“Absolutely, Aleck. It was nice meeting you.” He looks at me. “Love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you, Daddy.” I lean over and kiss him on the cheek.

“How about me, Alex,” Cal says, turning all four heads in his direction. “Would you like to continue our conversation at the reception?”

With a confident smirk, Aleck nods. “Sure, Calvin. I’ll even save you a dance.”

Then he winks. He winks at Cal, slipping his hand into mine as he turns, and takes the lead, walking us back toward the dressing rooms.

Lord have mercy, I have my hands full with this one.

Well, until tomorrow.

TWENTY-EIGHT

ALECK

Clink, clink, clink, clink, clink…

The shrill sound of forks and spoons clinking against wine and champagne glasses fill the room like the most annoying reminder that weddings are nothing more than long-established traditions of bullshit. Every time the guests tap their eating utensils against their glasses, Sondra and Preston kiss.

Charming.

Winter stands from her seat, both Preston and Sondra between us. Her silver satin gown drapes over her hips and ass so beautifully, I nearly lift the Wedding Party table six inches off the ground with an erection I could win a sword fight with.

Her caramel hair is pulled up into a braided bun, showcasing her soft, slender neck, enticing me with the need to put my mouth on it. The little straps of her dress leave her smooth shoulders bare, and scoop down to the middle of her back. Her tanned, lean back… I picture sliding my hands up it while I’m bending her over… Fuck.

Then she smiles. Her supple lips painted blood red. I swear to god, I can’t tell if she’s the devil incarnate, or a god-damned angel. Which, I suppose, is the same thing altogether, isn’t it?

Clink, clink, clink…

More clinks. Everything at a wedding is a fucking clink.

“Hi…” Winter says into a microphone. The crowd chatter quiets, then fades to silence. “Thank you, Max, for that amazing toast. I’ve been fighting off crying for like nine hours, and that didn’t help.” The sea of watchful guests chuckle, giving Winter their undivided attention.

“Um, most of you here know me, but for those of you who don’t, I’m Winter Sommers, Sondra’s maid of honor and bestest friend in the whole wide world.”

She smiles. Her bottom lip shakes, she’s nervous. I want to wrap myself around her and whisper into her ear that she has nothing to be afraid of. Everyone in this building is just as captivated with her as I am.

Sondra reaches forward, slipping her hand into Winter’s. Winter’s smile widens.

“Sondra, Dottie, Keith, and I have this saying that love is like trying on clothes. Throughout your life, you try people on until you find the perfect fit. Some fit you, but don’t flatter you, while others flatter you, but aren’t quite… you.”

“Then some…” She turns to Sondra and smiles, giving me a full view of her gorgeous face. “Well, some slip over you like a second skin.” She looks down and swallows hard. Her smile falls slightly and I’m on the edge of my fucking seat.