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L.J. MCALISTER

KissInTheGarden

©Copyright2023–LJ McAlisterAllrightsreserved

Itisnotlegaltoreproduce,duplicate,ortransmitanypartofthisdocumentineitherelectronicmeansorinprintedformat

Recordingofthispublicationisstrictlyprohibited andanystorageofthisdocumentisnotallowedunlesswithwrittenpermissionfromthepublisherexceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview.

Thisbookisaworkoffiction Anyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,orplaces,eventsorlocationsispurelycoincidental

Allrightsreserved Thisbookoranyportionthereofmaynotbereproducedorusedinanymannerwhatsoeverwithouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofthepublisher exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview

CoverDesignbyCosmicLetterz

EditedbyBoldBooksPublishing,LLC

FormattingAshleyEstep

Contents

Prologue

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

ChapterSeven

ChapterEight

ChapterNine

ChapterTen

ChapterEleven

ChapterTwelve

ChapterThirteen

ChapterFourteen

ChapterFifteen

ChapterSixteen

ChapterSeventeen

ChapterEighteen

ChapterNineteen

ChapterTwenty

ChapterTwenty-One

ChapterTwenty-Two

ChapterTwenty-Three

ChapterTwenty-Four

ChapterTwenty-Five

ChapterTwenty-Six

ChapterTwenty-Seven

ChapterTwenty-Eight

ChapterTwenty-Nine

ChapterThirty

ChapterThirty-One

ChapterThirty-Two

ChapterThirty-Three

ChapterThirty-Four

Epilogue

AlsobyL.J.MCALISTER

AbouttheAuthor

About The Book

Whystrive for perfection, when love is anything but?

Kelsey

IthoughtIhad itall figured out Ifinallydecided ona career and was makingitwork Or so Ithought Until Imessed up Again.

Now, I have one final chance to make mydreamof beinga weddingplanner a success - Planmycousin’s weddingto her billionairequarterbackfiance.

Butthere is justone problem, JasonCollins. The stubborn, infuriatinglyfrustrating, and impossible-to-resistbrother ofthe groom Mycompleteopposite

Apparently,inthesmalltownofBrightwood,wheretheweddingwillbeheld,it’sJasonwhoisincharge.

Inchargeofthelandscapingcompany,inchargeoftheweddingdesign,andinchargeofme. Orsohethinks

Thisisit.Mymakeitorbreakitmoment.AndIwon’tletanyonegetinmyway.

Jason

Ifthisspoiledprincessthinksshecancomeinhereandtakeover,shehasanotherthingcoming

Kiss in the Garden is an opposites attract, forced proximity, steamy contemporary romance. It is book three in the Brightwood Small Town Romance Series, and while it can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read Kiss in the Dark: The Kickoff and Kiss in the Dark: The End Zone first

Mom, This is for you. Though you ’ re no longer with us, I feel your presence, which continues to inspire me and I’m forever grateful for your love Thank you for your unwavering support and confidence in me without which this book would not have been possible L J

Thebouquetisjusttooangular.Ofcourse,thebride,Misty,won’tmind.SheisoneofthegirlsImetduringmystintasa travel agent, and as a proud Southern belle, all she cares about is that the bouquet is big and beautiful But I had envisionedsomethingroundedtomatchthebubble-blowingexit.It’sfine;itjustisn’tperfect.Andasanup-and-coming weddingplanner,Iwantthingstobeperfect

Inodtotheweddingphotographer,andshegetsinplacetotakephotosofthegrandexit.Theweddingguestsstandwaiting for thecoupletowalkout,eachholdingtheir bubblewands.Gettingthosewandspassedouthadbeenanightmare.For such sweetweddingguests,theyturnedintomonstersthemomenttheyweredirectedtodoanything

Alltheyneededtodowaswalkoutoftheceremonyareaandgrabthecustombubblebottle.Theyaresupposedtobesweet keepsakes,eachwithaheart-shapedwandandalittleflowertiedtothem Buttheguestskeptmessingwiththem,tearingapart theflowersandspillingbubblesolutioneverywhere.Andthatwasjustthegueststhatwerewillingtodowhatwetoldthemto do Ithadbeenlike herdinga groupofcats,tryingtogetpeople tounderstandthatthe couple was leavingandthe reception wasstarting.

MistyandDavidrunouttheceremonydoors.Shelooksupathim,laughingasthebubblesburstacrossthem.AndIdon’t thinkDavid,whoisthemoststoicmanI’veevermet,hassmiledforthislonginhislife Theguestsarecheering,thebubbles arebouncing,thephotographeriscapturingthebeautifulmoment–andallIcanseeisthatstupidbouquet. Focus, Kelsey.Istill havetogettheentirebridalpartyintothelimoandofftopicturesbeforeIheadovertothereceptionsite

It’soncetheguestsbegintoenterthereceptionareathattherealdisasterbegins.Misty’smotherdoesn’teventakeherseat beforestorminguptome

“Whatisallthis?”shedemands,gesturingouttowardtheroom.AsasurprisetoMisty,andtoaddalittlemoreofasplash tomyownportfolio,Ihaddoneafewunexpectedupgradestothereception.Itakeitallinbeforeansweringher,proudofmy work Nomoreblandcandlecenterpieces–thetablesarecoveredwithenoughfloralstolooklikeagardenhasgrownovertop InsteadofthecupcakesfromalocalbakerythatMistyhadrecommended,Ihadgoneall-outwithagorgeousdesignerwedding cake Bestofall,I’mgivingittothemfor free Ifigureit’slikeabusinessexpense–Igettoupdatemyportfoliowithalittle morepunch,andIgettogiveMistyabigthankyouforbeingoneofmyfirstweddings.

ButbeforeIgetachancetoexplainall thegorgeouschangestoMisty’smother,shepullsmeovertoacornersoshecan yellatmealittlemoreprivately.

“MistytoldyouthatDavid’smotherisallergictodaisies–andyou’veputthemalloverthetables!Howisshesupposedto eatatherownson’swedding?”

“Wait,what?”Mymindisspinning,andIsweartheroomhasstartedtotiltaswell.“Nobodytoldmethat...”

“Don’tstartwiththat,IknowMistyaskedforcandles Ifyouhadbeenlistening,thiswouldn’tbeanissue Somaybeyou canpracticeyourlisteningskillswhenItellyoutogetthoseflowersoffthetablenow!”

Faceburning,Iruntotheparent’stableandbeginsnatchingflowersoff.Itleavesthewholetablelookingtotallybare,butI guess anemptytable is better thanone that will give the mother-in-law hives. Arms full of flowers, I race awayfromthe parent’stable,onlytocomeface-to-facewithalividbride.

“Kelsey,thisisnotwhatwetalkedabout,”shesays Shehasthatsouthernabilityofsmilingwhileangry,andshe’susingit tofulleffectnow.

“Iknow,I’msosorry!Ijustgotalltheflowersofftheparent’stablesoDavid’smothershouldn’thaveanyissues” “Youput...”shetrailsoff,andgazesatthetables.It’sclearfromherexpressionthatshehadn’tevennoticedtheflowers yet.Shedirectsherattentionbacktome,andhervoiceisicecold.“I’mtalkingabouttheweddingcake.Whatisthat?”

Itakeitbyhertonethatshe’snotaskingforthedesigner’sname.“Don’tworry,Ipaidfortheupgrademyself,it’sthesame flavorsandeverything,justalittlemoreupscalethanthatdinkylittlebakery.”

“Thatis the girl who owns thatdinkylittle bakery,” she says, pointingto her maid ofhonor “And Ipromised her thatI wouldhaveher cupcakesatmywedding.Thiswasasuper bigdeal toher.Youseriouslywentbehindmybackandchanged that?”

There’s nothingIcandobutwince.“Misty,I’mreallysorry!Ididn’trealizethesignificanceofthecake.IthoughtIwas doingyouafavor”

“Kelsey, youwere doingyourselfa favor. Youare takingawayfrommybigdayinorder to flauntyour daddy’s money. We’renotdonetalkingaboutthis.”

Heartdraggingme to the floor, Idump hundreds ofdollars offlowers into the trashcan The digatme isn’ttrue, butI deserveitanyway.Noteventenminutesintothereception,andI’vealreadyruinedtheexperienceforMisty.Allmyhardwork wasmeanttobeafavor,butnowit’sreallybiting

Ispendtherestoftheweddingbouncingbetweenmyusualdutiesandapologizingtoeverysinglepersonwhowasoffended bymyupgrades Unfortunately,myapologiesdon’tseemtomeanmuch BythetimeMistyandDaviddriveoff,themotherof thebridehasthenumbertomyfamily’slawyer.Ididn’trealizethatanyonecouldhatecakeandflowersthatmuch,nomatter whatkindtheywere.

Finally,all theweddingguestsaregone Thankgoodness It’stimetoview thedisasterspace Rightoutsidethedoor,the place card table withthe remainingbubble wands stands, lookinglike a group oftoddlers had beenlet loose. Tornflower petals litter the table Afew straybottles, includingtwo shattered ones, have rolled across the floor There is a continuous dripping sound as the leaked solution oozes. Why did I think it was a good idea to bring the remaining bubbles to the reception?Thebrideandgroomleftlaterthanmostguests,soit’snotasifIgotthechancetophotographanothergrandexit.

Thedessertstationisalsonightmarish.ThisisonlythesecondweddingIhaveplanned,butIalreadyknowthatpeoplewho caneatwithaforkandknifeinordinarysituationscannotnavigateadonutwallwithoutdestroyingit.

Itrytoexchange a hopeless glance withthe bartender,buthe is beyondsympathy After three hours ofservingunlimited cocktailstotipsyguests,heisnotahappycamper.Well,itlookslikeIwon’tbebummingafreedrinkfromhim–orgettinghis number,whichisashame

Myphonebeginstobuzz,andIpickitupwithoutevenglancingatthecaller ID.IshouldhaveknownIwouldbegetting angrycallsfromMisty’smotherassoonastheyleft.

“Hey, Kelsey! What are youdoingright now?” I double-take and checkthe name onmyphone. It’s not anirate mother screamingabouthowexpensivegoodfloralarrangementsare.It’smyfavoritecousin,Abby.

“Justwrappingupawedding Andithasbeenanightmare,letmetellyou–” Abbylaughs.“Well,whatacoincidence!Itlooksliketheremightbeanotherweddingforyoutogotointhefuture.Justnot asaplanner”

“Wait,what?Shutup!Yourhotboyfriendisnowyourhotfiancé?”Iampretendingtobesurprised,butIamjustsurprised thathehadn’tproposedfromdayone.

“It’sthetruth,andI’vegotashinyrockaroundmyfingertoproveit!”Shesoundsabsolutelygiddy “Pictures,babe,pictures!Ineedtoseethekindofringamillionairefootballplayergivestotheloveofhislife.”

“Oh,you’regoingtobesodisappointed It’snotyourstyleatall Hekeptitprettysimple” Isurveytheroomaroundme.Eventhoughthenighthadbeenatrainwreckinalotofways,Idohaveaneyeforthingsina waythatAbbydoesn’t Ifithadn’tbeenforme,shewouldstillbewearingherhairinthatgreasyponytail That’s whenitclicks for me. Abbyneeds me to planher wedding. She’s a sweetgirl and has figured outhow to dress herself,butshedoesn’thavethatinnatesenseofstyleneededtoplanawedding.

“Abby CanIplanyourweddingforyou?”

“Idon’tknow,Kelsey.HunterandIaretryingtokeepthingssimple.We’vebeeninthemiddleofmediacircusesbefore, andwedon’twanttogivethemanythingtorunwith Besides,wealreadyknowwhatwewantforthewedding,soitshouldn’t reallyneedanyplanning.”

“Okay,youknowIloveyou,butthefactthatyou’resayingthisdoesn’tneedanyplanningprovestomethatyou’regoingto bewayoveryourhead.”

Shelaughs.“Letagirltakeamomenttobreathe!Ithasn’tevenbeentwenty-fourhourssinceheproposed!”

“Alright,I’llletyoubreathe Justpromisemeyou’llthinkaboutit”

“Idon’tknow,Kelsey...”

“Youdon’thavetomakeupyourmindnow!Justkeepitonthebackburneruntilyourealizewhatagreatideaitis”

“It’sadeal.Justdon’tgetyourhopesup,okay?”

“Iwon’t.Now,tellmetheentirestory.Howdidhedoit?”

HavingAbbygive me a breathless run-downofthe entire daymakes wrappingup a little easier. Atleastitdistracts me from the inevitable fall-out from the disaster I’ve made of this wedding. Even as she’s talking, I’m imagining how to

incorporateelementsfromtheirlovestoryintoawedding.Shemaynotbemakinganypromises,butI’vemademymindup.I amgoingtoplanherwedding.

Myphone buzzes.Itis entirelytooearlyfor myphone tobe buzzing.Imean,it’s nearlynoon,butthatis still tooearly whenweddingskeepyouupuntiltheearlyhoursofthemorning.

“Hello?”It’sjustmydad,soIdon’tmakeanefforttokeepfromslurringmywords.

“Hey,Kelsey Iwasreviewingyour checkingaccount,andjustwantedtoconfirmafew things”Isitrightup Mydadis clearlyinbusiness-mode,whichmeansthisisnotimetobehalf-asleep.

“Confirmaway,”Isayconfidently,butinternallyIwince There’sgoingtobesomeprettyheftychargesthismonth

“I’m seeing over a thousand dollars to West Street Bakery and about six thousand to New Edge Florals? Were those weddingplannerexpenses?”

“Yep!”Isaybrightly.“Mistypickedsomereallygoodflavorsforthecake,too!Haveyoueverhadadarkchocolatecake withraspberryicing?”

Heignoresthequestion “AndItakeitthatyouwill begettingnoneofthatmoneyback,seeingashow thefamilylawyer calledtodayaboutsettlingwiththebride’sfamily?”

I’mquietforamoment,wishingthatIcouldjustavoidgivinghimtheanswer “Kels?You’renotgettingthatmoneyback,areyou?”

“No.I’mnotgettingthatmoneyback.”

“Okay,sothat’soverseventhousanddollarsthatyouwasted Kelsey,whatonEarthwereyouthinking?”

Isayitveryquietly,asifsayingitquietlywillfixit.“Thatitwasabusinessexpense.”

Hesighs “Okay,Kelsey Thatisn’tgoingtocutitanymore Giveourlawyeracall rightnow andmakesureyouhavean ironcladcontractinplacefor nexttime.Andplease,trytoremember thatmoneydoesn’tgrow ontrees.Besmartaboutthis, kiddo”

“Willdo,Dad.Loveyou.”

“Loveyou,too.Bye.”

kay,Ihaveanidea,”Isay,floppingontomybed.

“Okay, shoot,” Abbysays, and flops downnextto me. Ever since her years oflivingwithus incollege, she has made a pointofdrivingup to visitus everycouple ofmonths. It’s beena few weeks since she has come home from Uganda,andshe’scometostaywithusforaweekendofrelaxationafterallherhardwork Hunterhasnowproposedovera monthandhalfago,andAbby’sworkhaskeptherfromplanningbasicallyanythingforherwedding.

“Iknowthatplanningyourweddingisano-go,”Isay “ButIamawomanofmanytalents”Andisn’tthatthetruth?Since thefiascothatwasMisty’swedding,IhadlineduphalfadozenothereventsthatIwouldbeplanningforthenextfewmonths–babyshowers, sweet 16 parties, and a few anniversaries. But none of themwere the high-end weddings that I want to be knownfor

“Yourlifewouldbealoteasierifyoujustpickedonething.”

“Pfft,where’s the funinthat? IamdelightedtoinformyouthatIrecentlypickedupfashiondesign–” Abbygroans,butI carryon.“AndIwouldbehonoredtodesignyouacustomweddingdress.”

“Iknowthekindofweddingdressyouwouldmakeforme No,thankyou” Irollmyeyesandpointtohertop.“YoustillweartheclothesIpickedoutforyou.”

Shelooksdowninsurprise.“Iguessthisisn’tthebestshirttoprovethatpointin.HaveIreallyhadthisforthatlong?”

“Youhave AndI’vealreadydesignedtheperfectdressforyou”

“Wait,what?”

“Yeah I’vewantedtodoabridalfashionlineforawhilenow Ijustincludedasketchforyouintheline-up” “Letmesee!”

Afterafewminutesofriflingthroughpapersonmydesk,Ifinallyfinditandpassittoher Foramoment,herexpressionis absolutelyunreadable.Thenshelooksupatme.

“Youdrewthis?”Inod,andshelooksbackdownatthesketch.“Imean,Kels...thisissoclosetowhatI’mlookingfor. Like,thiscouldbeit”

Itrytohidemyexcitementandsoundnonchalant.“Butthat’sthethingaboutcustom.Itdoesn’thavetobeclose.Itcanbe spot-on Like,whatwouldyouchangeaboutit?”

Forthenextfew moments,Iaddonlittledetailsasshedescribesthem.Arow ofdaintybuttonsalongtheback.Asimple sleeve.Asmallertrain.WhenIhandthedrawingbacktoher,shelookshungry,likeshecouldeatthatdressup.

“Look,”Isay “IknowIcanbealittleflighty,alittleover-the-top,andalittletoo me ButIreally,reallywanttoplan yourwedding.You’vealwaysbeenlikemysister,andthisisthegiftthatIwouldwanttogivemysister–oneperfectday,one dayofbeingaprincess,onedayoflivinginadream Please,justgivemeachance”

Nottakingher eyes awayfromthe drawing,she says,“Idon’tknow,Kelsey.It’s mywedding.It’s a prettybigchance to take”

“Haven’tIalwaysbeenthereforyou?”

Sheglancesupatme,thensmiles.“Youknow what?Youreallyhave.Wedding’sgoingtobeonJune30th.Canyouplan it?”

I’msmilingsohardmyfacehurts.“IthinkIcanmanageit.”

Sittingdownnexttomybrother,Hunter,Iwordlesslyhandhimabeer.Heliftsitinacknowledgmentandtakesasip.Itfeels comfortablesittingonthefrontstepsofourparent’shouseafterSundaydinner It’sonlyjustwarmenoughtostartsitting outside,andit'snicetoseethesunagainafterthelongwinter.Though,therearespacesinthelawnwherethegrasshasn’t grownyet SomethingI’msurethat’sgoingtobothermydadunlesswedosomethingaboutthatsoon Iglance over atHunter and notice withamusementthatbothofus are stretchingoutour shoulders as we sitonthe front steps. Mybackis killingme after spendingthe dayhaulingmulch, and Hunter’s probablysore fromluggingRebecca’s kids aroundallevening Notthathewouldcomplain Icantellbythesmileonhisfacethatheenjoyedeverymomentofit “Didn’tthinktwokidscouldgiveyousuchaworkout.Don’tyoutossaroundgrownmenontheregular?”Idon’ttakemy eyesoffPennyandMason I’dgottenthemafrisbee,andtoHunter’schagrin,theyseemedtolikeitbetterthanhisfootball

“See,buttheotherguysdon’tdemandthatIactlikeahorseywhenIdoit.”

“Iguessallthatwhinnyingreallytakesitoutofyou”Ichuckleinamusement

“Yousaidit,”hereplieswithhisownsmileasheliftshisbeertohislipsagain.

WesitinsilenceforanotherfewmomentswhilelisteningtoPennyandMason,mysister’skids,participateinascreaming contest “Alright,”Isay,turningtohimabruptly “HowdidyouconvinceagirllikeAbbytomarryaguylikeyou?I’mgoingto takenotes,justincaseIneedtotrickpeopleintomakinghorribledecisions.”

Helaughs “Iknow Itfeelscompletelyunreal Ikeepforgettingshe’smyfiancé” Ikeepmyselffrommakingacrackaboutfootballersandbraindamage.For onething,itmightbealittletooonthemark withhisconcussionlastyear Foranother,I’mtryingtoshowHunterI’mnotbitter There’salotoflittlethingsthat,withvery littleeffort,Icanblowupintosomemajorresentment.

“ThanksagainforofferingtoredothelandscapingatCutler’sPond,”hesays.“It’sgotalotofmeaningformeandAbby, butIknowit’sabigfavortoask”

Iscoff.SometimesHuntercanbetoonice.“You’repayingforit.It’snotafavor;it’sajob.”

“Yeah,butit’sabigjob,and–”

“Youknow what’sabigjob?Gettingall thepermits.Ihatethepaperwork.Ittakesweeksfor metomuddlethrough,and yougetitdonetheafternoonyoudecideyouwanttoholdtheweddingthere?Givemeabreak.”

“Thesecretistohavealawyerthatdoesitallforyou.”

“Ah,mymistake.Iforgetthatsomeofushavealawyertocatertotheireverywhim.”Imakeanefforttokeepmytonelight. HunterandIweren’talwaysonthebestofterms Afewmonthsago,Iwould’vesaidsomethinglikethattopickafight Ihad been bitter about all his success, and even more so about his lack of involvement with the family, only to realize that his successnevergavehimafreeridetoaneasylifeandthatpeoplecanalwayschange IknowIdid

“ButIlike the directionthese whims are taking. Ilike seeingsome good come fromyour stacks ofcash.” And that’s the truth.Thetownneverhadenoughmoneytotakecareofthepark.HunterandAbbyareusingthemoneymostpeoplewouldput towardafancyweddingandareputtingitalltowardturningtheparkintoaplacepeoplecanenjoy.

“It’sallAbby.She’stheonewhowantedtoturnourweddingvenueintoacommunityproject.Shejustmakesmeabetter person”

“Yeah,yeah.You’re great.Goodjob,Mr.Amazing.” That’s whatIsay,butmymindis drifting.I’ve learnedtomake my peacewithHunter’sfameandsuccess,buthisrelationshipwithAbbygetstome Thewhole“shemakesmeabetterperson” thing–Iwantthat.He’s younger thanme bythree years,andhe’s gettingmarriedfirst.IfIhadplayedmycards right,Icould havehadwhathehas.Bythistime,Icouldhavehadawife.Maybeevenakid.

Regardless of my feelings, I amhappy that he found someone to make himhappy. He deserves that, and my personal feelingsonthematteraren’timportant.Ihadmyopportunity,anditdidn’thappen.

Thatwasn’thisfault;itwasmyown

“Iknowit’sabigjob,butIwaswonderingifIcouldpileanotherresponsibilityonyou?”Foramoment,Ithinkhe’sabout to askme to be the bestman Butthatcan’tbe right He alreadyasked his bestfriend Axel Itrynotto resentit Beinghis brothershouldbeenough.Idon’tneedtobehisbestman,too.

“Yeah,man Whatisit?”

“IwantyoutodothemaindesignandlandscapingfortheweddingsothatitalignswithCutler’sPondproject.Youhavean eyeforthisstuff,anditwouldmeanalottomeifyoutookthison.”

“You’rekidding”Ican’thelpthegrinthatbreaksovermyface

“No,I’mserious.Abby’scousinisplanningthewedding,buttheparkisreallyimportanttome.IwanttomakesureIhave someoneIcantrustrunningthingsonthatend”Forgetthebestman KnowingIhaveHunter’strustmeansmorethanknowing he wants me to plansome raunchybachelor party. And this is one of the few times I’ve heard himtalkabout myjob with respect

“Soundsgood.Thanks–”

MysisterRebeccacomesflyingoutthefrontdoor,knockingusbothasideasshebeginsyelling,“Mason,youputthatstick downrightnow!Youdonothityoursister!”

“ButMom,she–”

“No buts!Youguys have tenmore minutes, butifyoucan’tplaynice, itwill be no more minutes Nod your head ifyou understand.” Mason and Penny nod, eyes downcast. Rebecca turns to the both of us, saying, “I thought you two were supervising?”

“Iwas,”Itellher.“AndMasonwasdoingagreatjobwiththatstick.” Rebeccarollshereyes.Imoveovertogiveherroomtositwithus.

“Whatareyoutwotalkingabout?”sheasks “HunterjustaskedmetosupervisethewholeCutler’sPondproject.”

“Goodchoice Nowgive,”shesays,motioningtoHunter’sbottle Hesighsandhandsittoher Shetakesasipandpassesit back.

“Abby’scousiniscomingintotownaboutamonthbeforethewedding,”Huntertellsme.“She’llprobablyhaveafewideas onthings,butyouhavetheleadonthelandscapingstuff.Iwanttheparktobeusefulbeyondjustthewedding.”

“Wouldthisbe...Kelsey?”Rebeccaasks.“What’sshelike?”

Hunterwinces “She’salotoffun,butI’malittleworriedshemightputtoomuchpartyintothepartyplanning She’sabit spoiled,andI’mnotsureifsheknowshowtoputhermindtosomethingandgetthejobdone.Jasonwillprobablydoalotto helpbalanceherout”

“Areyouexpectingmetodothejob?Ortobabysitthislittlepartyprincess?”

“Calmitdown,”Rebeccasays.“She’llprobablybalanceyouout,too.Getyououtofyourgrumps.”

Hunterchimesin,“AndevenifIwereaskingyoutobabysither–whichIamnot–itwouldn’tbethatbadofajob She’sno Abby,butshe’seasyontheeyesinherownway.”Rebeccagiveshimaswiftnudge,andIcan’tholdbackasmirk.That’swhat hegetsforthinkinghecantrytothrowthepartyprincessonme I’mnotinterestedinhookingupwithanyone atleastnotfor thelongrunrightnow.

“Hunter,mindgrabbingthegremlinsforme?Itisdefinitelytimetogo,”Rebeccasays “Surething,”hesays,asheclimbstohisfeetandrunsafterthem.Bothkidstakeoffscreaming.Thelaughterthatfillsthe yardmakesRebeccasmileasshewatchesthem.

“Youokay?”sheasks “Iknowthisiskindofhardforyou” “Yeah,I’mfine.Hunterseemstobedoingalotbetter.I’mhappyforhimandAbby.” I may have had my own views of envy over the situation, but I’d never openly voiced it Especially to Rebecca The womanwouldn’tletmeliveitdownandwouldprobablyhaveafewchoicewordsofherowntosay.

“Areyousure?Imean,itwouldn’tbetheworstthingtohaveyourbrothersetyouupwithsomenicegirls Ifyouwantwhat hehas,youneedtoputyourselfbackoutthere.”

Thereitis…theconcern.

“Iknow,Rebecca”Isigh,fiddlingwiththebeerbottleinmyhand “Ijust missAndrea Plus,thereistoomuchtodo aroundhere.Dadneedsmyhelp,andthebusinessneedstobetakencareof.Idon’thavetimetolookforsomeonenew.”

Idon’tcarehowlongit’sbeen Rebeccamaybefrustratedthatit’stakenmeyearstomoveon,butyoudon’tgetoveragirl likethatovernight.Shewasalwaysbetterthanme--andknewit,too.

SheisquietforamomentassheseemstoponderoverwhatIamtellingher.We’vehadconversationsmanytimesaboutthe situationwithAndrea,andthisisnodifferentfrombefore.Timeisslowlymakingthingsmorebearable,though,andfornow, I’llfocusonmoreimportantthings.

“Youdon’talwayshavetobetheresponsibleone,Jason,”shemurmurssoftly.“Dadwantsyoutobehappyaswell.” Ifonlyitwerethatsimple.I’dlovetoarguewithher.Tellhershedoesn’tknowwhatshe’stalkingabout,butitwillonly leadtofurtherarguments Astheoldestson,itismyresponsibilitytostayandhelpDad Ican’tleavehimtodoitalone and Hunter,backwhenwewereyounger,wasalwayssocarefreeandfocusedonsports,thatnow,consideringhisbusyschedule, hesimplydoesn’thavethetime Soit'suptometomakesureeverythinggoesright.

NomatterhowmuchIwouldlovetohavewhatHunterhas,itisn'twhatwasplannedforme Ihavetobetheresponsible one.Theonewhoensuresourfather’slegacyistakencareof,andIacceptedthatresponsibilitywithoutcomplaint. ThoughIshouldn’thavetakenitoutonHunter.

“Regardlessofeverything I’mproudofyou,”Rebeccasays Iscoff,shakingmyheadbeforeliftingmybeertomylipsoncemore.“Areyounow?”

“Iam Seriously Iknow how harditistoseeHuntergetmarriedbeforeyou Buthehasnoideahow muchit’sbothering you.Evenifyourefusetoadmitit.I’mproudofyouforbeingsupportivedespitehowyou’refeeling.”

Iclearmythroat,ignoringhow muchwhatshesaysisbotheringme “Thanks,Becca”IturnmyattentionbacktoHunter, whoismakinghiswaytowarduswithakidundereacharm.“ButI’mperfectlyfinefocusingonwhatcounts,andthat’sDad’s business.I’mnotinterestedinentertainingsomepartyprincess.”

Fromunder his arm, Penny gasps in excitement “Another princess? Did you know Abby’s a princess? She’s Princess Buttercup.”

“Areyouaprincess,too,pumpkin?”Rebeccaasks,rescuingherfromHunter “No,”shesayswithasigh.“Idon’thaveaPrinceCharmingyet.Liamsaidhewoulddoit,butIdon’tlikehim.Hesaysthe wordpoopallthetime,andthat’sgross.”

“Youdon’t need a prince for a longtime, kiddo, and youcertainlydon’t need a prince to make youa princess. You’re alreadyaprincessallonyourown,”Rebeccasays.“Readytogo?”Sheherdsbothkidsinside.Huntergrabshisbottlefromthe frontrailingandfinishesitoff Iwatchhimandtrynottothinkabouthoweasyheseemstohaveitcomparedtome MaybeI amalittleenvious,butI’mtryingnottobe.

HunterwatchesRebeccawalkawayandrunsahandthroughhishair Thescreendoorslamsbehindme Hunterlooksatmewithasmile.“Justthinkthatcouldbemeinafewyears.” “Whoa…kids?That’sahugestepfromawedding.”

Henods,laughing,ashesnagshisalmostemptybeerbottleofftheporch,downingtherestofitscontents.“Maybe,butI’m readyforitnomatterwhat.”

Ihesitatethinkingabouthowluckymybrotheristohavethepossibilityofthatkindoffuture Hereallyistheluckiestman alive.“Ireallyamhappyforyou,Hunter.”

MywordsfallshortasIstandandclaphimontheshoulder ThewordsImeant,Iamhappyforhim ThoughIwon’tdenyI wishIhadwhathehadmorethananything.

Chapter Two

Out of all the beautiful, romantic places in the world, Abby chose to get married in Boonies, Ohio. I take another apprehensiveglanceoutthewindow I’mnotbadonflights,butthesmallertheplane,themoreterrifiedIget Because nooneintheirrightmindwouldflytoColumbus,thisplaneseatslessthanthirtypeople.It’stiny.Itrattles.Theword “deathtrap”comestomind

Iclose myeyes tightthroughoutthe entire landing. IwishthatAbbyand Hunter would agree to have their weddingata destination.FlightstoPariswouldn’trattlelikethis.Theyservecheeseandwineasyouloungeaboutinfirstclass.Thetires hittheground,andIjoltforward Whenmyparentscomeoutforthewedding,I’lltellthemtotakeacar

The only good thing about a small flight is that you get off quickly. Within fifteen minutes of landing, I left the plane, grabbedmysuitcase,andmademywaytothepickuparea Abbyisalreadywaitingforme,scanningthepeopleastheywalk outtheglassdoors.

“Abby!”Iscream,wheelingmysuitcaseovertoherandgrabbingherhand “Letmeseeyourrock” Shelaughsandwavesherringinfrontofmyfaceforamoment,thenpullsmeinforahug.“I’msogladyou’rehere,Kels. You’reright;therearewaytoomanydecisions.”

“I’malwaysright,”Isay “AndIhavetonsofideasforyou!”

“Let’stalkitoverinthecar.You’restayingattheBrightwoodInn,right?”

She helps me lugmystuff into the car I mayhave slightlyoverpacked, but I’ll be here for the monthleadingup to the wedding,andIneededoptions.Istill couldn’tpackeverythingIwantedtotakeandconvincedMomtoshipmetherestina coupleofweeks

“Alright,”Abbysaysasshesettlesintothedriver’sseat.“Whathaveyougotforme?” Ipullmyclunkybinderoutofmybag,proudofthehardworkIputintoit.“So,wedecidedonagardentheme,sohere’s what I’mthinking: Iwant to install a gorgeous glass tent withchandeliers, like this one This one is byone ofmyfavorite designers,butwecangethertodesignsomethingdifferentifyou'rethinkingmoreglamandlesselegance.Forthealtarspace, whatdoyouthinkofdoingacanopyofflowers?There’snotreallyagoodfloraldesignerhereintownthatcoulddothat,but wecouldbringinoneofthesevendorsfromadifferentcity...Ihavealistsomewhereinhere.”

Abbylaughs. “Simple, Kelsey, simple!I’mnotgoingto geta designer to custom-make us chandeliers. Canyouimagine howridiculousthatwouldlookinthenewpicnicarea?”

“I’msorry–didyoujustsaypicnicarea?”I’mtryingmybestnottosoundtoohorrified.

“Yeah,theconcretehasalreadybeenpouredandthepermanenttentstructureisgoingup Wealreadyhavethreedifferent schoolgroupsplanningfieldtripstotheareainthefallandarehelpingalocaldaycareopenasummercamponsite.”

Iburstoutlaughing “Abby, ifwe did ityour way, the onlyweddingdecorationwould be a tire swing Your community dedicationisadmirable,butthisisyourwedding.Andyou'renotmarryingjustanybody.ThisisHunterCollinswe’retalking about,billionairequarterback.”

“Kels…”Shegivesmeapointedlooktoshowshemeansbusiness,andIcan’thelpbutsmileatherandgivein.

“Okay,okay.Igetit.Trustme,Ihavethiscovered.I’vegotlotsofotherideasifyoudon’tlikethechandeliers.”

“Yeah, scratchthe chandeliers And the flower thing” Atriumphantsmile forms onher face as Ireluctantlymove to the backofthebinderinsearchofsomethingelse.

“Maybewecandosomethingmoremodernforthearchway,then Wecoulddosomethinggeometric,likethis,anddoitup withsomeflowerslikethat?”

Ipointtothedesign,asAbbyrisksaglancedownatthepapersonmylapandgivesaslightshrugtomyidea.“Maybe…I

don’tknow.”

“It would be cute, and, if we’re keepingit simple withthe backdrop, we could do somethingmore extravagant for the reception,like–”

“Kels.Extravagant?”

“Right, right Sorry Butyouhave to admititwould be cool to do a gardenceiling!It’s this super cool installationwith floralsandgreenerydraped–”

“Absolutelynot,”shesays,andIgroan “We’renotgoingtowastetonsofmoneyonsomethingthetowncan’tuselater And if we start bringing in people fromout of town and designing these crazy things, the media will turn this wedding into a nightmare.”

Sheisn’twrongaboutthat Iamsurprisedtheyaren’talreadyallovertheevent “Abby,comeon,youcan’tjust–”

“Nope Standingmygroundonthisone IwantsimpleKels Nothingmore”

Thereis aseriousness toher tonethatlets meknow shemeans business,andas muchas Iwouldhavelovedtocontinue persuadingher,I’mnotgoingto Sheisoneofmymostfavoritepeopleintheworld,andthisisherbigday Ifshewantstogo simpleandtackyagainstmybetterjudgment,whoamItotellherno?

“Okay,okay.Letmeatleastshowyouaphotoofhowthedressisgoing.”Sure,Abbyhadlikedthedesignonpaper,butit’s hardtoenvisionthefinalproductwhenallyouseeisthedrawing “Thedressmakeriswaitingtofinishafewthings,but ”I handherthepicture,andhereyesgrowaswideassaucers.

“Shutup Kelsey,this is perfect”Ihavenever seenmycousinactlikethis over clothes before Iguess aweddingdress willdothattoaperson.Hereyesarebarelyontheroadasshelookshungrilyatthedress.Shehandsthepicturebacktome. “TakethisbackbeforeIcrashthecarorsomething.I’mnotgoingtobeabletokeepmyeyesoffit.”

Ilaughwithdelight.IknowI’mgood,butitfeelsgreattohavesomeoneelserealizeit.

“Whatwasthatonthetop?”sheasks.

“It’sjustbeading,”Isaywithalaugh “Doyouliketheblushcolor?”

“Heckyeah,”shesays,pullingintothehotellotandparking.“Nowgivemethatphotoback.”Iwatchhereyessweepover thedetailsofthedress Thetop,withtheelaborateboningtodrawattentiontoherperfect,curvyshapeandthebeadinginan elaboraterosepattern,spillingontothesatinskirt.Ilovethatskirt;it’ssuchaclassicshape.Thetoptookmehourstodesign, butthatskirtmade itself. Ofcourse, there are still a few last-minute decisions to make, and a fitting, butI’mproud ofthat dress.

“Thankyou,thankyou.I’msoexcitedtotrythison!”

“Ofcourseyouare It’sperfectforyou,”Isaywithalaugh “Though,fairwarning,Iwillhaveyoumakesomedecisionson itlater.Canyouhelpmegraballthisstuff?”Welugeverythingoutofthecarandintothehotel.

It’scute,inasmall-townway Thelobbyissmall,withonlyfouroverstuffedchairsforgueststositwhilewaiting Asmall, butcute, wood stove sits ina corner, obviouslynotlitrightnow, butIbetitgives the Inna homeyfeel whenthere’s a fire going.Thebrowncarpetisabitthreadbareinplaces,butitstilllooksgood.

Abbyringsalittlebellfortheclerk,andateenageguycomesscurryingoutofthebackroom “Hi,howcanIhelpyou?”

“Hi,Icalledahead KelseyAdler Aroomforamonth?”Iask

“Right,right,right,”hemutters,pullingayellowstickynotefromthecountertop.“I’vegotyourighthere.Letmegetyour creditcardandanID”

After rummagingaroundinmypursefor afew moments,Imanagetofindmywalletunderneathall myweddingplanning stuff.IgrabmyIDandcreditcardandpassthemtotheclerk.

“So,ifyoulikethedresssomuch,”Isay,turningtoAbby,“doyouwanttodomostlyblushflorals?Ordoyouwanttodo–” “Sorry,”theclerksays.“Cardwasdeclined.”

Iturnandstareathimforamoment “Declined?”

“Doyouhaveanotherformofpayment?”heasks.

“Um,yeah,yeah Givemeasecond”Irummagethroughmybagagain,grabmyothercreditcard,andpassitover Thistime,Iwatchastheclerkswipesthecard,typesonthecomputer,andshakeshishead.“Thisoneisdeclined,too.Do youhave–”

“Justaminute It’sprobablyaproblemwiththebank”Iheadtothewaitingareaandcallmydad Iknowit’snotaproblem withthebank.Iprobablyjustmaxedoutmycardagain.TheonlyproblemwithbouncingbetweenjobsthewayIdoisthatthe incomeisnotalwayssupersteady

“Hey,Kelsey.Howiseverythinggoing?DidyoumakeittoOhioalright?”Dadasks.

“Yep!Everythingis peachy-keen, Ijusthave one little problem. I’matthe hotel, and mycard declined. Could youspot me–”

“No.”It’slikearugispulledoutfromundermyfeet.

“Um,no?”

“Kelsey,wetalkedaboutthisafteryourlastweddingfiasco.”Hiswordsfallhardonme.Wehadlostthecourtcasewith Misty AllbecauseofafewupgradesImade,thoughIregrettednotlisteningtothem Still,itwasabeautifulwedding Dadwasn’thappy,though,notthatIcanblamehim.Notonlydidtheynothavetopayanything,butIalsohadtopaythem restitutionontopofthat,atawhoppingtenthousanddollars!

Isigh,thinkingabouthowangryhewaswithmethatday.ButIdidn’tthinkhewouldcutmeofflikethis.

“Iknow,Dad,andItoldyoua milliontimes I’msorry Ilearnedmylesson ButIreallyneedthe moneyrightnow This weddingisforAbby,andIwantittobeperfect.”

“Kelsey,Igetit.Butregardlessifit’sAbbyornot,youneedtoberesponsibleenoughtostartsomethingandseeitthrough, notjustfootmewiththebillforallyourmistakes I’mnotsayingthatyou’regoingtomakeamistakethistime,butyouhaveto learnalesson.Iknowyouhaveplannedothereventssincethatwedding,andyoushouldhavebeencollectingmoneyforthose services All I’maskingis thatyoulearnhow to manage your business finances wisely, and a high-end hotel is nota wise businessexpense,notifyoucan’taffordityourself.”

“Dad ”

“No,Kelsey.I’mnotgoingtospotyouthemoneyfor all your differentbusinessideasover andover again.I’vepaidfor college, inadditionto cosmetologyclasses, graphic designcourses, a travel agent certification, art supplies, and a million otherexpensesfromallyourlittleideas Honey,ifyoucan’taffordfood,yourmomandIwillbethere ButI’mnotgoingtopay foranotherbusinessideathatturnsouttobeafailure.”

Mystomachdrops MydadismakingitsoundlikeI’mafailure,butI’mnot Thoseideasweren’tfailures,Ijustmovedon Andtheydidn’thaveanythingtodowithwhatI’mdoingnow.IlovewhatI’mdoingnow.There’sadifference.EvenifI’mstill tryingtofiguremyselfout.Butthatdoesn’tmeanthoseweremistakes.Itdoesn’tmeanthatI’mamistake.

“I’mjusttryingtofigurethingsout,Dad.I’mtryingtofindsomethingthatfeelsright.AndIlovewhatI’mdoingrightnow.I don’tplanongivingitup.”

“Andthat’sgreat,butKelsey,you’realmostthirty Atsomepoint,you’regoingtoneedtostoplookingforthingsandstart findingthem.Andifyoucanmakethingsworkandreallyshow effortwithwhatyou’redoing,thenIwill turnitall backon, andI’llassistyouinmakingitbigger Iloveyou,butyou’regoingtoneedtogrowupandfigurethingsoutonyourown Ifyou can’taffordafancyhotel,staywithyourcousin.”

“Butshe–”

“Oryoucanstaywithoneofherfriendsoratacheaperhotel.ThepointisthatI’mnotgoingtosortthisoneoutforyou.It’s timetogrowup.Iwantyoutodedicateyourselftothisweddingplanningthing.ThistriptoOhioisthetimeforyoutoprove yourself I’mnotgoingtocancelyourrentalcaroryourflightbackhome,butyou’regoingtoneedtostepitupforeverything else.”

“Okay Okay,”Isay,lookingupattheceiling,tryingnottocry “Um,Iloveyou,Dad IwillcallyouagainwhenIsortthis out.”

“Iloveyou,too,Kels.Talktoyousoon.”Thephoneclicksoff.Andthat’sallthereistoit.Foramoment,Istandstaringat myphone as ifwaitingfor himto call me backand tell me thathe wasn’tserious Butthe call doesn’tcome, so Iguess he meansit.

IlookoveratAbbyandshrug Theteenageclerkiswatching Iwishhewouldfindsomethingtodointhebackroomsothat Idon’thavetofeellikesuchanidiotinfrontofthischild.

“Um,thebankisgoingtotakeamomenttosortitout,”IsayasIwalkbacktoAbby “Let’sheadouttothecarandfigure thisout.”

The momentthe door closes behind us, Iburstinto tears. “Mydad cutme off. Idon’thave enoughmoneyto afford this hotel”

Shenodspractically.“Okay,doyouhavemoneytostayattheSuper8?”

“Um ”Ipulloutmyphone,checkmybankingappandwince “NotifIwanttoeat,too CanIstaywithyou?”

She stares atme blankly. Whata dumb idea. For one thing, Iwould be intrudingonher and Hunter a monthbefore their wedding No engaged couple would want that For another, she had told me all about the apartment theyare renting It’s a studiointhehistoricdistrict,sotherewouldn’tevenbeanotherroomiftheywantedtohavesomealonetime.

“Imean,canIstaywithyourdad?”

Abbyblushed “YouknowhowItoldyouhewasbringingaplusonetothewedding?”

“Yeah,whenweweredoingalooseguestlist,yousaid–wait,yourdadisdatingagain?”

“Keepitonthedown-low,butyes Andshe’smovinginwithhimthisweek Helovesyou,butthiswouldbetheworsttime foryoutostaywithhim.”Yikes.Okay.“MaybeyoucouldstaywithBrooke.Getyourthingsinthecar,I’llgiveheracall.” Iheftmysuitcases intothe car,butbythe time I’mfinished,Icantell Brooke’s place is a lostcause justbythe lookon Abby’sface.

“Herapartmentwasflooded.She’sstayingwithherparentsrightnow,sothat’sano-go.Butifwewantaproject,wecan

gohelpherblowdrytwelveboxesofbooks.”

“I’llblowdryallthebooksyouwantifwecanjustfindaplaceformetostay.”I’mhalf-joking,half-beggingatthispoint.

“Um Oh,I’vegotit!Letmejust–”andwiththat,Abby’sbackonthephoneagain

Chapter Three

Istop stuffingt-shirts into the drawer and take a deep breath. Thenanother. I’ve gotto cool offbefore dinner, butIcan’t believeIletHunter talkmeintothis T-shirtinhand,Ilookaroundour childhoodbedroom JustbecauseKelseyneedsa placetostay,I’mgoingtobesleepingonabunkbedagain.

Hunter had called me inthe middle of a job I had smeared mulchacross myphone inthe scramble to answer it Our relationship hasn’t always been great, and I’m still getting used to him calling without there being some type of family emergency.Ialwaysgetalittletwitchywhenthingsseemtobegoingtoogood.Fortunately,thenewswasslightlylessawful–butonlyslightly

Apparently,Kelseyhadn’tplannedahead.She was intownbutneededa place tostay.For some ungodlyreason,Hunter thoughtthatIwouldbehappytogiveupmyapartment Islamthedraweronthepileoft-shirtsandstartshovingsocksintothe nextdrawerdown.

“No,”Ihadtoldhim “Findsomeoneelse”I’mtryingtobeabetter brother toHunter For alongtime,Ifeltlikehehad abandoned the family, choosingfootball over us. Whenhe came home to restafter his injury, itmade bothofus reevaluate somethings.He’sstartedmakingthefamilymoreofapriority,andI’vestartedtogivehimthebenefitofthedoubt.

Nowthathe’sputtingforththeeffort,Iwanthimtofindreasonstokeepcomingbackhome Butaman’sgottodrawaline somewhere.AndlettingastrangegirlstayinmyhomeiswhereI’mgoingtodrawtheline.

“Therereallyisn’tanyoneelse,”he’dsaid “Shecan’tstaywithus,wecouldn’tsqueezeasnakeinthebackcorner,andshe can’tstaywithAbby’sdadbecauseMichelleismovingin.”

IlistedoffeverypersonIkneworcouldthinkof Noluck

“Well,whataboutMomandDad?They’vegotroom.”

“Yeah,” he said slowly. “Butyouknow how stressed outmomgets whenshe has house guests. Always runningaround, ensuringthe house is spotless,andthe guestis constantlytakencare of She evenstill does thatwithAbby,andshe’s family now.Besides,MommadeBecca’sroomintohercraftspace.Sotheonlyroomshecouldsleepinisourroom,whichisnow Penny’sandMason’sroomfor whentheysleepover I’msurethey’ll sleepover atleastafew timesintheupcomingmonth, whenBeccahasthenightshiftatthehospital,whichwouldrelocateyoutothecouchinthelivingroom.WhatI’maskingis:Do youreallywanttoputMomandDadoutlikethatwhilehavingKelseystayinouroldroom?”

I look around the room again. The Batman and Princess bedspreads. The comic book collection. The grinning stuffed animals.Ifshe was the snoopingkind,itwouldgetevenworse,because momkeeps everything.Yearbooks,journals,poetry fromEnglishclass–Ihadmadetherightchoice

Myapartmentmightnotbetheclassyestablishmentshe’susedto,butatleastit’saplacethatI’mproudof.Iworkedhard toearnthemoneyforthatapartment Everythinginthatplaceistheresultofmyowntwohands Theideaofhavingherstayin myhomeandsleepinmybedisnotmyfavorite.It’sanuncomfortableinvasionofprivacy.Butit’sbetterthanhavingKelsey seeallmyteenageawkwardness.

Thatdoesn’tstopmefrombeingangryaboutit.NordoIunderstandwhyIamsobotheredbyagirlIdidn’tknowseeingmy things.

Slammingtheotherdrawer,Ishovetheduffel bagunderthebed Itwouldbenicetogetbacktowork I’minthekindof moodwhereIcouldpullouttreestumpsone-handed.ButI’mgoingtohavetositatthedinnertablewiththeentirefamilyand becivilaftergettingkickedoutofmyownhome

Worse, she might ruin the job I’mdoing on the Cutler’s Pond project. So far, nothing I’ve heard about her has been a glowingreview.Shecouldn’tevenplanaheadforherowntriptoBrightwood.Canshereallyplananentirewedding?Orshe

couldbelikesomanyofthepeopleI’vedoneworkfor.Whatifshe’sthekindofladywhotriestotakeoverandtellmehowto domyjob?“Canyouplantthetreerightwherethewaterlineis?”or“Canyoutrimthebushesintocutelittleanimalshapes?”

Thethoughtofitmakesmybrowtwitchinfrustrationasmyfistsopenandcloseatmyside Itakeanotherdeepbreath.I’moverreacting.Thisgirlcouldbeagreatweddingplanner.Andevenifshe’snot,Iwon’tlet herruinmybrother’sweddingormesswithmyproject SowhatifIhavetomoveoutforamonth?Imightmisshavingmyown space,butIalreadyspendalotofmytimeatmyparents’place.

Itcan’tbethatbad It’sonlyforamonth

Ineed to stop stewinginmyemotions and find somethingproductive to do. Iwalkdownthe stairs and into the kitchen. Everyone’s goingto be here for dinner–Rebecca’s family, Hunter, Abby, and her cousin. Mom’s bound to be stressed about something

“Allmovedin?”Momasks,pouringmilkintothemashedpotatoes.

“Yep,”Isay “Needanyhelpwithdinner?”

“Can you go straighten the table settings? I let Penny do it, but I’d like to make sure everyone actually has all their silverware Wheredidthatgirlgoanyway?”

Rebeccasnorts.“Probablyhidingfromherbrother.Shewascomplainingthathewaspickingonherforsomething.Idon’t know.Shewillcomeoutwhendinnerisready.”

Mysister's wayofparentingnever ceases to amaze me While she canbe a mama bear readyto tear someone apartfor messingwithher children,sheis alsoverylaidbackand,althoughshesays shedoesn’tknow wherePennyis…Iknow she does

ThewomanhaseyesinthebackofherheadandifPennyneededher,shewouldgostraighttothespotandpullherout.

Doingasmymotherasked,Iheadtothediningroomtolookthingsover.Pennydidn’ttakethespoonstouseasextradolls thistime,buteverythingisatanangle,andofcourse,Pennyisnowheretobefound.However,Ihaveagoodhunchshewent backtoherdrawingpadthathermothergotherafewdaysbefore.Thegirlhadbeenfixatedfromthemomentitwashandedto her

Fixinguptheplacesettingsthewaymymother likesit,IheadbacktowardthekitchenjustintimetospotMomgoingto townwiththepotatomasher

“Wouldyoulikemetotakeoverthatforyou?Orareyouenjoyingyourself?”

Shesnickersasshelooksoverhershoulderatmewithasmile.“It’snicetohaveyouhere.”

“Yeah,it’sgoodtobehome.”

“It’s onlyfor alittle.”Ihear thesounds ofHunter andhis entourageentering,andMomgoes bustlingofftowelcomethe girls,abandoningthepotatoes

“She’sexcitedabouttoday,”Dadcomments,pullingmyattentionbacktowherehestood,takingthepotwiththegravyoff thestovebeforepouringitintothewhitegravyboat

“Ibet.WhenisMomnotexcitedtohaveeveryoneover?”

He nods. “I know you’re not too happy about how things have been going, but I’m glad that you’re willing to be accommodatingforyourbrotherandhisfiance I’mproudofyou,son”

It’sbeenawhilesinceDadhassaidsomethinglikethistome.Usually,ourconversationsrevolvearoundbusiness.Butit’s niceforonceforthingstoseemnormal BeforeIcansayanythingelse,Mombustlesbackintothekitchen Thefranticmanner inwhichshewantsthingstobeperfectamusesme.

“Jason,canyoupleaseruntothelinenclosetandgrabmeafew new teatowels?”Momasks,thenholdsupafew ofthe towels.“Thesearefilthy,andwithguestshere,Idon’twanttobringthemout.”

I’mnotsurewhysheissoworriedaboutthetowels,butIdon’targue.Imakemywayoutthesidedoortothekitchenand downthehalltowhereshekeepsthelinens,siftingthroughtofindthe‘good’ones

Itisn’tuntilIgetclosertothediningroomthatIhearthesweetvoiceofagirlandrememberthatAbbybroughthercousin withher MyfeetstopshortasIfinallygetmyfirstlookattheinfamousKelseyeveryonehasbeentalkingabout IthoughtshewouldlookjustlikeAbby,butshedoesn’t.They’rebothblondeswithbrowneyes,butwhileAbbyiscurvy withmoregoldenfeatures,Kelseyistaller,withpin-straightlightblondhairandminimal curves Already,Icantell sheisa ball ofenergy,butIcan’thelpbutleanagainstthe wall andreallyadmire her for a moment.She’s notwhatIwouldusually considermytype,butforsomereason,Ican’tkeepmyeyesoffher.

She’sleaningoverthetable,movingthingsaround,obviouslyhavingbeenropedinbymymother Slowly,though,hereyes risetomeetmine,andshefreezes.Likeadeerintheheadlights,shestaresatme,herplumplipspartedandherchestrisingand fallingalittlefasterthannormal

WhenHunterfirstdescribedher,Iassumedshewouldberich,spoiled,andalittleover-the-top.Butfromadistance,she doesn’tseemallthatbad.

Shesmiles,andIrealizethathereyesaren’tbrown.They’rerimmedinadeepgreen,withspokesoflightgreenthroughout. Notexactlygreen,notexactlybrown,butdefinitelysomethingIwanttolookatagain.

“Oh…hi.I’msorry,didyouneedsomething?”sheasks,lookingupatme. Imight.She’snervous,andseeinghernervousmakesmecuriousastowhy.

“No,”Isay “YoucamewithAbby?”Notmysharpestline,butsomethingabouthereyesstunsme All she does,though,is nod.Fromthe things Hunter andAbbyhave saidabouther,Ididn’ttake her for beingshy,andI can’tunderstand for the life ofme whyshe would actthatwaytoward me Especiallysince we’re supposed to be working togetherforthewedding.

“Jason,goodtoseeyouarejoiningus”Hunter’svoicecutsintomythoughts Myeyesarestillknittedtogetherinconfusion overKelsey’sattitudewhenIturnmyattentiontoHunter.

“Well,Momsaidshewasmakingherfamousroast.WhenhaveIevermissedthat?”

Myeyes linger backonKelseyfor a moment She stares atme as ifshe wants to saysomethingbutcan’t Before Ican addressheragain,Momeagerlyentersthediningroom,demandingeveryone’sattention.

“Alright,everyone Let’ssitdowntoeatbeforeeverythinggetscold” Thisdinnerjustgotalotmoreinteresting.

Chapter Four

The dayhas gone a bitbetter thanIthoughtitwould, giventhatitstarted near tears. Abbyhad made one phone call to Hunter andthensaid,“Don’tworry,he’ll sortthisout Let’sgogetyour rental car whilehedoes”Bythetimewehad finishedgrabbingmycar,Hunterwasagreeingtomeetandgiveusthekeytomynewplace.

However,bythelookonAbby’sfacewhenshewastalkingtohimonthephone,Ican’thelpbutbehesitant “So…”shepauses,pullingasilver housekeyfromher pocketas shewalks towardthedriver's door ofmycar.“Hunter needsmetogowithhimtopicksomethingupforhisdad.Iwashopingyoumightbeabletocheckouttheplacebyyourself?” You’rekiddingright?

Ideadpan,staringather as Islowlytake the key,tryingtosee ifshe is serious.There’s nowayshe is goingtohave me checkoutthisplacebymyself

“Kels?”

Mylipspartandmyeyeswiden “Oh you’reserious?”

Sherollshereyesandshakesherhead.“It’snotthatbad.Thisplaceisn’tafive-starresort,butit’sbetterthansleepingon someone’s couch. Here…” She pulls outa piece ofpaper fromher other pocket. “Justgo to this address. It’svacantfor the month,soyouwillhavetheplacetoyourself”

Sheisbeingserious!Howcouldshedothistome?!

“Abby!”Iwhisper-yell,myeyessearchingtheparkinglotforanyonewhocouldbelistening“Youcan’tbeserious Imean, whatifit'sgotroachesorsomething?”

“Seriously,Kelsy,”shesnaps Herbrowsfurrowindisappointment “Iknowyouwereraisedbetterthanthat Hunterhadto pullstringstomakethisworksoyou’renotlayingonsomeone’ssofaoronthefloorsomewhere.”

Shehasapoint.I’mactinglikeaspoiledbratwhiletheyaretryingeverythingtheycantohelpme.Itisn’ttheirfaultthatmy cardswerecanceledandIhavenowheretostay Ididthatallbymyselfbynotbeingresponsible

Withaheavysigh,Inod,givingherasmallsmile.“I’msorry,Abby.Idoappreciateyourhelp.Youguysgodowhatyou haveto,andI’lljustmeetyouatHunter’sparents’housewhenI’mdone?”

Shesmiles.“Yes.I’ll textyoutheaddress shortly.Now,gocheckoutyour new pad,andthenyoucantell meall aboutit whenIseeyoufordinner.”

Fifteenminuteslater,Ifindmyselfpullingupoutsideabrownbrickapartmentbuilding,staringatthepieceofpaperinmy handwiththeaddress.ThereisnopointinwastingtimewhenIamsupposedtobeatHunter’smom’shouseinhalfanhour.I amjustgoingtohavetoputonmybiggirlpantiesandsuckitupforthenextmonthuntiltheweddingisover

However,themomentIstepintotheapartment,Istopinsurprise.ThisplacehastobelongtooneofHunter’sfriends.It’sa mancaveofanapartment Allthefurnitureismismatchedandscratchedup,andthereareemptyto-gocontainersinthefridge thatdon’tlookthatold.

“Whatintheworld?”Imuttertomyself.

Settingmybagdownbytheentrance,Iwalktowardanopendoorwayleadingtotheonlybedroom.Itisherethatthingsget worse.Theroomstinksofsweatygymsocks,andthereisdirtonthecarpetnexttoapairofworkboots.Noteventhebedis made

“Oh,hellno.”

Myphonerings,andIslowlyandreluctantlypullitfrommypocketasIglancearoundtheroominutterdisgust “Hello?” “Hey!”Abbysays.“Didyoufindtheplaceokay?”

DidIfindtheplaceokay….

“Yeah…youcandefinitelysayIfoundit.” The disapprovingtoneofmyvoice shouldbe enoughtolether know I’mnot impressed.ButIdon’tvoiceanythingfurtherasIhearhersighintothereceiver.

“Kelsey ”

“Hey,Ididn’tsayanything,”Irepliedquickly,notwantingtostartanotherargument.“ButI’mstoppingbythestoreafterwe eatdinnertograbafewsupplies Maybeahazmatsuitaswell”

Shelaughs,andthenIhearHunter’svoiceinthebackground,butIcan’tmakeouthiswords.“Yeah,I’llremindher.”

“Whatareyoutoremindme?”Icutinwithcuriosity

“Oh,”shelaughsagain.“Don'tbelatefordinner.Justunpackwhenyougetdonewithdinner.I’mtextingyoutheaddress rightnow.Wearepullingintotheplaceinjustasecond,butIwillwatchforyouandmeetyouinthedriveway.”

Iglancearound,pickupapencil anduseittoliftadirtytowel offthesofabeforelettingitslidetothefloor,cringingin disgustasIgag.“Yeah.I’mleavingnow.IneedtocleanbeforeIunpackanyofmythingsintothisplace.”

DrivingtowardsHunter’sparents'house,Ihavetimetoreflectonhowtheeveningwillgoandonlyminimaldetailsofthe weddingthathisparentsmayask.ButIalsohavetimetoadmiretheOhiolandscape.InTexas,eachhousehasitsdesignated onetreeinthefrontyard–usuallyanoaktreestandingtallabovescorchedgrass Buthere,everyhouseseemstohaveitsown forest.Notonlythat,buttheyalllookinvitingwithsmall,homeydecorontheporches.Thebeautifulflowerbushesoutsideare well-manicuredandsitperfectlydesignedbeneathlargebaywindows.

I can’t help but feel at home in this place and even more excited about seeing the wedding venue I still have my reservationsaboutwhattheyselectedforacelebritywedding,though.

ThemomentIpullintothedriveway,it’sclearthisisHunter’sparent’shouse Thewhitevanoutfronthasastickeronthe backthatsaysProudFootballMom,andthehousehasadecorativeyardflagoutfrontwithhisjerseynumberonit.Hismom clearlyishisbiggestfan.

PuttingthecarinparkbehindHunter’s,IstepoutontotheconcretedrivewayandspotAbbycomingdownthefrontstepsto greetme.Sheissmilingandbubblyasshealwaysis,andquicklythrowsherarmsaroundme,pullingmeintoahug.

“Youmadeit!”

“Yeah.”Ismileassheturnsandwalkswithmeupthebrownwoodenfrontporchstepstowardthefrontdoor.“Thedrive hereisgorgeous”

Shelooksaroundatthepropertyandnods.“Yeah,itispretty,isn’tit?Wait‘till youmeeteveryoneelse.You’regoingto lovehismom.Sheisamazing.”

I regret not havingbeenhere whenAbbyand Hunter first arrived. It would have beenbetter to have the focus of their arrivalontheminsteadofmecominginlastandbeingthecenterofattention.NotthatIhaveevermindeditbefore.Ijustfeela littleunsureaboutbeinginaplacewhereIdidn’tknowanyoneapartfromAbbyandHunter

Aswewalkin,I’mtakenabackbytheolderdecorofthehome.Cleanwhitewalls,beigecarpet,andneutral-toneddecor, includingabrowncoffeetablewithsometypeofpotpourriaccentthatsitsinthecenterinacrystalbowl

Ifeel like Istepped into the nineties and mygrandmother's house atthe same time. Youwould thinkwithall the money Hunter makes, he would have paid for someone to come inand redecorate the house. NotthatIwill sayanything. Iamjust gratefulhisfamilyiswillingtobesowelcoming

“Hey, make sure youtake offyour shoes,” Abbytells me, makingme raise a brow. “His momdoesn’tlike shoes onthe carpet Somethingaboutnotwantingtheboystotrackinmudfromoutsideorsomething It’sjustahouserule” Idon’tbother arguingas Ikickoffmyshoes andfollow behindher intothe livingroom.She quicklyplops downonthe sofa, carryingonwhatever conversationshe was havingwithHunter before Iarrived And thankfully, no one else is paying attentiontome.

Wanderingaround,Itakeinthefamilyphotosscatteredaroundthehome.Myfingersrunovereverysurfaceadmiringhow warmandwelcomingthehomereallyfeels

Somethingthat I’mnot used to since mymother tends to decorate like she is winninganaward with Better Home and Gardens

Itisn’tuntilImakemywaytowardthediningroomthatIstop.Thelaughterandchatterofconversationpiquemyattention beforeIrealizetherearetwotinylittlefeetstickingoutfrombeneaththediningroomtable

Curious, I slowlykneel downto the floor, myeyes casuallyscanningthe area to see if anyone is watchingas I lift the tableclothandspotablond-hairedlittlegirlbusilyworkingonadrawingpadsittingonherlap.Hereyesgazeupatme:large, widebluesaucersmixedwithconfusionasshenarrowsherbrowsslightlyandscootsback

“CanIjoinyou?”Iask.IfiguretalkingwithalittlekidmightbemoremyspeedthandebatingBrazil’snew approachto foreignpolicy WhichI believe is what Abbyand Hunter are talkingabout I was never one for politics Mylove is more artisticinnature.

Thelittlegirllooksatmewithanappraisingeye.“You’vegottosaythepassword.”BeforeIcanmakemyfirstguess,she says,“It’srainbow.”

Withinmoments,thetwoofusarethebestoffriends.SheandIplayafewroundsofpattycakebeforeshetakesofftomake

anattemptonthecookiejar.

Crawlingbackoutfromunderneaththediningtable,Iturnjustintimetoseeawomanwithslightlygrayinghairandafloral apronstandingbehindmewithherhandoverherheartandalookofshockonherface

“GoodHeavens,”shegasps.“Youfrightenedthelifeoutofme.YoumustbeAbby’s cousin,Kelsey,right?Whatareyou doingdownthere,dear?”

Ashade ofredcrosses mycheeks.“I’msorry.Iwas wanderingaroundandsaw your granddaughter under the table.She wasshowingmeherdrawing”

ThewomansmilesbrighterandlooksaroundtowherePennymusthaverunpasther.“Ah,yes.OurlittlePennyplanstobe anartistoneday.”

“She’sverytalented”

Theconversationdiesshortforamomentasanotherwoman,whointroducesherselfasRebecca,walksouttotellHunter’s momaboutapieandsomethingtodowithcookies,whichmakesmewonderifPennywasabletogetwhatshewasafter “I’dlovetohelpyoufinishpreparing,ifyouneedanyhelp.”

Myoffer to help caughtevenme offguard as Hunter’s momlooked atme for a momentand nodded before directingme towardafewdishesonthekitchencounterthatwerereadytobeputonthetable.

Idon’tmindhelping,butI’mprettysureAbbyismoresurprisedthananyone.I’mnotknownfor doingstufflikethis,but beinginthishousemakesmewanttohelpcontributeinsomeway

“Doyouneedmetodoanythingelse?”IaskHunter’smom,whogivesmeawarmsmileandagentlepatonthecheek.

“Ifyoucanjustslidethosedishesoutofthewayformerightthere ”Shepointstowardthewhitegravyboatandempty wineglass.“I’llgrabthevegetablesfromthekitchen.Thankyousomuchforhelpingme.”

Nodding,Idoassheasks.Myfingersgentlymovetheemptywineglasstothesidejustintimetoglanceupintodeepgreen eyesIhadn’trealizedhadbeenwatchingme.“Oh…hi.I’msorry.Didyouneedanything?”

Iglancearoundsheepishlybeforelookingbackathim.Hislargebodyisrelaxedasheleansagainstthedoorjam.Ican’t believeIdidn’trealizehehadbeenwatchingme Heisgorgeous,butsomethingaboutthewayhekeepsstaringhasmefeeling slightlyuncomfortable.

“No”isallhesaysasascowlformsonhisface “YoucamewithAbby?”

Hesitatingforamoment,Inod.Regardlessofthescowl,heiskindofhotinaserious,broodingway.Thesharpanglesof hisjawlinewithaslightfive-o'clockshadowisextremelyattractive. Whoisthisguy?Ihavenoidea,butthenHuntercomesinandsays,“Jason,goodtoseeyouarejoiningus.” Jason.That’shisname.

The man's scowl disappears as he turns to his brother and smiles “Well, Momsaid she was makingher famous roast WhenhaveIevermissedthat?”

Hunter and Jason laugh as their mother re-enters the dining roomcarrying the white ceramic dish filled with different seasonalvegetablesthatsmellabsolutelyamazing.

“Alright,everyone.Let’ssitdowntoeatbeforeeverythinggetscold.”Theirmother'svoiceisstrongandauthoritative.As ifoncue,noonewastesamomentinquicklytakingtheirseatsatthetablewhereshehaseverythingdisplayedbeautifully Even withallthismouth-wateringfoodinfrontofme,IcanstillfeelJason’sgaze.

Assoonaseveryoneisseated,Isay,“Thankyouallsomuchforhavingme It’snicetofinallyputsomenamestofaces” “Well,I’mnotsureifIdidproperlyintroduceyoutoeveryone,”Abbysays.Sheworksherwayaroundthetable,gesturing toeachperson Asshedoesso,everyonebeginspassingarounddishes,sotheintroductionsarealittledisjointed

Jason’sparents,MaxandPaulette,sittogetheratoneend.Ilovetheverylookofthem,likepeopleoutofthoseold-school black-and-whitemovies.Maxisoneofthoseolderguyswhoprobablylooksthesameatfiftyashedidattwenty,justwitha fewextragrayhairs Paulette’sthekindofmomyouseeonoldtelevisionreruns–madeevenprettierbytheapronsheforgotto takeoff.

RebeccaandLukassitbetweentheirkids,bothbusyservingeachofthemtheirfood Wehaven’tevenpassedaroundallthe foodyet,andLukassays,“Youdon’tknowyoudon’tlikeituntilyou’vetriedit”atleasttentimes.Ifeeladeepsympathyfor Mason,whoislookingattheBrusselssproutswithhorror

WhenAbbygetstoJason,heliftshisheadandsmilesather.IdecidethatIreallylikehissmile.It’slikegettingaglimpse ofsunshineinthemiddleofathunderstorm.Evenifthatwouldbecompletelycornytovoiceopenly.

Assoonasthebowlsarepassedaround,Jasonturnstohisdad “I’vebeentoobusyworkingontheprojectstocheckin How’sthebusinesssideofthingsgoing?”

“Nottoobad,”Maxsays “IalreadytoldyouthatIputinabidforthehospital?” Jasonnods.“Hopewegetit.” “Doyourunyourownbusiness?”IaskMax.

Henods.“I’verunmyownbusinessforthepastthirty-fiveyears.” Myeyeswiden.“Wow,that'salongtime.”

“Indeed.” He chuckles.“Tell me,Kelsey,how longhave youwantedtorunyour ownbusiness? Abbyhas toldus you’re workingtogrowasuccessfulweddingplanningcompany.”

MyeyesdrifttowardAbbyandherbrightsmile Ihadn’tconsideredhertellingeveryoneaboutwhatIdoforaliving,but hearinghowmycousinhaspraisedmemakesmychestwarm.

“Well,Ihavealwayswantedtorunmyownbusiness,butIhavetoadmitthisweddingplanningstuffisalotharderthanI expectedittobe.Thereisjustsomuchtofigureout.LikeIknow AbbyhasplansforCutler’sPond,butIwillhavetospeak withthe landscapingcompanytomorrow abouttakingher actual weddinginto consideration Fromthe sound ofthings, they clearlydon’tknowwhattheyaredoing.”

AnuneasinesssweepsoverthedinnertableasIlookatAbby,whoseeyesarewidewithshock.BeforeIopenmymouth, though,Jasonopenshis

“IAMthelandscaperforthewedding,andthelasttimeIchecked…IDOknowEXACTLYwhatI’mdoing.Notthatyou wouldknow Youhaven’tevenbeentothelocationyet”

OhGod.MymindswirlswithemotionasIfeeltheheatofembarrassmentstainmycheeks.Abbyhadn’ttoldmethatJason wasthelandscaper

Chapter Five

KESLEY

“I’msorry.Ididn’trealize.”

“Don’tworryaboutit, dear,” Paulette chimes inwitha smile “Youdidn’tknow, and I’msure whatever confusion thereisaboutwhatneedstobedonecanbeclearedupinnotime.”

Regardless of her words, I’mhesitant to openmymouthagain I literallyjust insulted Jason, who I have to workwith duringthiswedding.Myeyesdrifttohimoncemoreandthereisnothingbutanangryglarestaringbackatme.

“Backto whatwe were talkingabout,” Maxpipes up. “I’msure youwill do fine. It’s hard runninga business, butitall worksoutintheend”

Inod.“Howdoyoulikerunningabusiness?YouhavewaymoreexperiencethanIdo.”

“Ilikeit,”Maxsayscalmly

“That’sgood.Doyoumindmeaskingwhatitisthatyoudo?”IknowAbbymentionedthatMaxandJasonworktogether, andIcan’thelpbutpraythatitisn’ttrue Becauseifitis,I’llneverlivethisdown

“Landscaping, Jason and I run the business together, actually,” Max says. My heart drops into my stomach as he takes anotherbiteofroast.

“It’salotbetterthansittinginanofficewhiletellingotherpeoplehowtogetthejobdone,”Jasonsayswithabitofmalice lacinghiswords.ThoughIhonestlydon’texpectless.Ijustinsultedhim,eventhoughIdidn’tmeanto.Andnotjustthat,Isort ofinsultedhisdadaswell

“Isupposeitcanbe…”Ireplysoftly.“Iguessthemostimportantthingislovingwhatyoudo.”

“Notnecessarily,”Maxsays “Sometimesajobisjustajob Myjobhelpsmesupportmyfamily Idon’tneedtoloveitin ordertofeelfulfilledbyit.”

Fortunately,itseemslikeMax’sstatementisenoughtogettheattentionoffme,andlittlegroupsofconversationbubbleup. ThatisuntilJasonspeaksup,andIstiffen“WhatdoyouthinkofBrightwood?”heasks Thetoneofhisvoicemakesitseem morelikeanaccusationthanaquestion,butI’lltakewhatIcanget.

“Um,it’sbeensuchahecticday,”Isaysoftly,tryingtoavoideyecontactwithJason “AllI’vereallygottentoseeisthe apartmentI’mstayingat,andthoughI’mgratefulforaplacetostay,it’sdefinitelynottheRitzoranything.”

“Oh?”Jasonsnaps.“What’swrongwithit?Imean,Godforbidmybrotherhasyouslummingit.”

“Uh,” Ihesitate, glancingtoward Abby, whose eyes were wide withmild panic. “He doesn’thave me slummingit. I’m gratefulfortheplace.It’sbetterthansleepingonasofasomewhere.”

Warinessfillsmeoverwheretheconversationisleading Jason’seyesnarrowslightlyashetiltshisheadtothesidewitha slysmile.“Isee.Well,ifthereissomethingwrong,wecandefinitelyseeaboutfixingthatforyou.”

Ishakemyhead,glancingatAbby,whohasherheadinherhand “Honestly,it’sokay Theplacejustneedstobecleaned up.It’snothingIcan’tdomyself…laundry,vacuuming,takingoutthetrash…Imeanit’saguy'splace,I’massuming.It’stobe expected.”

Thesilencethatfallsoverthetableisdeafening.TheonlysoundheardisthatofaforkhittingtheplateasJasonpusheshis foodaway,liftinghisbeertohislips.

“Did didIsaysomethingwrong?”Iask,slightlyconfused “No,nodear,”Paulettequicklychimesin.“Youdidn’tsay ” “Let’snotlietoher,”Jasoncutsheroff,glaringatme “Thespoiledprincesssurelywantsthetruth,seeingasmybrother didn’tgiveittoher.”

Istareathim,mybrowsknittogetherinconfusionasItrytofigureoutwhyheissoangrywithme.Idon’tremembersaying

anythingmeanorrude.Although,IdohaveatendencytonotthinkbeforeIspeak.

“Jason,”Maxsaysquickly.“That’senough.Notatthedinnertable.”

ThelookonJason’sfaceisclear Hedoesn’tcarethatweareatthedinnertable Heispissed,andhisangerisdirectedat me.

“That’smyplace,”hesaysslowly “Imovedoutsoyoucanstaythere” Imessedup.Imessedupsobadly.Iforcedthisguyoutofhisapartment,onlytofollowhimtohisparents’housetomock himabouthislackofcleanliness?

“Ohmygosh,Iamsosorry.Ihadnoideathatwasyourapartment.IthoughtitwasjustHunter’sfriend’sapartment,nothis brother’s!Iwasjusttryingtomakeajokeabouthowmessyguysare.Ididn’tmeantooffendyou.”

“Well,you’rereallygoodatit I’dhatetoseewhatyoucanaccomplishifyoutried”It’slikemybrainshort-circuits I’ve neverhadanyonebethisrudetomeinmylife.I’mtryingtoapologizeforamistake,andheisjustsittingthere,gloweringand refusingtoacceptmyapology

Hunterjumpsinandsaysinanoverlycheeryvoice,“Well,ifthisguyisalittletoomessy,youcan’tblamehim.He’sgota lotgoingonnowthathe'sredesigninganentireparkforourwedding It’snotlikehehasatonoftimetocleanup”

JasonturnshisglareawayfrommeandtowardHunter.Thetensionisn’tgone,butatleastIcanbreathenowthathe’snot lookingatmewiththoseangrygreeneyes.

“He’s um, actually yeah,” Hunter says uncomfortably Apparently, thatkind ofglare canreduce anyone to stuttering, includinggiantfootballplayers.Buthesoldierson.“Youtwoaremeetingupforthatwalkthroughtomorrow,right?” “Yep,”Jasonsays,thenturnstome “Thatworkokayforyou,princess?”

“Princess?”Iask.“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”

“Itmeansthatyou’vebeenherefor–”

“Whowantsicecreamwiththeirpie?”Atthatmoment,IlovePaulettemorethanI’veeverlovedanyone.Imayhaveasked whyhewascallingme“princess,”butthesecondJasonstartedtoanswer,IknewIdidn’twanttohearit.

Everyone’s attentionturns to dessert, and people get up to clear awaydishes, slice the pie, or scoop ice cream Jason continuestoglare,andIwishmorethananythingthattheearthwouldopenupandswallowmewhole.

It’slikeeverytimeIopenmymouth,Iruinthemood Aseveryoneeatstheir dessert,Idomybestimpressionofasmall mouse. It’s easyto do, as the familyis talkingaboutsmall-townthings, like how the highschool football teamis doingand whichoftheneighborshastheflu.Assoonaspossible,IexcusemyselffromthetableandsayIneedtoleave.Thankgoodness IpickedupmyrentalcarwithAbbyearlier;otherwise,Iwouldhavetostickarounduntilsheisreadytoleave.

“Letmewalkyouout,”Abbysays,grabbinghershoes.She’sabithesitantasshemovesaroundmetowardthedoor,andI giveaquickwavegoodbyetoeveryone

“Sorryifdinnerwasalittletense,”shesaysthemomentwestepoutsideandthedoorclosesbehindus.Normally,Iwould saysomethingflippant,butithasn’tbeenthebestdayforme,andstayingquietduringdinnermeantthatIhadtoomuchtimeto justsitthereandthink.

“Dinner doesn’t matter, I’mtoo busyfreakingout,” Itell her, whichisn’t entirelytrue. The awkwardness ofthat dinner reallyisgettingtome,too “Idon’tknowwhatI’mgoingtodoafterthis I’vefinallyfoundacareerIlove,butIdon’tknowifI canturnitintoafull-timecareer.Evenifyourweddingisperfect,there’snoguaranteeI’llgetjobsafterthis.Nottomention, workingwithJasonafterthisisliterallygoingtobeimpossible”

Shecringesforamoment,thennodswithalongsigh.“It’sgoingtobeokay.Jasonwillgetoverit.”

“Getoverit?Abby,whydidn’tyoutellmethatwashisapartment?”

Sheshrugs.“Doesitmatter?Wouldyoustillhavesaidwhatyoudidifithadn’tbeenhisapartment?”

Crossing her arms over her chest, she gives me a pointed look. I can’t deny what she is saying. I shouldn’t have said anythingatall,butofcourse,Ihaveneverbeengreatatfiltering “I’msorry.”

“Don’tapologizetome,”shelaughs “Youcanapologizetohimagain”

Thethoughtofseeinghimagainmakesmecringeinternally.Iamnevergoingtolivethisembarrassmentdown.Nowayin hell “Fairenough”

“Look,asforyougettingajobafterthiswedding…Iknowyouwill.You’retalentedandamazing.Don’toverthinkit.Just rememberthatthisdayisaboutHunterandme.Andmoreimportantly,ourtwofavoritepeopleareworkingtomakeithappen.”

“Abby, I’ve never beenscared of the future I’ve always knownthat things are takencare of for me But now I’ve got somethingtolose,andit’sterrifying,”Iadmit,myheartpoundinginmychest.

“Welcometotherealworld,Kels It’snicetohaveyou” “Is this how youall live? Because it’s awful.” I laugh, but I’mstaringup at the stars, blinkinghard as I trynot to cry becauseIdon’twantittoruinmymakeup.

“Look,” Abby says with a sigh. “There’s this magazine that has been begging me to let themcover my wedding. I got another call fromthemtoday. Ifyoucanreallycommit, listen, and see this throughto the end, I’ll give themeverythingthey

needforafeaturespreadwithtonsofreferencestomyamazingweddingplanner.”

“Wait,really?”Ilookdownather,andallthetearsIhavebeenholdingbackcomestreamingdown.

“Ican’tmakeyouintotheperfectweddingplanner ButI’llgiveyouaboost Ifyournameisin Grace and Glamor,you’ll getbusiness.”

“Grace and Glamor isgoingtocoveryourwedding?Abby,thankyou,thankyou,thankyou!”IsquealindelightasIpull herintoahugandjumpupanddown.

She pulls backand places her hands onmyshoulders Raisinga brow to emphasize how serious she is, Abbylets outa longsigh.“Butyouneedtostayfocused.YouneedtolistentowhatIwant.LikeREALLYlisten,Kels.Ineedyoutobeyour verybest.”

So all Ineed to do is execute one perfectwedding Everythingelse will take care ofitself People who getfeatured in magazineslike Grace and Glamor haveawaitlistfortheirservices.

“You’re goingto have your dreamwedding, Ipromise” And already, the ideas are beginningto spinagain I’mfeeling good.I’vegotthis.

Chapter Six

Thatwoman!Howarrogantandprissydidshehonestlyhavetobe!IamlettingherstayinmyapartmentwhileIsleepatmy parents, all to be nice And she wants to insultme?!Ishould tell her to getout Find her ownplace to stay Imean honestly!Whothehelldoesshethinksheis?WasthathonestlythepersonmybrotherthoughtI’dbeinterestedin?! I’monthebackporch,pacing I’mfinallylettingoffsomesteamafterthatdinner Itwastorturoustositthereandlistento thisprincessmockmyhomeandallthehardworkIputintodoingthethingsIdo.SowhatifIdon’thavetimetoclean?Ididn’t havetogiveheraplacetostay.

TothinkthatwhenIfirstmether,Ithoughtshewasprettyanddefinitelyintriguingenoughtopiquemyattention Shesure didprovemewrongonthatone.How spoiledwouldyouhavetobetocomeintosomeoneelse’shomeandmockthem?We weren’tjusthandedtheworldonasilverplatter Wehadtoworkforit Andshethinksshehastherightto–Huntercomesoutthebackdoor.He’sholdingtwobeersandtriestoofferonetome.

“What,areyoutryingtosedatethebearbeforehemaulssomebody?”Iask,angrybuttryingtolaughaboutit “Imean,yeah.Youneedtocalmitdown.”

Heoffersmethebeeragain,andIshakemyhead.“That’swhyI’mouthere.I’mtryingtocalmdownbeforeIhavetowork withhertomorrow”

“Youknowthatyoudon’thavetoalwayssaythefirstthingonyourmind.”AsmuchasIlovemybrother,somethingabout gettingadvice fromhimhas always rubbed me the wrongway As ifIamthe stupid little brother and he’s the one who has everythingfigured out. It’s not like I amsome idiot. I’ve sacrificed twice as muchas he has. I’mjust tryingto defend our family

“Sowhatdidyouwantmetodo?”Iask,pacingtheporch.“SitthereandsmileasshebadmouthsDad’sbusiness,mywork, andinsultsmeingeneral?!”

Hunter’sjustabouttoreplywhenAbbystepsoutthebackdoor,aconcernedgazeinhereyesandafrownonherfaceas shestandsbeforeuswithherarmscrossedoverherchest.“Iguessweneedtotalk.”

Huntersighsandputshisarmaroundher “It’sokay,Abby,everythingisfine” “No,it’s not,” she replies witha smile.“Jason,I’msorrythatyouandKelseygotoffonthe wrongfoot.Youguys come fromreallydifferentbackgrounds.Itdoesn’texcuseherbehavior,butIknowshecandobetter.I’msurethatthere’sgoingtobe alittlebitoftensionasyoutwogettoknoweachother.”

“Yeah,it’sprettyclearthatshe’sspoiledrotten,”Isay.

“Butthat’sthething,Jason,”Abbysays “It’sbeenprettyrottenfor her,andshedoesn’tevenrealizeit Her parentsgave hereverythingshecouldaskfor,buttheynevergaveheranyresponsibility.Thatwasfinewhenshewasateenager,butnow she’sanadultwhodoesn’tknowwhatit’sliketosacrificeandgowithout”

“Yeah,yeah.Poorrichkid,”

“Yes, poor richkid,” she says sternly. “She’s tryingto figure outhow to be responsible and workhard, butshe doesn’t knowhow.She’sbeenthroughdozensofdifferentcareers,andnoneofthemstickbecauseshedoesn’tknowhowtokeepgoing whenthegoinggetstough.”

I raise aneyebrow “Wow, that’s a stellar endorsement for the womanplanningyour wedding If she’s never followed throughonanything,howdoyouknowshe’sgoingtofollowthroughonthis?Tellittomestraight.WhyonEarthareyouletting herdothis?”

Shehesitatesforamoment,herchestrisingandfallingasshepondersmyquestion.“Becauseshe’soneofthebestpeopleI know.AndIhavefaithandtrustinher.”

“Right.Well,thatmakesoneofus.”

Abbyignores me.“How oftencanyoulookatapersonandknow for onehundredpercenttheywouldstickbyyour side throughanything?That’sKelsey Youknow I’veneverhadawholelotoffriends ButKelsey’sstuckbyme Eventhoughwe don’thavealotincommon.FromthemomentImovedinwithherandherfamilyattheendofhighschool,shehasmademe feellikenothingshortofasistertoher Sosure,maybeIdon’tneedhertoplanmywedding,butIwantherto Because,above allelse,Iwanttobethereforherlikeshehasalwaysbeenthereforme.”

Returningafavor,Iunderstand ButIdon’tseeallthesegreatthingsaboutKelseythatAbbyclaimsarethere She’sapretty facewithnothinggoingonupstairs,andthat’sallthereistoit.Caring?Loyal?Givemeabreak.

“Besides,”Abbysays.“Kelsey’srightonthebrinkoffiguringallthisout.Herdadfinallylearnedthatgivinghereverything she asks for is not the way to help her be responsible He’s cutting her off, and this is finally her chance to learn some independence.”

Idon’tbuyintothiswholepity-the-princessthing Icouldn’tcarelessaboutKelseyandheramazingqualitiesandallthe lessonsshe’sgoingtolearn.ButIdocareaboutmybrother.Iwon’tgivetheprincessenoughpowertoruinthiswedding.Abby isgoingtobemysister-in-law,andIcareabouther,soIjusthavetoplaynice

ButifthegirlstepsoutoflineandtriestodeterfromwhatAbbyandHunterwant,Iwon’thesitatetotakeoverandmake sureitgetsdoneproperly.Someonehastoberesponsible,anditdefinitelywon’tbethatwoman.

“Okay,okay I’ll helpthisgirl onher journeytoindependenceor whatever Butshebetter startthinkingtwicebeforeshe startstalking.”

“Thanks,Jason,” Abbysays “Youguys don’thave tobe lifelongbestfriends,butI’mgladIcancountonbothofyouto helpuswithourwedding.Bytheway,Kelseygavemesomeplansthatshedrewupforthevenue.”

“Sheshouldn’tbedrawingupplans,I’vealreadydone–”

“Youdon’thave to follow everythingshe planned,” Hunter says. “It’s supposed to be a collaboration. Youknow, work togetheronit.”

Abbyrunsbackinsidetograbtheplans Bythetimeshebringsthembackout,I’vealmostcalmeddown Thisgirlisn’tmy problem.AllIneedtodoisgetthroughthisnextmonth,finishtheCutler’sPondproject,andthengetonwithmylife.

ButthenIlookattheplans AndifIwasangrybefore,Iamlividnow Ican’tevenrantaboutittoAbbyandHunter AllI candoisstare.Literally, nothing she has putonthe plans is possible.She’s callingfor us toplantthings thatdon’tgrow in Ohio,totakeouttheentirechildren’splayplace,andtoplantover thewetlands.Myeyesdartfromissuetoissue.Agazebo rightwhereitwillgetflooded.Thecommunitygardendirectlyundertheshade.Notaplaceforwaterrunoffinsight.

Notonlythat,butI’vealreadybeenworkingontherestoration.Thefewthingsthatmighthavebeenpossibletoimplement herwayhavealreadybeendonedifferently

“Shehasnoideawhatshe’sdoing.”

“Yeah,”Abbysays “She’sgotagoodeyefordesign,butthetechnicalstuff ” “No,Abby,she’sanidiot.She’sgottenherselfwayinoverherheadhere.Ifshethinksshecanwaltzinand…”Isquintat thedesignagain.“...plantaninvasivespecies?Areyoukiddingme?Ifshethinksshecanplantsomethinglikethatdirectlyon theareaswe’retryingtorestore,she’llhavetothinkagain”

“Yes!”Abbysayswaytooenthusiastically.“She’lljusthavetothinkitthroughagain.Ifyouexplainittoher,I’msureshe’ll bereadytoplanaroundwhat’spractical”

“Abby,comeon,”Isaywithagroan.“Theprincessprobablydoesn’tevenknowwhatpracticalis.”

Asmirkforms over Abby’s facethatmakes meregretwhatIjustsaid “Youknow,you’rerightaboutthat Iguess you're justgoingtohavetoshowher,aren’tyou?”

My“sadgirlhours”playlistwindstoitsend,andIdownthelastsipofmydrink.Ithappenstobethecheapestglassof ChardonnayI’veeverdrank,butit’sbetterthannothing,Isuppose WhoknewthatWalmarthadcheapdemi-bottles?I couldn’tresistpickingoneuponmywayhome.Now I'mdrinkingitinmypajamas,aloneonthefloorofsomeguy’s apartment

Scratchthat…Itisn'tjustSOMEguy’sapartments.It’sHunter’sbrother'sapartment.

Jason… the arrogant green-eyed sex machine who wants to rip me a new one because I don’t know when to shut up. Unfortunately,Ican’tblameall myslip-ups tonightonChardonnay Nope,thatwas all me DumbKelsey,whodoesn’tknow whentoshuthermouth.

IwasfeelinggreataftertalkingtoAbbyaboutgettingfeaturedinahigh-endmagazine Butthentheweightofitallcrashed backdownagain.Workingside-by-sidewithaguywhoalreadyhatesme.Tryingtodesigntheperfectweddingforthecousin whoshootsdownmybestideas Andmostofall,thefactthateveryonearoundmeseemstothinkI’mnotgoodenough Which hasmedoubtingwhetherornotIcanreallymakethiswork.

ButIrefusetoletthedayendwithmefeelinglikeafailure.Whichiswhy,eventhoughIhaveaglassofChardonnayinone hand,I’mwieldingaLysol-coveredspongeintheother Thecombinationismakingmefeelverylightheaded ButifI’mgoing tobelivinginthismanlycesspitforthenextmonth,I’mgoingtowanttomakeasandwich,takeabath,orjustbreathewithout thinkingaboutallthedirtandgrime

NotthatIamentirelysurehow togoaboutcleaning.Ihadgoogledwhichproducts tousewhileinthecleaningsupplies aisleatWalmart It’snotthatI’venevercleanedbefore,except,well,Ihaven’t,really Betweenmymonthlycleaningservice,a Roomba,andtheoccasional swipeofaCloroxwipe,myapartmentstaysdecent.Evenasakid,all Iever neededtodowas straightenthingsupbeforethemaidcame.

God,IneverconsideredhowmuchIwouldmissmymaid

Ineverrealizedthatworkinglikethisisactuallyprettydifficult.Themusclesthatshouldhavebeentonedupfrommyyoga classesarescreaming There’sabigdifferencebetweenholdingthecamel poseandhavingtospendeightminutesscrubbing thebottomofasink.

Notonlythat,there’sastrategytoitall!

Youhavetocleanthecountersbeforeyoucleanthefloor,orelseyoubrushallthecrumbsontotheflooryoujustswept.Or soIlearned.It’salotofwork.Imakeamental notetoleavesomechocolatesnexttimemycleaningladycomesaround.It’s unreasonabletoexpectsomeonetoworkthishardwithoutalittletreat

I finishrinsingout the tub and pour myself another glass of the crappyChardonnaybefore I tackle myGoliath: Jason’s room It’samess Stacksofmagazineshaveslidoffthedeskandontothefloor,gettingbunchedupinthechairlegs Hehasno lessthanthreedifferentpilesoflaundry,invaryingdegreesofstench.Hisnightstandseemsmulti-functional,bywhichImean thathehasnorhymeorreasonforthethingsthathehasstackedontopofit.

I’mnotbraveenoughtolookintohisclosetyet.

MymindpondersovertheentireconversationfromdinnerasIclean.Ican’thelpbutfeelincrediblystupidforthewayI acted Ihadn’tmeanttoupsethim,butperusual,mybrainwasn’tfastenoughtocatchupwithmybigmouth IthonestlyseemsliketheonlythingIdolately.

Luckyforme,theapartmenthasanin-unitwasher/dryer–I’mnotgoingtobravealaundromatatoneinthemorning SoIget startedononeheapofstinkyclothesandpiletherestinfrontofthemachine.

Withalltheseclothesonthefloor,whatdoeshehavelefttowear?IamextremelyliberalwiththeamountofdetergentIuse