Gareth had somehow missed most of the wedding. The only positive was he knew Dylan wouldn’t be any the wiser. The happy couple walked back down the aisle, but midway Dylan bent down and scooped Sofia up into his arms.
“Time to rest those feet, Mrs. Lawson,” Dylan said.
Sofia chuckled. “Whatever you say, Mr. Lawson.”
The two of them headed to the back of the restaurant where a long table was set up to celebrate the joyous occasion. Charles walked over to Gareth and said, “You seem a bit . . . distracted. Anything you want to talk about?”
“Nope,” he said dryly.
“You haven’t been yourself since you got home.”
“Tabiq was eye-opening. I guess it has changed me,” Gareth replied.
“And what about this woman I heard about?”
“It’s nothing.” At least it wasn’t any more.
“Is that how she feels or just you?” Charles asked.
Does it matter?“Charles, unless you haven’t noticed, we’re at a wedding. Let’s talk about something else.”
“If she means something to you, this is the perfect time to discuss it. Or didn’t you listen to anything they said when they exchanged vows?” Charles asked. “Maybe I don’t want to know that answer. But I think you have some soul-searching to do.”
“I’m not doing that. But then again, I think we all have some to do. That meeting with Alex opened my eyes, Charles. We have been pointing fingers at others for how fucked up they were. We should’ve been looking in our own closets. Now we have some serious decision-making to do.”
“We all know you well enough to know when you’re planning something but haven’t told anyone about it. Please tell me you’re not going back to Tabiq,” Charles said.
“And if I was?” Gareth asked. He didn’t need anyone’s approval.
“You haven’t finished healing from the last trip. One that I wish you would’ve discussed with me first.”
“So you could’ve told me no?” Gareth snarled.
Charles said, “Before Rosslyn, that’s exactly what I would’ve done. But like you, I’ve changed. I’m not out to stop you from doing what you want. But I would’ve offered support. You do know we’re still your brothers. You don’t have to go do this on your own.”
“I already learned everything I need to know about the Hendersons,” Gareth snapped.
“I’m not talking about our cousins, and I’m not talking about Tabiq either. I’m not sure if it is the accident or if it is that woman Brooke, but whatever it is, we’re here for you.”
“Charles, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but there are some things I have to do alone.” Figuring out his feelings for Brooke, determining what he wanted for his future, were at the top of that list.
“Well, I’m here if you ever change your mind. So are the others. With everything we’ve learned lately, it’s more important than ever for us to stand together.”
“Don’t worry, Charles, my days of running amuck are over. Granted, I’m never going to be as old and boring as you are, but I’m settling down.” Not by choice.
Charles laughed. “Gareth, one thing I know is you’ll never be boring. There is trouble right around the corner, and it has your name on it.”
Gareth laughed. “So what you’re saying is I should spice up this party with one of my memorable toasts?”
Charles shrugged. “You can. But if you think therapy was hard for your shoulder, wait until you see what Maria could do to you. She’s very protective of her kids.”
“Hey, why don’t you have Rosslyn go play matchmaker with Sal and Charlene. That’s a couple that would be very entertaining to be around.”
“What makes you think my wife is a matchmaker?”
Gareth shot Charles a look. “Because they all are. It’s like some secret group, and they are always scoping out who should be with who.”
“Then I guess Sal and Charlene are out, because Rosslyn said Charlene would be good for Seth.”