Brothers

Chapter 39

Christians POV

After the wedding reception, Anastasia and I head to the reception hall a few miles down the road.

Anastasia looks over at me from the passenger seat and smiles.

"The wedding ceremony was beautiful. I'm so happy for Hardin and Tessa." She says.

"Me too. I never thought I'd see the day where my brother actually got married." I chuckle.

"Oh stop. His vows were beautiful." Anastasia swats at me.

"Daddy did you see them kiss." Theodore makes a disgusted face.

Anastasia and I laugh.

"Honey that's what happens when two people are in love. They kiss." Anastasia explains.

"I'm never kissing anyone. Gross." Theodore laughs, sticking out his tongue.

"Did you talk to Vance yet?" Anastasia turns to me.

"Not yet. We will probably catch up at the reception." I say.

"Hmm. Well please behave. This is their day, don't do anything you're going to regret."

I look at Anastasia and smile, taking her hand into mine.

—

When we get to the reception hall we are greeted by Hardin and Tessa.

Tessa has a flute full of champagne in her hand, giving Anastasia a hug.

"Congratulations Tessa. The wedding ceremony was gorgeous. I'm so happy for the both of you." Anastasia smiles.

Hardin walks towards us, his hands in his pockets, he gives me a nod and smiles.

"How's it feel to be a married man?" I joke.

Tessa and Hardin look at each other and smile.

"It's alright I guess." Hardin teases.

Tessa nudges him and laughs.

"Tessa." Kimberly, Vances wife runs towards us, a smile across her face.

Vance follows behind, joining us in the conversation.

"Congratulations Tessa, Hardin. Hardin you better take care of this one you hear. This was my finest intern over at Vance." Vance smiles.

"Ouch. That hurts. I thought I was your best intern?" Hardin jokes, grabbing his chest as if he's in pain.

"Eh you were alright I guess." Vance jokes.

"If you'll excuse us girls, were going to get a drink. Let the father and sons chat amongst yourselves." Kimberly says, winking at Vance as she leaves with Tessa and Anastasia.

Vance turns to me.

"So Christian. I wanted to talk to you about something." He begins.

"Mind if I take Theodore and Phoebe over to get some cupcakes by the bar." Hardin says.

I nod. Hardin volunteering to watch the kids. What the hell does Vance want to talk about.

Theodore and Phoebe follow Hardin away from the table where we are seated.

Vance and I watch them walk away from the table.

Then Vance turns to me.

"So I know we've um — I know we've worked everything out and I um." Vance pauses.

I stare at him, froze in my tracks. Why is he so nervous to talk to me? What does he have to tell me?

"I um — I haven't been completely honest with you... your mum and I, when we had you. We were together. It was before Ken. Before he and your mum started dating."