Cover

chapter one

Eleven months had not been long enough to prepare Sophie Lawson for the sight of him. Presently, Aiden Maddox sauntered into the Dock House like he owned the place, the din in the restaurant rising at his arrival. One at a time the groomsmen grasped his hand and pulled him in for a shoulder bump.

Seven minutes late.

Aiden swept Sophie’s sister into a hug, giving her a peck on the cheek. His masculine frame dwarfed Jenna’s slight build. The bride-to-be accepted his affection with apparent warmth that tweaked a thread of betrayal in Sophie’s frayed heart.

Since she hadn’t seen him in seven years—and since he was otherwise occupied—she allowed herself a quick assessment. He’d dressed up a pair of jeans with a blue sports coat that she knew, even from across the room, matched his eyes perfectly. At the moment he was talking to Grant, his best friend and Jenna’s fiancé, smiling that same crooked smile that used to set her pulse thrumming. Aiden tossed his head back, laughing with abandon.

He looked much the same, just a little less boy and a little more man. His shoulders were broader, and he sported a five o’clock shadow. He still had those sensual lips, the top one curving like a heart, dipping low in the middle. But she didn’t have to stalk him on social media to know what he looked like now when they knew so many of the same—

His eyes locked on hers.

Sophie’s fingers tightened on the chair she stood behind. Her quick peek had turned into a prolonged stare.

She jerked her gaze away, pushed in the chair, and sought escape. Open French doors led onto the deck where the party would soon dine. The May breeze skittered over her skin as she slipped outside. Twilight’s rosy hue lit the landscape, the marina with all its boats, and the shimmering harbor. Water rippled against the pilings, and somewhere nearby hardware pinged on a sailboat mast.

Sophie straightened the name cards she’d placed earlier on the long rectangular table. She had put herself to the right of the bride, Grant to the left, and Aiden just beyond him, a safe three chairs from her own. Her father would be on Sophie’s other side, but that couldn’t be helped. She had to keep him away from her twin brother, Seth, and their maternal grandmother.

Sophie glanced at her watch. Their dad was now ten minutes late. She sent him a text. It was her job to run interference tonight, which included overseeing her dad’s movements and keeping Grant’s grandfather from the booze.

She ignored the erratic thumping of her heart—which had little to do with her assignments—and instead focused on positive things. The flickering votives, the white twinkle lights, the jazz music flowing through the speakers, and the savory scents of grilled steak and fresh garlic.

In the eleven months they’d been engaged, Jenna and Grant had gone back and forth a dozen times on the menu, requiring Sophie to call the restaurant as many times. But all that was behind them now. The stage was perfectly set for a beautiful rehearsal dinner.

As she reached for a votive, the hair on her arms lifted. The oxygen was suddenly too thick to breathe. She didn’t have to turn around—Aiden had followed her outside.

“Hello, Sophie.” The sound of her name on his lips made something twist hard and tight inside. Anger, that’s what it was.

She stared into eyes that gazed at her with fondness. Fondness. As though he had any right to look at her that way. At least he wasn’t presuming to hug her as he had the others. Surely he knew she wouldn’t welcome an embrace.

“Aiden.” She crossed her arms. “I see you made it.”

“Were you counting down the minutes?”

“Somebody has to keep things on schedule. Your seat is there, beside Grant. Dinner will be served soon.” She turned to go.

“Wait, Sophie. I haven’t had a chance to tell you . . . I’m sorry about your mom. She was a wonderful lady. Closest thing I ever had to a mother.”

His words triggered that soft spot she’d always had for the motherless boy.

Do not feel sorry for him.

“Thank you.”

“You were good to her. And she was so proud of you.”

“Yes, well . . .” Sophie shuffled her feet. Toyed with the skirt of her sundress.

“Your dad must be devastated.”

She blinked at him. Her dad was the last person who had a right to be devastated. Hadn’t Aiden heard? Why had Grant never mentioned it?

Aiden looked back into the restaurant. “Hard to believe little Jenna’s getting married. Seems like yesterday she was begging us to drive her to the movies to meet some boy.”

“Well, she’s twenty-two now, and she’s found her perfect match. Grant will take good care of her.” If Aiden noticed the bite behind her words he ignored it.

“They’re good together.” Aiden shoved his hands into his pockets. “And Seth graduated from Appalachian State, I hear.”

“With his masters. He just got hired on as project manager at a consulting firm.” She glanced around for an escape, but the entire bridal party was still inside.

“And you, Sophie? What are you up to?”

She really didn’t want to talk to him about her dreams but decided to offer the bare minimum for civility’s sake. “I’m moving to Piper’s Cove. Going to open a bookshop.”

The corner of his mouth ticked up. “Wow, that’s great. A bookshop, huh?”

She just smiled in response. Politeness dictated that she ask about his life, his business. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it. “I should go in and—”

“You look wonderful, by the way.” His gaze grew intense. “You always have, but I think you’re even more beautiful now.”

She steeled herself against his charm. It didn’t mean anything. Words were easy. And who did he think he was, coming here, saying things like that to her?

Think of Jenna. Keep it cordial.

“You look well too,” she squeezed out.

His eyes twinkled in that familiar way, those silver flecks dancing. “Did that hurt much?”

“Only a little.”

He chuckled.

She checked her watch. They couldn’t wait any longer for their dad. “I should go and round everyone up. We’re running late.”

“I thought this was the Fosters’ shindig—parents of the groom and all.”

Grant’s parents had paid for the meal—for the entire wedding actually, since the Lawsons’ bank account was in poor shape. But the details had been left to Sophie, and in the wake of her mother’s death, she’d been happy for other things to focus on.

“I’m just helping out.”

Granny May appeared at their side, her small frame erect behind a walker adorned with an old-fashioned bicycle horn. Tonight her thinning white hair was coiffed within an inch of its life, and her kelly-green blouse set off her peachy skin tone.

“Hello, Granny.” Sophie stooped down to hug her maternal grandmother, a bouquet of Cinnabar assaulting her nostrils. “You look beautiful tonight.”

“I look like an old, shriveled-up prune—what can you expect at seventy-six? But you look lovely, dear.”

Granny turned a scowl on Aiden. “I see you found the back door quick enough.”

Aiden blinked. “Um, good to see you, Granny May.”

“That’s Mrs. Alexander to you.”

Sophie cleared her throat and addressed her grandmother. “Have you had a chance to meet Edward Drury yet—Grant’s grandfather?”

“Is he the one at the bar, taking down the whiskey shots?”

Sophie winced. Not already. “I should introduce the two of you later. He’s really nice, and Grant thinks the two of you might hit it off.”

“His cornbread’s not baked in the middle if he thinks I need a man in my life at this point.” She found Aiden over the rim of her glasses. “Don’t you have a plane to jump out of or something?”

“Granny . . .” Sophie took the woman’s elbow. “Why don’t you help me round everyone up? We’re running behind schedule.”

As Sophie strolled back inside the restaurant, she felt Aiden’s eyes on her back. Her face flushed with heat. Her legs felt like wobbly stilts. She thought she’d been prepared for this.

She would survive this weekend. She just had to get through dinner and the rehearsal tonight, then the wedding and reception tomorrow. Two days. Then she could count on him to leave—because leaving was what Aiden Maddox did best.

*  *  *

Aiden watched Sophie’s retreat, his gaze lingering on her tall, slender form. She still had that regal look about her—square shoulders, elegant ballerina neck, grace in motion. Her sleek and shiny brown hair wasn’t waist-length anymore, though it flowed well past her shoulders. It would no doubt still feel soft as butter if he ran his fingers through it. Not that she’d give him the chance.

He looked away. Okay, so he was still attracted to her. Not a surprise, really. But he hadn’t expected her to be standoffish. Not that he thought they’d be best of friends or anything, but he expected to have congenial, perhaps even wistful, conversations. He sure hadn’t realized her hard feelings had survived all these years.

Not that he didn’t have some remorse about leaving—he couldn’t regret a business that had become so successful. But he had grieved the loss of their relationship.

Within moments of Sophie’s departure, the party began trickling outside. A celebratory vibe stirred in the air as they took their seats. Sophie was too far away for conversation. He couldn’t even see her from here—but that had probably been the plan.

Once everyone was seated Mr. Foster welcomed them, then offered a poignant blessing. Afterward they tucked into their salads while Aiden made conversation with the bridesmaid and groomsman seated across from him. All the while thoughts of Sophie lingered in the back of his mind.

Soon the waitstaff swooped away empty salad plates, replacing them with entrées. He barely noticed the savory smell of his steak as Sophie’s laughter carried to his ears. He’d always loved her laugh, unrestrained and melodic. Infectious. He looked her way, wondering what had provoked it, but Grant still blocked his view.

Aiden stabbed a piece of steak. What had gotten into him tonight? Ever since his eyes fastened on hers across the restaurant, an ache clawed in his chest. He’d thought about her a lot over the years, of course. She was his first love. He sometimes missed the quiet conversations on her porch swing, missed her generous heart and dedication to whatever she set her mind to. And he missed teasing her about all of it. He’d never known anyone so darn dependable, much less a teenager. But then, she’d had to be those things.

As if on cue her dad stepped out onto the deck. Although Craig Lawson’s impeccable suit and neatly combed auburn hair indicated he cared about his daughter’s big event, his late arrival suggested otherwise.

“Daddy, you’re here.” Beaming, Jenna stood and embraced her father.

Beside Aiden, Seth stiffened, scowling at his dad before taking a drink. What was this? Had there been a fallout between father and son?

Sophie gave her dad a hug and invited him to take a seat beside her. But her posture was stiff, her smile tight. Had something happened in the aftermath of Rose’s death? Sometimes great loss brought a family closer together, and other times it tore them apart.

Grant must know what had gone awry with the Lawsons. But when he’d started dating Jenna a year and a half ago, Aiden had given him strict orders to keep all news of Sophie and her family to himself. He’d loved her so much. He didn’t want to keep looking back and missing her. Best to just keep moving forward—or so he told himself.

“It seems like the weather’s supposed to hold out through tomorrow,” one of the groomsmen said.

Aiden was glad for the distraction. “They’re calling for sunny skies on your big day, Grant.”

“It’s not supposed to start raining until Sunday.”

“That’ll give everyone plenty of time to get back home,” Seth said.

A tropical storm was headed this way. It had caused some stress over the past week as they watched it develop in the Caribbean waters and swing northward.

Except for Aiden and one of Grant’s college buddies, everyone had driven from Raleigh and would return after the reception Saturday night. Aiden had a late flight back to Charleston.

Empty plates were removed one at a time as conversation carried on at the table. The sun sank quietly in the sky, the twinkle lights glimmering off the harbor.

Mr. Foster rose, holding his glass aloft. “I’d like to toast my son and his soon-to-be wife.” He went on to say kind things about the happy couple, throwing in a couple jokes along the way. Then with watery eyes he wound things down. “Grant, I know you’ll treat your bride with all the love and kindness she deserves. Jenna . . . Welcome to the family, sweetheart.”

“Hear, hear!”

As the group quieted once again, Jenna’s dad stood and cleared his throat. “I don’t know if I can even talk after that.”

The group chuckled, but Seth stiffened beside him again. Aiden didn’t think he was imagining the mounting tension in the room.

“Hard to believe my baby girl’s about to tie the knot.” Craig turned to address the bride-to-be. “Jenna, you bring joy to everyone who knows you. And it seems you’ve found a young man who makes you happy. I wish you many years of joy together.”

“Hear, hear!”

Amidst the din Seth raised his glass. “To dear old Dad . . . May these two lovebirds end up a lot better off than—”

Sophie shot to her feet. “To Jenna and Grant . . . the happy couple we’re celebrating tonight. Um, I know the words of King Solomon sum up the way my sister feels. ‘I found him whom my soul loveth.’ I’m so happy for you both. To a long and happy union.”

There was another round of clinking glasses as servers set out slices of cheesecake, and the group went back to their respective conversations.

Aiden cast a glance down the table. How many crises would Sophie end up averting before this weekend was over?

chapter two

Might as well get this over with.

Sophie kissed Pippa’s furry brown head and set her down in the master bedroom of the Fosters’ beach cottage. While the rescue Yorkie was nothing but a sweetheart for Sophie, she was distrustful of strangers, something Sophie assumed was left over from her early days. Jenna had begged for the dog for her eighteenth birthday, but the responsibilities of dog ownership had soon fallen upon Sophie. Jenna hadn’t seemed to mind when Pippa chose Sophie as her master.

She glanced around the room, making sure there was nothing for Pippa to get into. Thanks to the Fosters’ generosity, the beach house would be Sophie’s home for three weeks while she spruced up the building that would house Bookshop by the Sea. Then she’d move into the space above the shop.

Her belongings were already unpacked and put away. Well, what she had with her. Most of her things were in storage. She was glad to be in Piper’s Cove, after arranging all the pieces from Raleigh, making multiple trips back and forth. Finally, she was ready to pursue her dream.

But she couldn’t think about that right now. First, the rehearsal. The mental checklist for the next two days was long and emotionally exhausting, and she found herself eager to tick all the boxes.

Pippa stared at her with sad brown eyes, her fluffy black tail drooping. Sophie tossed the dog her favorite squeaky toy. “I know, honey, but it’ll only be for a little while. Be a good girl. Play with Bunny.”

Sophie closed the door behind her and made her way through the crowded living room, following a path that took her around the armchair where Aiden was chatting with Dana, one of the bridesmaids. Sophie slipped through the sliding glass door. Time to get this show on the road.

A warm, salty breeze drifted over the deserted beach. Tomorrow white chairs would be aligned in tidy rows, and a gazebo, draped with chiffon and dripping with wisteria, would stand center stage near the shoreline.

She had so many memories in this beach town, most of them good, before her mom fell ill and her dad bailed. They came here every summer, staying in rental homes. She and her siblings played at the shoreline all afternoon, turning browner by the day, while their parents watched from the beach under the shade of an umbrella. Evenings were for riding bikes along the boardwalk. Each night Sophie dropped into her bed with a book, sun-tired and happy. That Jenna had decided to have her wedding here attested to the fond memories attached to this place.

Sophie joined Jenna at the deck railing, placing an arm around her sister’s shoulder. “Everything all right, sweetie?”

Jenna turned to her, eyes shimmering with tears. “I can’t believe I’m getting married tomorrow. Grant’s everything I dreamed of, Soph.”

Sophie’s shoulders released the tension the tears had automatically induced. “I’m so happy for you. He’s a good man.”

“He really is.” Jenna dabbed at her eyes. “And I’m already ruining my makeup.”

Sophie produced a tissue. “You look beautiful. Grant’s a lucky man, too, you know.”

“Thanks. Is Dad keeping away from Seth?”

“Don’t you worry about that. I’ll handle any problems that arise, but I’m sure they’ll both be on their best behavior.” Though Seth’s impromptu toast gave her cause to question that statement.

She squeezed Jenna’s shoulders, noting the fading light. “We should get going before we lose daylight.”

They quickly went over the order of ceremony.

“So after the parents are seated,” Jenna said, “the harpist will strike up ‘A Thousand Years,’ and Dana and Erik will walk down the aisle, followed by—”

“Wait. I—I thought you wanted the groomsmen waiting up front with Grant and Pastor Dave. The bridesmaids were going to walk down the aisle alone.”

“No, I told you, didn’t I? We changed it a couple weeks ago. Dana and Sarah were worried about walking alone on the sand. They want strong arms to hang on to.”

Sophie imagined her arm curled around Aiden’s, tucked close into his side. Deep breaths. “Oh. Sure. Of course. Whatever you want, honey.” They talked through the remaining order, working out minor details.

“Okay,” Jenna said finally. “I think we’re all set.”

“I’ll go get the others.”

Fifteen minutes later Pastor Dave and Grant stood near the shoreline as twilight encroached. The wedding party gathered on the deck, watching the ushers pretend to seat the Fosters.

Sophie felt a twin twinge and searched the group for her brother. Sure enough, across the deck her dad had cornered Seth. Jaw knotted, her brother stared toward the water.

Daggonit, Dad. Now is not the time.

Sophie made her way over and touched her father’s arm. “Dad, we’ll need you over here with Jenna. It’ll be your turn soon.”

Seth gave her a grateful look as she led their dad to the steps where Jenna waited. Seth had been vocal about his disapproval of Dad’s participation in the ceremony, but this was Jenna’s day. He’d promised to behave, but if their dad kept trying to engage him, things could go sideways in a hurry.

Things could not go sideways.

“All right,” Sophie called over the chatter. “Here we go. Everyone get in order of the procession.”

Everyone shifted, moving into place. Sophie kicked off her sandals. For the wedding they’d wear little wisps of decorative lace, extending from their second toes to their ankles, but tonight they were barefooting it.

Aiden appeared at her side, offering his arm and a crooked smile. “I see you’re still taking care of everyone.”

Sophie bristled, remembering that last argument seven years ago. He’d been too immature to understand her family obligations.

“Well, I am the maid of honor after all.”

“I didn’t mean anything by—”

“Here we go, everyone.” Sophie tapped the button on her phone, and the beginning strains of “A Thousand Years” flowed from the speaker.

The couples strolled down the aisle two by two. And then it was Sophie and Aiden’s turn.

She reluctantly took his arm, trying to imagine that her right side was numb and that she didn’t feel the warmth of his body or smell his subtle piney scent.

Aiden kept his gaze forward. “What I said before—I didn’t mean it as an insult.”

She kept a smile on her face. “Sounded like one.”

“Listen . . . Maybe we should start over.”

“Like before you arrived or before you left?” What was wrong with her? She was supposed to be smoothing things over. Keeping the peace. He just raised her hackles. Their strife seemed discordant with the harmonic music and festive atmosphere.

He sighed. “Okay, maybe I should start with an apology then.”

“That’s not necessary. Let’s just get through this, Aiden.”

It had been her motto for the last seven years. Through Aiden’s abrupt departure, her father’s abandonment, and her mother’s long illness and death eight months ago.

But now her mom was gone, Seth was self-sustaining, and her sister was getting married. Sophie was finally, finally, on the verge of having her own life. Nothing was going to ruin it. Certainly not Aiden Maddox.

“All I meant was that you took care of your family when they needed you. You should be proud of that.”

“I don’t need your approval.”

He gave a wry chuckle. “What do you need from me, Sophie?”

“I don’t need anything from you.” This was taking forever. She glanced behind her, making sure Jenna and their dad were ready. “Can we speed this up a little?”

“Eager to be rid of me?”

The Story Continues on BooksBarbecue!

Enjoyed this preview? ❤️ Do not stop here!

Read the complete book free online → 🔗

Continue reading now on BooksBarbecue and discover every page!

Love reading? Bookmark BooksBarbecue.com for more amazing books!

Happy Reading!