“Your futurehusband.”
“Nathaniel Knox, don’t you dare come in here!” Her voice is stern. “You cannot see me in my dress yet, it’sbadluck!”
“Whatever you say, Phoebe.” He soundsamused.
“Nathaniel!”
“Relax. I’m not coming in. Just dropping off yourpresent.”
Her breathcatches. “Now?”
“Yep. I’ll leave it at the door.” He pauses, voice softening a shade. “See you soon,littlebird.”
Her expression melts, knowing the next time they’re face to face, it’ll be to exchangevows. “Soon.”
She waits about thirty seconds to ensure he’s out of sight before she races over to the door and yanks it open. We’re all right behind her, eager to see what gift Nate has leftbehind.
Flowers?
Chocolate?
Lingerie?
Somethingold?
New?
Borrowed?
Blue?
As it turns out, all my guesses are wrong. Because the present isn’t a thing at all. It’saman.
“Oh my god! OHMYGOD!”
Phoebe screams as Parker West swaggers into the room, wearing a perfectly tailored Hugo Boss suit and a widesmile.
“Hey,sis.”
“You’re here!” She throws her arms around him with such force, he’s knocked back a step. “You’rereallyhere!”
“Of course I’m here, Sweet P. It’s your goddamnedwedding.”
“Is Zoehere,too?”
“Already sitting in the front row, saving me a seat.” His eyes crinkle up. “I’ll join her after I walk my baby sister down theaisle.”
Phoebe’s eyes start towater.
Gemma steps up to hug her half-brother and scold him all in the same breath. “Don’t make her cry, we don’t have time to redo hermakeup!”
Parker holds his hands up in surrender. His eyes drop to Gemma’s swollen stomach. “Wow, Gem. You’re about readytopop.”
“Hopefully not for a few more weeks,” she saysdryly.
“Am I getting a niece or anephew?”
“Not sure yet.” Gemma places her hands on her stomach. “It’ll be a surprise for allofus.”