“Nope,” I say. “It’s a cool sixty-five.”
“Feels like it’s eighty,” Quinn says as Harrison laughs in the background.
“Feels like you’re dodging the question,” Katelyn says.
“I don’t believe one was asked, Mom,” Quinn fires back. “Besides, shouldn’t you be having this conversation with Peyton and Noah? They’re at least married.”
“Do you think you need to be married to have children?” she asks them.
Quinn shakes his head. “No, ma’am,” he says quietly. “But her parents would appreciate the gesture and I want to respect their wishes.”
Katelyn steps forward and sets her hand on Quinn’s cheek. “You’re such a good boy, Quinn.” He leans into her hand and tells her thank you. She goes to Elle, who has a sudden fascination with her fingernails. “And you?”
“Mom,” Elle says sternly.
Katelyn laughs. “I’m only messing with you both. I know when you’re ready, it’ll happen but until then, I’ll spoil Evelyn.”
“I think she’ll like that,” I add.
She turns and looks at Harrison. “You’ve been awfully quiet while I’ve given them grief.”
He shrugs. “I’m just damn happy that my family is happy.”
“We are happy, aren’t we?”
The group of us nod and Katelyn tells us that we need to finish getting ready. Quinn’s my best man. The decision to ask Quinn over Harrison wasn’t easy. They’ve been there for me in different ways and I’m close to both of them. But having Quinn right next to me feels right.
Keane, Hendrix, and Dana come in. The guys are in black suits and Dana is in a knee length dress, all chosen by Elle to match the bridal party. When Dhara asked me what colors I wanted, I blurted out Whiskey, meaning that she should decide, but that would be near impossible if I were to keep this wedding a secret. Dhara explained that Pinterest would save our asses, whatever that meant, and got to work picking out the attire for everyone. All I know is that Dhara and Josie worked magic, and that I’m going to owe them both until the day I die. Dhara’s words, not mine.
“It’s time,” Keane says. “Mrs. James, if you’ll allow me to do the honors?” He holds out his arm and Katelyn goes to him, but not before stopping at me first.
“Do you have your vows?” she asks.
“Memorized,” I tell her, pointing to my head.
She adjusts my lapel and straightens my boutonniere. “And the ring?”
“In my pocket, Mom,” Quinn adds.
“And Saul took care of your divorce, making sure it was withdrawn?”
I nod. “Yes. Elle’s sneaky way of having Whiskey sign a non-disclosure agreement worked perfectly.”
Katelyn smiles. “While I wouldn’t usually condone that tactic, in this situation it was perfect.” I wink at Elle, who grins back. She’s the best manager a guy like me could ask for.
“Okay, I guess we’re all ready then! In a few minutes I’m officially going to have another daughter and be a grandma. I’m not sure if this day could be any more perfect.”
Me neither, but I’m not about to count my chickens before they hatch or is it count my eggs? Either way, I’m not counting on anything until I slip a ring onto Whiskey’s finger and marry her in front of our friends and family.
We follow Keane out of the room and when I step into the church, I’m taken aback. The pews are filled with people I’ve known for years, people who shouldn’t give a rat’s ass about me, but they do… or
they at least care for Whiskey and Evelyn.
“I can’t believe Elle pulled this off, getting everyone here without alerting Whiskey,” I say to Quinn.
“When Elle puts her mind to something, anything is possible. My sister is a force to be reckoned with when she wants something.”
No truer words have ever been spoken when referring to Elle James. I know she moved mountains to get her brother to join Sinful Distraction. We would’ve been good without him, but having him makes us incredible. And all of her efforts gave me a best friend.