Page 129 of The Fast Lane

I was in a bathrobe and fuzzy bunny slippers when I knocked on the room where the men were getting ready. But Melanie had insisted Cal get this gift right this instant. And I was here to do her bidding.

Abe answered, already dressed in his tux except for the jacket. “This is a good look for you. Bathrobe princess.”

I scowled, but carefully as I was in full wedding make-up and hair. “I’ve been sent on an important mission.” I beckoned him to come forward. “Now, come here, your bowtie is all crooked. Let me fix it.”

Abe shuffled forward. A roar of laughter burst from the room behind him. “Hurry. I’m missing the good stuff.”

“And what is this good stuff exactly?”

He grinned. “Mack is telling Cal what to expect on his wedding night.”

I laughed. “No, he’s not.”

“He is.”

“All finished.” I patted his shoulders and took a step back. “I’d say you look handsome but you’re my brother so that’s gross.”

“Compliment accepted.” He leaned against the doorframe. “Hey, um, thanks for last night.”

“How did it go after we left?”

“We talked for about twenty minutes. No one yelled or tried to storm out. It was awkward as hell. Then we watched Terminator.”

“That sounds like some good father–son time. Think you’ll do it again?” I asked hopefully.

“I’d like to. We have, like, five more Terminator movies to get through.” His eyes are soft. “Thank you, Ali.”

“No problem.” If it means I get my brother back, I’d do just about anything.

“One question. What’s going on with you and Theo? He’s been all moody and pensive.”

“He has?”

“Thinking way too much. I haven’t gotten him to say two words all morning; it’s going to make his speech at the reception kind of hard.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. “I’ll talk to him, I swear.”

“I can get him right now.”

I waved at my bathrobe. “We don’t have time. I’m not even dressed yet, but I do need to see Cal. Please?”

“Promise me you’ll fix Theo?’

“Promise.”

When Cal came to the door, I couldn’t help but grin at him. “You clean up pretty nice.”

He fiddled with his tux jacket. “I’m so nervous.”

“Why? Think she’s going to wise up and make a run for it?”

“Nah. Worried about saying the vows in front of all those people.”

“You have it memorized, right?”

He nodded. “I don’t want to screw them up. They’re kind of important.”

“I think as long as you tell her exactly how you feel, you won’t screw anything up. Melanie loves you, you big lug.” I pulled the small package from the bathrobe pocket. “Speaking of your bride, I was sent to give you this.”