“Want to step in and be my best man?” Gage asks suddenly.
I glance up and see that my friend is dead serious. “Of course,” I say automatically. I was never offended that Gage chose Archer over me. They’ve known each other longer so it made sense. “I’d be honored, man.” And I meant it.
“Great. Okay.” Gage nodded, smoothing a hand along his jaw, a contemplative look on his face. “You paid attention at the rehearsal last night? I don’t need to tell you what to do as best man, do I?”
“I think I can handle it,” I drawl, laying the sarcasm on thick. “What do I need to do? Hand over the ring? That’s about it.”
“You’re going to need to give a speech at the reception,” Gage points out.
Ah, shit. I’m not big on giving speeches, but I hold my own when I have to. “No problem.”
“Marina’s going to ask Bryn to be her maid of honor.”
“So we’ll be a matched set.”
“Yep.” Gage nods. “You cool with this, bro? We’re having to change it all up at the last minute, and it’s not like you two are second choice but . . .”
“We’re second choice,” I finish for him. “And I’m not offended. I’m sure Bryn won’t be either.”
My cell dings at that very moment punctuating my sentence, and I pull it out to see it’s a text from Bryn.
Maid of honor now. Are you the best man?
Smiling, I type her a response.
You know it.
Nervous?
Not with you by my side, I answer.
And that’s the truth.
Chapter Two
* * *
Bryn
I’VE SEEN MATT in jeans and a T-shirt, a suit, shirtless in a pair of sweats, and I’ve seen him naked. A lot.
But I have never seen him in a tux before, and oh my God, he’s gorgeous. He only wore a suit to Ivy and Archer’s wedding, so I didn’t get to see him in his full tux glory. And he is just flat out glorious.
My heart is tripping over itself as I make my way toward him. I struggle to keep the giddy smile off my face, but it’s no use. I’m full-on grinning by the time we reach each other.
“You’re beautiful,” he says before I can even get a word out. His eyes practically smolder as he drinks me in.
My cheeks heat up. It’s so ridiculous, but I’m still not used to Matt’s praise; that a man like him would be interested in a woman like me. Silly but true.
“You look amazing.” I barely get the words out before Matt’s dipping his head, his mouth brushing against mine. We’re in a small building on the property that Matt’s assigned as wedding headquarters for the day. This is the first wedding we’ve held at the winery, and I told Matt if it’s a huge success, we should consider putting together some advertising and marketing plans so we can rent the winery out to the public for events. Aside from this wedding and happenings for the winery, so far, we’ve only put together small parties for people we know.
He said he wasn’t sure he’s ready to go big, but I’m excited at the thought. I could become a wedding planner. I love putting together events, and I’m always doing that sort of thing for the Matt’s winery business anyway, trying to draw attention to the DeLuca Vineyard.
“You’re pretty damn amazing yourself,” he says once we break apart. He grabs hold of my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Love that dress on you.”
I glance down. The dress is pale yellow and strapless, with a snug bodice and a flowing skirt that hits me just above the knee. I love it. “I like it too which surprises me. I’m not a fan of yellow.”
“I’m a fan of anything on you.” Matt tugs me close and drops another kiss on my lips, but I put my free hand on his chest, giving him a little push.
“Stop,” I say without much force—like I’d deny this man anything, especially affection. I love it when he kisses me. Touches me. I’d pretty much let him do whatever he wants to me.
I’m that far gone over him.
“We need to focus on our new tasks and keep the bride and groom calm,” I remind him. I sent him a text when I arrived along with the rest of the bridal party and he immediately asked me to meet with him for a few minutes. So here we are.
Figures he tried to cop a feel. Not that I stopped him.
“Gage is fine,” Matt says, still gripping my hand. “He’s more worried about Marina. How is our bride?”
“She’s better.” Once she’d calmed down about the whole Ivy going into labor situation, Marina seemed good. Calmer, which she needs to be in order to get through this day. She’s been amped with the wedding plans, but I know she’s waiting for it all to be said and done. Not that she won’t enjoy her wedding, but . . .
I think she’s really looking forward to their tropical honeymoon where she can relax. And get wrapped up in her husband.
“Wait until you see her. She’s a gorgeous bride,” I say dreamily. Marina is the quintessential bride all little girls dream of being. Her gown is something straight out of a fairytale, with the full skirt, a sparkly bodice, and feathers.
Yes, white feathers. The dress is hand beaded and ruched, made of tulle and silk, and the look is completed with a tiny tiara on her head. Marina will probably make everyone’s jaw hit the floor the moment they see her walk down the aisle. I could almost cry just thinking about it.
“You’ll be a gorgeous bride someday too, you know.” Matt lifts our linked hands to his mouth and kisses my knuckles.