“Well, I better get back to myhusband,” Melanie said before turning to Adam. “You play nice.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He waved her off. “I’m always nice.”
With a hoot, she disappeared into the crowd.
“I like her,” I said, panning my gaze around the crowd. “I can see why she’s so popular.”
“She never used to have this many friends. She was notoriously hard to deal with growing up.”
“Happiness doesn’t come easily for everyone, but I’m glad she found hers.”
“There you guys are!” My sister flung herself between us. “We’re up on the deck, where it’s warmer.” She linked her arms into ours and directed us through the sand dunes and up the rickety timber stairs to a massive deck nestled under a sea of fairy lights.
“This is gorgeous,” I said, admiring the space.
Josie grinned. “Melanie is a superstar when it comes to events.”
My brow raised as I absorbed the details, including the custom-built dance floor and bar. “She planned the entire wedding herself?”
“In the space of two months,” Grayson said, tucking his arm around Josie’s waist. “Which is two months longer than we had.”
Josie giggled as he kissed her cheek.
“I’ll get us a drink.” Adam ran his hand across my back as he left for the bar.
Amy turned my way with arched eyebrows. “Us?”
“Don’t read into it, Ames.”
“Oh, I’m reading.” She giggled.
“Leave your sister alone, babe.” Reed passed her an appetizer. “And eat some of these. They’re delicious.”
“Zach’s recipe, no doubt.” Josie’s eyes darted to the roving waiters. “I’m going in.”
As she chased down the food, Adam returned, holding two drinks.
He handed over the lighter liquid. “Gin and tonic.”
My eyes met his, and their warmth surprised me. “Thanks.”
“Adam…” Amy rolled her head his way. “How do you know what Cassidy drinks?”
A hint of blush touched his cheeks as he swallowed a mouthful of whiskey. “I must be psychic.”
“Unlikely.” Amy cackled. “You hit on Josie while she was secretly dating your brother.”
I almost spat out my drink. “You did?
“To be fair,” Grayson said, rocking the stroller by his side, “he hits on every pretty girl he meets.”
Adam and I took long sips, equally uncomfortable with the conversation.
Amy grabbed her boyfriend’s hand. “Reed, it’s time to dance.”
His face fell. “But I’m not drunk yet.”
“Reed, please,” I begged. “She needs to release some energy.” Amy had always been like this, bouncing from task to task, saying exactly what she thought. The doctors diagnosed her with ADHD in her early teens, but when she refused to take the medication, my grandmother found natural treatments to help ease her chaotic mind. They didn’t always work, but that was okay. It was part of her gift, and I loved it about her. She was a free spirit and entirely happy in her own skin.