“What’s going on over here?” Sterling turns from where he was talking to my best friend, Deacon.
“Just giving Orrin a pep talk,” I tell our brother.
“Should I go get Dad?” Sterling jokes.
“Fuck off,” I grumble, and my brothers both grin.
Speaking of my best friend, I catch his eyes from just a few feet away, and he gives me a nod. I grin, knowing what’s about to go down. “It’s time,” I tell Declan and Sterling. We break up, making sure to let everyone quietly know that it’s showtime.
I watch as Deacon pulls Ramsey to the small stage. It’s as if they're not in a room full of friends and family as they stare into each other’s eyes. When Deacon drops to one knee, the room goes crazy. He hasn’t asked yet, but we all know it’s just a formality. Those two are the real deal.
Ramsey nods, and they’re kissing. I smile as my eyes stray to where Jade’s sitting. She’s smiling as she wipes her eyes. Deacon’s sisters, Piper and Palmer, stand and hug one another. Jade slides out of the booth, and instead of heading to congratulate the happy couple like her friends, she slips out the door.
My feet are moving before I can think better of it. I have plenty of time to let the crowd around the happy couple die down before giving them my personal congratulations. Right now, I have an auburn-haired beauty to check on.
When I push open the door, the warm Georgia air hits me. I scan my surroundings until I find her. She’s sitting on a picnic table underneath a Willow Tree off to the side of the Tavern. I know from when Ramsey worked here that it’s a popular spot for the employees to take their breaks and even patrons to get some fresh air. Her long auburn hair blows in the gentle breeze, making me wish I could reach out and run my fingers through the silky strands.
Shoving my hands into the pocket of my jeans, I make my way toward her. She looks up as I approach and quickly wipes at her eyes. All good intentions to not touch her fly out the window. I crouch down so we’re eye to eye and push her gorgeous auburn hair out of her eyes. “What’s going on? Who do I need to give a beat down?” I ask, and her wide smile has my heart squeezing in my chest.
“No one.” She smiles with watery eyes. “I’m just being silly.”
“Tell me about it.”
She looks down to her lap, where she twines her hands together.
Reaching out, I place my index finger under her chin so I can capture her gaze. “I’m a good listener. I have eight brothers, and I’m the oldest. This isn’t my first rodeo,” I tease, trying to get another smile out of her, and it works.
“I’m just happy for them.”
I nod. “They’re good together.”
“They really are.”
“What else?” I can see in her eyes she’s holding something back.
“What do you mean?”
“Tell me what else you’re thinking, sweetheart.” Her mouth opens as if she’s going to tell me what it is that’s plaguing her, but she quickly closes it. “Jade?”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Of course you can.”
She shakes her head. “No. It’s too embarrassing.”
“Did you forget that part where I grew up with eight brothers? Eight,” I repeat, making her smile. “There is nothing that could come out of that pretty mouth of yours that could embarrass me. Trust me on this.”
She gives me a soft chuckle as a reward, and my heart races just a little faster at the sound. “Fine.” She rolls her eyes playfully, huffing out a breath. “I’m a little bit envious.”
I nod. “Yeah. They’ve got something special. That’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
She covers her face with her hands and groans. “I can’t believe I just told you that. I’m mortified.”
Reaching up, I gently pull her hands from her face. “There is nothing wrong with being envious.”
“Maybe not, but I should never have told you that.”
“Will it make you feel better if I confess something too?”
She tilts her head to the side to study me. “Is it as equally embarrassing?” There’s a slight roll of her lips that tells me while she might be embarrassed about her confession, she’s enjoying teasing me all the same.
“Do you want it to be?”
“Yes.” She nods, flashing me a grin.
“How about this? How about I give you two for your one?”
“Now we’re talking.” She sits up straighter, and while her eyes are still glassy from her earlier tears, dampness is no longer coating her cheeks.
“I’m envious of them too.”
“Come on, Orrin. I thought you’d take this seriously.” She smacks lightly at my arm. Before she can remove her hand, I take it in mine.
“I am taking this seriously. I’m telling you the truth.”