Slade’s sister, Jane, fanned her hand in front of her face. “I don’t want to ruin my makeup, but I’m so happy you came into our lives. Not only are you now family, but you helped me meet the love of my life.”
Jane had signed up for Kinnections to meet her soul mate. In an effort to protect his sister from a broken heart, Slade had stormed in and demanded Kate match him to prove the business wasn’t a scam. Kate did. With herself. Sometimes, when Arilyn was lonely at night, she’d think of Kate’s story and soothe herself with the possibility that anything can happen.
Kate laughed. “Without you, I’d never have met Slade. I love you, Jane, just like a sister. And no crying or I’ll never stop!” She steadied herself and drew in a deep breath. “Mom, tell them I’m ready.”
Madeline, Kate’s mother, gave a long sigh. “Are you sure you don’t want some marijuana just for the walk down the aisle, sweetheart? I don’t want you to be tense.”
“Thanks for the offer, Mom, but I’ll pass.”
“If you’re sure.”
Jane giggled. “I’ll check and make sure everyone’s in place,” she said, following Madeline out.
Arilyn moved next to Kate and took her hand. Kennedy grabbed the other one.
“This is it, ladies,” Kate whispered. “Nothing will ever be the same.”
Kennedy grinned. “Nope. It’ll be even better.”
Arilyn squeezed her hand. “Better than better. It’ll be epic.”
They all smiled at each other. Arilyn realized her friendship with these two women had changed her life and had given her strength, support, and much-needed humor. They’d built a business together, gone through heartbreak together, and were now moving on to pick their lifelong mates together.
Kate looked at them with love. “Let’s do this.”
They nodded. Then walked out of the room, together.
A FEW HOURS LATER, the reception was in full swing. Bear Mountain was ideal for a late fall wedding. The main lodge spread out over acres of property in rustic splendor, with the mountains in the backdrop. Winding paths encircled the large lake, and the trees were still clothed in colorful foliage. The weather held out and offered a crisp sixty-degree day with the dying sun drenching the woods in golden light and flickering warmth.
Arilyn knew she’d never forget the moment Kate began walking down the aisle. Instead of looking at her beaming friend, Kate found her attention grabbed by the groom. Elegant and handsome in his dark tuxedo, the once cynical lawyer who never believed in happy ever after watched his bride make her way toward him with tears shimmering in his eyes. Never taking his gaze off her, he ignored the faint ribbing of his groomsmen and stepped forward to take her hand from her mother’s.
In that moment, Arilyn ached all over as if she had come down with a bad case of the flu. Joy and sheer envy choked her, along with a burning need to one day experience such love and devotion for herself. For always.
And then her gaze swung over to Stone.
He sat in the third aisle, eyes piercing into hers as though he knew her exact thoughts. Arilyn waited for him to look away. Duck his head. Ignore her raw want with a practiced ease.
Instead, he refused to retreat from her gaze, taking it all in, until she was the one who finally broke the spell.
“I like your friends.”
She refocused her attention. The lively strains of popular music spilled from the huge speakers, and the DJ held the crowd with an expert ease. The ballroom featured a huge fireplace, gorgeous bay windows with views of the mountains, and rich wood floors. The tables were decorated with endless candles in fall colors, miniature dark pink and chocolate roses, and gaily wrapped boxes of truffles.
“They like you, too. Especially the guys.”
He arched a brow. “Why?”
She gave him a good-natured shove. “You called Slade a big crybaby. Guys love that stuff. They think you’re funny.”
“Do you think I’m funny?” he asked.
“I think you’re a smart-ass.”
“Takes one to know one, little one.”
“What were you talking to Kate and Slade about?”
He gave a half shrug. “A buddy back in the Bronx went through a divorce and used Slade as his lawyer. Slade took good care of him. I appreciated it.”
She fiddled with the napkin. “Even Kennedy likes you. She’s the toughest, you know.”
“Funny, I thought you were.” That comment startled her and made her meet his gaze. His face softened, and he reached out to trail a finger down her cheek. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“I find it interesting how you all fit together. Kinnections was a brilliant idea.”
“Yeah. Who would’ve thought a drunken evening would actually churn out a successful business?”
His brow lifted. “Drunken evening, huh? Didn’t you tell me it was the result of a rational, long, thought-out discussion between businesswomen?”
She gave a half hiccup. “I lied.”
“I should’ve known.” They gazed at each other for a while, the air electric between them. “There’s something else bothering you, though. You don’t want your friends to like me?” He stared hard, searching for answers. “Ah, I know. Your ex charmed everyone, so now it’s hard for you to introduce someone new into the mix. I’m just the transitional guy. Am I on the right track?”
Pain slammed into her chest. She jerked back, trying not to hiss at the raw well of emotions that tried to suck her down into a black pit. God, it still hurt. The way five years had passed and Jacob had known nothing about her real life. Sure, she told him things, but this was so different. So real. Stone engaged in conversation, shared a meal, and experienced her best friend’s wedding. Jacob never would’ve attended. Oh, he probably would’ve soothed her by trying, then canceled at the last minute as he had done so many times before. She’d never had a real relationship. She’d been mourning something that never really existed.