Chapter 7

SEVEN

“Inow pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Masen reaches out to cup Addy’s face and slowly draws her close before planting a soft yet non-pornographic kiss in front of everyone. Thank God, you never know how these kisses are supposed to turn out.

There’s loud cheering and clapping, plus an obnoxious whistle that had to come from Rocky. His suit is incredibly tight, something Eric has been giving him heat about all day. I briefly overheard the argument and how Rocky assumed he could fit into the same suit he wore to Will and Millie’s wedding. Turns out, he couldn’t.

I stand alongside my sisters, all of us wearing pale blue dresses though thankfully not matching. Ava did well with the choices, respecting our personal tastes yet thinking of Addy as well. Mine is an off-the-shoulder dress that sits just above my knee. She paired it with simple gold strappy heels, nothing over-the-top to keep everything elegant.

My parents watched on proudly from the front, as did Masen’s parents. It’s still hard to believe Masen and Addy just got married, given how much they despised each other. If I had to call it, I honestly thought it would be Addy and Cruz given they were so close for the longest of times.

I glance over at Cruz, who appears to be in good spirits. I’m glad he didn’t pull a dramatic move like stopping the wedding. You never know what someone may do if they’re still in love with a person they can’t have.

The newlyweds hold hands to walk down the small aisle. The wedding is being held in the same vineyard we went to last night. Only this time, the table is set outside in the large open area which overlooks the winery. Fairy lights line the wooden planks above the outdoor area everywhere you look. They’re mixed and wrapped around the vines, which hang to create an inviting ambiance. It’s crazy pretty and if I admit to myself, romantic to the point I actually miss having a boyfriend.

The sun is soon to set, but everyone makes their way to the pre-drinks area before dinner is served.

“Thank God that went off without any trouble.” Eric lets out a relieved sigh beside me. His Fendi suit is also pale blue, matching our dresses. “You never know what can happen.”

“Nothing was going to happen,” I tell him while side-eyeing Ava. “Masen and Addy love each other.”

“Excuse me?” Eric raises his tone with a serious expression. “Are we forgetting about the complicated besties love triangle saga?”

“There was no saga,” Ava drags. “There was a misunderstanding, or perhaps mixed feelings. A saga would refer to a long dramatic love affair like—”

“Lex and Charlie,” Eric interrupts.

Mom stops walking and turns to face us. “Hey, what did you say about me?”

Eric puts on a fake smile. “Oh, nothing, doll. Just reminiscing about your wondrous love story.”

Annoyed, Mom purses her lips and then turns back around to ignore Eric.

“Phew,” Eric whispers. “Don’t rile the beast. She’s got her period and is pissed she can’t fuck Daddy in the big château.

Ava and I groan in unison, and then my hand reaches out to slap his arm. “I need therapy now. Don’t ever say the D word again.”

Eric raises his brows, then lets out an obnoxious laugh. “Honey, a leopard can’t change its spots.”

“The leopard can learn to at least shut its goddamn mouth,” Ava reprimands.

My eyes shift to Addy, who finishes talking to Aunt Adriana. Quickly excusing myself with a desperate need to forget about Eric’s loose mouth, I make my way over and give her the biggest of hugs.

“I can’t believe you did it!”

Addy raises her hand to show off her gorgeous diamond wedding band, waving it proudly. “I’m a wife!”

“So, Addison Cooper, huh? Or are you going to copy Millie and Ava? Do the whole Edwards hyphenated thing as well?”

“Kinda hard since Masen’s name is technically Masen Malone-Cooper,” Addy informs me. “That would make me Addison Edwards Malone-Cooper.”

Masen wraps his arms around Addy, then gently places his lips on her shoulder to leave a soft kiss. I’m not a romantic person by nature, but that right there was a romantic move.

I take a deep breath, my mind drifting back to the times I’d spent with Cole. It wasn’t long ago, months even, but it sure felt like a lifetime.

When we first started flirting in class, it was the thrill of the chase. Every girl wanted him, but he had his eyes set on me. It went on for weeks at the beginning of my senior year until he finally asked me out.

It wasn’t long before things got hot and heavy. Cole wasn’t a virgin, but I was. I tried to wait as long as possible, but things got more intense each time we were alone. He always wanted more, and my body started to feel the same. The first time we had sex, it wasn’t great. Uncomfortable, actually. He promised me it would get better, and it did as time went on.

I guess it was just hard to juggle his demands as well as school, plus a controlling father.

It’s not like Cole wasn’t romantic at times. He did have a good side to him. Things just moved too fast and too soon.

Then, I found out I was pregnant.

“Alexa,” my name is called by Aunt Adriana. “Away with the fairies?”

“Huh, is that another old person saying?”

Aunt Adriana presses her lips together with a judging stare. “I’m not old. I’ll have you know I’m still as active as the day I turned twenty-one. Though, maybe a sore lower back, but who doesn’t have a sore back these days?”

“Me.” Eric has to insert himself into the conversation. He’s known to have major FOMO. “And I’ll tell you why. The key to avoiding back problems is to make sure you do the right exercises. For example, you’ll want to be bent over in a comfortable position.”

I raise my hand. “I’m out.”

For the second time today—actually third, if you counted his ramble about pegging when we were trying to zip Millie’s dress past her ass—I’m walking away from Eric.

In desperate need of something to drink, I make my way to grab champagne. It’s all I’ve drunk in the last day, and I’m surprised the multiple glasses last night didn’t leave me with a hangover. The endless conversations with each person last night who all asked the same questions made it a long night. When are you coming home? What college will you attend once you’re back? Blah, blah, blah.

“So, drinking again?”

I turn around to see Beau standing behind me. With a drink in hand that looks like a bourbon, he looks extra handsome in his gray suit. Again, nothing like the guy I remember who would torment me in the cubby house and insist an earthquake was coming leading to our morbid deaths.

A typical East Coast boy who hated California.

His dark brown hair is kinda messy, probably because I’ve seen him run his hands through it multiple times. Only now do I notice the tattoo on the side of his neck appears to be an image of something. I can’t work out exactly what it is without getting closer. Then, my eyes gravitate to his hand where I remember he has another. This tattoo appears to be script, but again, I can’t figure out what without getting closer.

“Special occasion,” I respond with a forced smile. “We have to celebrate the newlyweds.”

“I guess you have a point.” He extends his glass to clink. “Cheers.”

Our glasses touch, then I take a sip, only to remember our conversation last night.

“So, how was your trip to the gentlemen’s club last night? Catch any diseases?”

A smirk spreads across his face before he brings the glass to his lips. “Maybe, from the dirty restroom.”

My face pulls back in disgust. “You fucked a whore in a public restroom?”

“Who said anything about a whore?”

“You did.” My voice comes out all high-pitched like I’m annoyed or something. I take a breath to calm myself down. “You said you were going to a gentlemen’s club.”

“Yes, it was a gentlemen’s club. The gentleman drank scotch and played poker,” he informs me smugly. “You assumed it involved women.”

My brows snap together as my lips press tightly while I glance at the ground, kicking a loose pebble.

“Oh, my bad.”

“Do you really think I’m that type of guy? You’re so hung up on me being a player.”

Only now do I notice my dad watching us. His expression is soft. Even from a distance, his eyes shine bright in the emerald green he is known for. I quickly turn away, knowing his happiness is because of Addy, not me.

“I’m not into men,” I blurt out, half thinking. “I mean, whatever. Do whatever you want.”

“What happened? Got some girl-on-girl action during your time away?”

“What?” I shake my head. “No. That is such a guy thing to say. I meant to say I haven’t thought about a guy for such a long time. It’s kind of a nice thing sometimes to not have to worry about a boyfriend and just do my own thing.”

Beau’s smile is undeniable as he tilts his head with curiosity. “Let’s see how long that will last.”

I raise the glass of champagne to my lips. “Is it a bet or something? Because I could use the money.”

Laughter escapes him. “What do you think? I’m some billionaire or something? Wrong brother.”

We’re interrupted as servers enter the space with trays of hors d’oeuvres. Just as I’m about to grab something to eat, Ava pulls me away to take photos with our family. The photographer is someone known in the fashion world though I didn’t quite pick up his name given he sputtered in French. His demands, however, were intense.

Ava knows all her angles and where to place her hands and arms. I’m like a baby deer in the woods. Unless the camera is forward-facing in my hand in selfie mode, I have no clue how to pose.

The photographer took every combo possible, then started inviting the rest of the family. It dragged on forever. For the group shot, he strategically placed people based on height and who looked good next to who. There were a lot of couples but also a lot of us singles.

He directs Beau to stand behind me, with my cousin Luna on my other side. Something about us looked aesthetically pleasing together. I keep my smile fixed, despite my cousins teasing me.

“Beau is single,” my cousin Luna whispers beside me. “Beau with his pants down would also be aesthetically pleasing.”

I roll my eyes, blaming the overbearing photographer for now making me the center of the joke.

“Why don’t you go for it then?” I tell her, turning the tables. Beau wasn’t related to any of us besides Will, of course. “Cradle snatcher would suit you for once.”

Luna pinches my arm softly. “Catty … what’s wrong, cuz? You want to call dibs on him?”

“Uh … no,” I mutter. “He’s Will’s brother. You don’t break those rules.”

She throws her back to laugh. “Edwards girls love breaking the rules.”

It took the sun to slowly disappear for the photographer to call it a wrap. Thank fucking God. No chance in hell I would ever work a modeling career after experiencing that torture.

We are asked to take our seats at the table. Once again, I’m seated next to my single cousins because all the couples want to be next to their partners. I don’t mind, given I’m away from my parents and can drink more.

Just like last night, the food comes out non-stop. I’m starving, or maybe knowing all this food is free makes it taste even better. My obsession with cheese is next level. I could eat plates of it and ignore the mains. The smellier the tastier.

The sound of a fork tapping against the glass catches our attention as Eric raises a glass.

“On behalf of myself, the person who made this all happen, I’d like to raise a toast to the newlyweds. May this night be everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”

Everyone raises their glasses, ignoring Eric’s usual brag about his talents. Ava looks annoyed, and knowing her, she wants credit.

“I’d also like to raise a toast,” Ava begins, dagger eyes straight at Eric. “It takes a village to make such magical events happen. I’m grateful to be part of the village.”

“To raise a family,” Eric corrects her.

“You didn’t do everything,” Ava bites back.

Luna is beside me, leaning back into her chair with a grin. “Oh, this is good wedding entertainment. Who do you think will reach out and pull the other’s hair first?”

“Eric,” my cousin Sienna answers. “For sure.”

To avoid this escalating, Dad stands up and commands attention. It’s enough to make Eric and Ava stop. Just like always, everyone turns their attention to him because he has a way of owning a room full of people.

“These toasts never get easier, perhaps even harder as time goes on,” he begins, then clears his throat. “Addison, it’s not hard to find the right words to describe how much you mean to your mother and me. You’ve been a constant joy in our lives, always thinking about your family before yourself.”

I can feel a tingle spread across my arm, like a match being lit inside my stomach with flames starting to soar. His tone feels directed at me, the whole constant joy and family before yourself.

“Your patience, kindness, and willingness to accept our guidance have made you the person you are today.”

He’s attacking me. I bow my head, willing to calm myself down as my hands tremble. How dare he use this moment to point out everything he hates about me.

“We are proud to call you our daughter, and now, we welcome you, Masen, as our son.”

There are a lot of sighs, plus tears from Mom. What’s fucking new.

As for me, he’s done it again. Made me feel like I’m the biggest disappointment in his life. I’ll never live up to my sisters, so why bother?

I bow my head as speeches continue, allowing the noise to drown out. When the music starts again, I excuse myself to relieve the pressure inside my chest, ready to combust. The winery is spacious, with plenty of room to sit by yourself and have a minute.

But my minute is interrupted.

“Are you okay?”

The familiar voice is behind me in the dark as I look out at the rows of grapes in the distance. Row after row, almost never-ending.

“Yes, no. I don’t know,” I mumble.

Beau sits down beside me on the stone step. The scent of his aftershave is very alluring, but I quickly ignore it because it’s just another reminder of what’s missing in my life. He pulls out a cigarette. Ugh … what a disgusting habit.

“You don’t have to put this pressure on yourself.” He puffs.

I shake my head. “What are you talking about?”

“The pressure to live up to your siblings. Thinking you’re disappointing your parents.”

“I … I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lie.

“Hey,” he calls softly. “Look at me.”

Slowly, I shift my eyes from the vineyard and stare into his eyes. Something unusual passes between us in a moment of silence, but I tell myself my emotions are all over the place. Nothing makes sense, but everything is crystal clear at the same time. Again, all over the place because that doesn’t make sense.

“You, Alexa Edwards, are going to do great things. One day it will just fall into place.”

“What will fall into place?”

“Life,” he answers with his lips curving up into a warm smile, followed by a puff of smoke expelling from his mouth. “Whatever it is you’re meant to do or meant to be, it will all just fall into place. Fuck everyone, just live life on your terms.”

“How do you know? Are you living life on your terms?”

“I’m wise, a whole four months older than you.” He chuckles, then knocks my shoulder gently with his. “C’mon, I’ve been around your dad long enough to know the real problem here. You’re both equally as stubborn as each other.”

“I am not stubborn,” I almost yell, his eyes widening in surprise with a grin accompanying it. “That’s not a nice thing to say to a woman.”

He rubs his chin, looking oddly handsome at this moment. “Yeah, but I think of you like a sister, so it’s fine to call you that.”

And that’s my cue to stop all these maddening thoughts.

A sister … of course. As I said, we were forced to play nice and taught the importance of family from a young age.

“I guess I better go back before they start calling me the black sheep of the family. Wait, maybe it’s too late for that.”

Beau reaches out to grab my wrist to stop me. My eyes fall to where his hand grips. At the same time, I fight back the sensations spreading across my entire body. The temperature around me elevates, making it hard to breathe. He’s family … he thinks of me like a sister.

“You’re never alone. Just remember that.”

My eyes dart toward his, matching his deep stare. Why is he looking at me this way? Like there’s something he wants to say but can’t.

“I know,” I say in a whisper as he releases the grip on my wrist.

“Good.” He almost chokes on his response like he’s struggling with his thoughts, but then he pulls himself out by taking another drag. “Until next time, Alexa.”

I nod, then smile. “Yeah, next time. Maybe lay off the smoking if you wanna live, though.”

A smirk spreads across his face before he extinguishes the cigarette on the ground. His eyes slowly drag to meet mine as he bites the corner of his lip.

“See, you break one bad habit and need another.”

“Maybe you think you need something bad, but again, another habit to break.”

The hazel orbs stare back at me, silent but heavy in a weighted gaze. “You know me, can’t stay good for too long.”

At least the bad boy knows his weakness.

But maybe, it’s not a weakness and his strength. Guards up, never get hurt.

“I’ll get the bail money ready,” I tease, unable to hide my grin. “I’m just a DM away.”

Beau bows his head with a soft laugh. “I’ll remember that, Miss Edwards.”