Page 61 of Wedlocked

Could he be any ruder?

I guess he could. I mean, he was making a phone call instead of getting out the ski poles.

“Day after tomorrow. Two p.m. At this—” His words were cut off. Then he made a sound. “What do you mean you’re booked?”

Silence.

“Just tell someone else you’ll be late. You just gotta come over here, we’ll say I do, and you tell me to kiss my girl.”

“Ben,” I hissed.

He ignored me and started pacing.

“Listen. I’ve been waiting half my life to get married. It’s not my fault the loser that works for you can’t keep his commitments.”

I eyeballed Matty for help.

Sighing, he went over to Ben and grabbed the phone from his ear. “Hey?—”

“Hello? This is Matthew Prism, best man. I’m sorry about that. He’s under a lot of stress.” Matty made a choked sound. “No, he’s not been drinking.”

Arsen laughed.

Matty cleared his throat. “Are you sure you don’t have anyone available? We could change the time of the ceremony if needed.”

I held my breath, hoping for the best.

When Matty frowned, I expelled the stale air, feeling deflated.

Rush, Landry, Coach, and Bodhi entered the kitchen, all four of them going straight for the coffee.

“I understand,” Matty said into the line. “Could you take our name if you happen to get an opening?” A beat of silence. “I see. Thank you.”

He disconnected the call and glanced at me. “I’m sorry. I tried.”

My heart sank, but I smiled at my brother anyway. “I know. Thank you.”

“Don’t get upset, final girl,” Ben said. “I’ll find someone.”

“What’s the matter?” Emmett asked from the island.

“The officiant for the wedding just canceled,” I replied. “And no one else has any availability.”

“Is that all?” Bodhi asked. “I’ll marry you guys.”

“Are you certified?” I asked dubiously.

Bodhi grunted. “What do I need certified for? I just stand in front of you and ask you if you want to be married, then tell you to kiss.” He smooshed his hands together in what I assumed was supposed to be us kissing.

What was wrong with the men around here?

“It could work.” Ben decided.

“No,” Everyone else in the room said at once.

“But he remembered the kissing,” Ben said. To Bodhi, “Good looking out, bro.”

“Are you sure you want to marry him?” Emmett asked me.