Chapter 50

Adam

Isnap the cuffs of my shirt and tug on the edges of my jacket, aware that I'm fidgeting. I'm not used to wearing a monkey suit anymore. If not for my sister and the beleaguered groom-to-be, Brad, I wouldn't be wearing one now.

Even at our board meetings, I wear a crisp button down and skinny, designer jeans. I'm a mountain man, through and through. I save the suits and ties for the most special of occasions.

I've never been the overprotective big brother. Neither Steph's personality nor my own ever fit the stereotype. But as insufferable as Steph can be she"s also generous, smart, and funny. At least when she wants to be.

The private dining room is both simple and elegant with wainscoting and high ceilings. Several finely-coiffed young women in matching dresses who I peg as bridesmaids, mill about, sneaking glances at the men horsing around on the opposite side of the room. It reminds me of those movies set in Victorian times where debutantes carried dance cards, happy to be courted by the most eligible men in the county.

"Hey, honey," Mom says, straightening my tie. "Don't you look debonair . . . and happy."

"Thanks. I am. Happy, that is."

In reality, I"ve been spending most of my brain power tossing around ideas of how and when to share my feelings with Evie. My eyes cut to the door, realizing I'm searching for her, like a homing pigeon.

Home.

It"s the first time I ever thought of a woman in those terms. But that's exactly how it feels when I"m with Evie. Like home.

I've got it bad, I think, smiling to myself.

My mother glances at the door as well. "It's wonderful to see you in love, sweetheart. I'm glad you found the one. Even if Ronna is?—"

I feel my hackles rise. Like a crossing guard, I put up a hand. "Mom, like I told you before, I don't care about the age difference. Please don't bring it up again."

Mom purses her lips. "I was going to say, even if she is an East Coast dweller."

Duly chastised, I"m about to apologize when Mom adds, "I mean, sure, I would have been thrilled for you to provide me and Dad with a few grandbabies."

I bristle once more, annoyed that I thought things would be different this time.

Mom lowers her voice. "Don't tell me you never wanted kids of your own."

Having kids someday has always been in the back of my mind. But Steph is set on having a brood. Being Uncle Adam could be good enough.

I mentally slap myself. I'm seriously off the rails. None of this is real.

I try keeping my tone in check but the agitation seeps through. "Can we please shelve this topic for the time being?"

Mom waves away my comment, appearing to have a retort ready on her lips.

And this is why I don"t share my love life with the family.

Judgment. With a capital J.

As if on cue, I watch as Steph and Brad peel away from two young men, their boxy black suits, regulation haircuts, and watchful demeanors, screaming Feds!

Must be Steph's new co-workers.

Brad has a light hand on Steph"s back as they walk toward me and Mom. Thin as a reed, Brad was never the guy anyone would have expected my loud, tough-veneered sister to end up with. With thick-rimmed Mad Men-style glasses, Brad is the most even-keeled man I"ve ever met. Still, in a wrestling match, Steph would take him down in a New York minute.

I bring Brad in for a bro hug.

"Congrats, buddy," I say. "Thanks for giving the males in the family a fighting chance with a majority."

"Happy to help," Brad says.

Steph tugs Brad's hand. "Let's get this party started!"

Mom points to the door. "Look."

My gaze lands on the door and my jaw drops.

"She looks like Cinderella at the ball," Mom says.

It"s exactly what I"m thinking.

Evie stands at the entrance, scanning the room. I know she"s searching for me but I want to use the few seconds before she spots me to take in the view. She"s a vision in a sleeveless cream dress that fits her like a glove, the fabric shimmering as she moves beneath the chandelier.

Her hair is swept up with a few tendrils loose at the hairline. She wears diamond studs in her ears and strappy sandals on her feet. She glows like a goddess.

And then she sees me, a glorious smile growing like a budding flower on her lips. It makes my heart sing.

I love this woman.

The need to tell her is overpowering.

As if in slow motion, Evie glides toward me. She"s poised, exuding an easy confidence. She"s comfortable in her own skin. And what skin it is. Tanned, toned. Kissable.

Whatever momentary hiccup my mother's words infected me with, it vanishes in a heartbeat when Evie reaches me. I kiss her softly on the lips, my heart leaping as she kisses me back. It feels so real.

When she pulls away, Evie gives me an inquisitive look as if sensing the kiss wasn't only for show.

"You look magnificent," I whisper in her ear.

"Thank you. You're quite handsome yourself."

"You make a lovely pair," Mom says, directing her words to me. I pick up a tone of apology in her words.

Brad's grinning but Steph seems to be . . . appraising. No problema. I'm certain all my sister sees is her brother and his loving fiancée.

Mom says, "Let"s take our seats. You ready, Adam?"

Evie gives me a curious look.

I keep an arm around her shoulders, enjoying the feeling of her body close to mine. "I was asked to speak at the rehearsal dinner."

We'd missed the actual rehearsal but this is my penance.

Steph echoes her mother"s words. "Yeah, are you ready, Adam?"

"Ready is my middle name," I reply.

As I guide Evie to our seats near the front, family and friends all around, my speech is not what's on my mind. All I can think of is how to find a quiet moment alone with my beautiful partner in crime.