paint, so it's best to be careful 🙃)

There you have it! Link and Mason are actually best friends and true brothers! I had fun writing this cause I liked showing how Mason is still Mason but he's become really close with Link, someone Link really trusts!

Sorry there wasn't more, I couldn't think of what to add to it. If you can tell me and I might add it.

So...thoughts?? ☺️

I'm feeling boring today so I'll leave my author's note there but never fear a hot guy is still here!

(Vote, comment, follow before you faint)