If ever I showed I cared about something or someone more than business and economics, they were somehow destroyed. So, I did the only thing I could to protect them, I didn’t let myself care. And if for some reason I did care, I never let them or him know.

“Is father coming to the engagement party?” I ask.

“Nah. The bastard’s in Dubai with his latest mistress.”

“That’s good,” I say. He retired when I turned eighteen and forced him to cash out his ownership in the company—Williams and Williams, our family’s international accounting firm.

He passed ownership on fifty-fifty to Gavin and me. It was his last attempt to pit us against each other. It didn’t work.

If Gavin ever wants to step in and take a roll, he can, if not, that’s fine too. I disburse profits at the end of the fiscal year and both Gavin and I share in what our great-grandfather started. One thing my dad never understood about me—I care more about the people I love than about business or a hundred million dollars. Or maybe he did understand, which is why he worked so hard to remove everyone I cared about from my life. He wanted a business prodigy and then he hated it when he got one.

I look over at Gavin. I truly believe he and Lacey are meant for each other. He loves her, I can tell. He could also use her stability and support. She seems to see him for who he truly is. A good person. But…

“Look, Gavin. If things don’t work out with Lacey, I’ll figure out the business side.” It’ll be hell, but I’ll figure it out. I care more about my brother than a merger.

Gavin sighs, nods, then looks away. “Those were some rapids, huh? Almost as sweet as this time in Queensland on the North Johnstone River. I took a helicopter out through this rain forest with volcanic gorges to class V rapids. It took six days to raft and at night it was like I was in another world. The mushrooms at the base of the trees glowed in the dark and there were luminescent insects floating in the canopy.” He smiles at me. “We should go there.”

Even though the trip today was not my kind of fun, the look on his face makes me agree. “Deal. After the honeymoon.”

Gavin turns to the open lawn. A bluegrass band warms up on a small wooden stage and couples move toward the grassy dance area marked out by hanging lights. It looks like the Summer Sweetheart’s Dance is about to begin.

“Alright,” says Gavin. A fast song begins and the mandolin player’s fingers fly. “Dang. Who is that?”