Neal grins a victorious smile, but I’m just fucking confused. Who the hell is this?
SOPHIA
Idon’t know how Neal managed to dig up Tristan. He and I had been friends for a long time before I tried to take my shot my freshman year of undergrad. He told me we were better friends than we could ever be together. It launched a fight with Valerie that cooled off quickly, but Tristan and I weren’t the same. He graduated later that year and our conversations after were just holiday greetings and occasional catch-ups on life.
But Valerie told me all about his polyamorous relationship, how it hit a really bad wall, how badly it hurt him. And then she showed me the very successful blog he’s been running. A positive mental health podcaster and professor of sociology, he’s done well for himself and he still looks good.
He shares Valerie’s dark hair, but his eyes are a soft gray, his skin all naturally tan, his jaw squared and I can’t stop the smile as I stand and walk toward him. He slowly gives in, the corner of his mouth lifting.
“You did a whole lot better than me.”
I hug him tightly, sighing. “It’s so good to see you.”
I see Neal balk, but then he shakes his head. “Tell them, Tristan. About how this kind of relationship isn’t stable. How it can’t last. How people aren’t made for this bullshit.”
Tristan ignores him entirely and spins me in a circle. “You grew up. Look at all this style.”
I laugh, then tug him over to meet my fiancés. “Tristan, this is Gunner, Nick, Roman, and Holden, my amazing fiancés – husbands as of tomorrow.”
Tristan shakes each of their hands. “Congratulations. I wish you all the best. Hopefully, Sophie hasn’t been giving you guys a rough time. Sometimes she’s too ambitious or tightly wound for her own good.” He chuckles.
Gunner laughs. “It’s four versus one there. We have the upper hand.”
I look to Nick and his face softens. “She’s perfect for us. Even with her temper.”
Roman reaches for my hand and I squeeze his and Holden’s. “I’m going to talk to Tristan a moment and then we can figure out where to put him at the reception if that’s okay with you guys.”
“Of course,” Holden assures. Tristan heads to the door, and Holden’s eyes bounce between us. “An ex?”
“I asked him out, he said we were better as friends and I think he wanted to avoid issues with Valerie.”
Gunner nods. “Yeah, she’s not one to upset.”
“I promise, I’ll be right back, and we can keep celebrating.” Then I look at Neal. “Hey Gunner, remember that talk we had about being old-fashioned?”
A wicked grin spreads over his face.
I walk out of the room and Tristan hugs me again. “Four guys? How’s that working?”
“Better than your relationship did based on what Valerie said. I know it’s crazy, but we love each other. We’ve talked about it over and over and they only want me. It’s not like I can choose when they’re so good in so many different ways. I wouldn’t be here if-”
“Sophie, just because it didn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.” He gently covers my mouth. “You know when it’s right. If there’s no jealousy, no infighting, nothing that is a red flag – and, trust me, Val would have made that clear – then go for it.”
I bounce and hug him tightly. He laughs. “I don’t know why that dick paid for me to come over here, but I’m not complaining.”
“I guess he only skimmed your article and assumed you’d condemn the wedding or something.” I kiss his cheek. “I’m glad you’re here. I thought about inviting you, but we haven’t talked in so long and …”
“Adult problems.” He winks. “Is there a spot by your parents?”
I lead him back inside, introduce him to my parents and warn him to watch out for my mom. He chuckles, but as Neal continues his drunken bitching, it’s Nick that gets up. Gunner has his hands ready for rock paper scissors, but the fury in Nick’s eyes is unmatched.
He stalks towards Neal, connects his fist to Neal’s jaw, and sends him reeling backward. I go to him and pat his chest, then take his fist in my hand. It’s already red.
Nick pulls me towards him and we sit down as if nothing happened. Roman calls security and then Neal is gone, even if he’s whimpering and trying to explain that he was just hit. Gunner complains about not being the one to do the job, but the rest of dinner goes well.
After the last course, music plays over the speakers and I see some people dancing, others mingling, it’s amazing how easily our families come together. Nick rubs my back and I lean toward him.
“That was a great punch. I almost forgot that you’re a combat pro.” I gush.