Love on Beach Avenue(6)
He struggled to keep up with all the sudden plans. “I’m surprised you don’t want to get married in Texas.”
“I’ve only been here a year, and it’s not yet home. Jason’s family is scattered, so there was nothing holding us back from having a destination wedding. Even better, I’ve decided as soon as the semester ends, I’m heading to Cape May. Since we don’t have much time, and there’s endless decisions to be made, I rented a house for the summer!”
Ally worked as a professor of economics. When she’d graduated with her PhD, Carter realized all the work and sacrifice to give his sister the type of life she deserved had been worth it. “Ally-Cat, I’m so happy you can take a break, but you shouldn’t be stressed planning a wedding. I can pay for any planner you want—the best of the best. It’s sweet you want to give the business to Avery, but this is too important.”
A tinkling laugh rose to his ears. “Sunshine Bridal is the best of the best in Cape May. Avery’s the one doing me a favor by squeezing me into her schedule.”
He couldn’t imagine the girl he’d known running a successful wedding agency. She was too scattered, too intent on pursuing fun at the expense of responsibility. He’d assumed her family had spoiled her rotten, allowing her to waste an expensive education at Georgetown to pursue some fun and experience the novelty of living away from home. Unease settled over him. “Is Jason coming with you, too?”
“No, he has to work, but he’ll fly out for some long weekends. It’ll be exciting to steep myself in wedding details and hang with Avery again. We always have so much fun together.”
“Hmm, yes, you do.”
“You’re worried, aren’t you? Afraid I’m going to get into trouble at some dive bar or get caught skinny-dipping in the ocean?”
“Like the time I had to bail you two out after you were arrested for trespassing at the gardens?”
He could practically see her wince. “Okay, admittedly that was not a good idea. Avery and I just wanted to see what the gardens were like in the moonlight. It was harmless.”
“It was the Enid A. Haupt Garden. But sure, almost having a criminal record is completely harmless. I wonder why I’m concerned you’ll be traipsing around all summer with this woman.”
Her words came out in a harsh whisper, and he was sure she was gritting her teeth. “Stop treating me like a child or I won’t ask you to be my man of honor. Why do you always have to hold this crap over me? I have a respectable job and I’m getting married.”
His heart stilled. “Man of what?”
“Man of honor. I had a nice speech planned before I asked you, but you managed to piss me off once again, so this is the best you’re gonna get. Carter, my overbearing, pain-in-the-ass brother, will you be my man of honor for my wedding?”
He blinked. His throat tightened with emotion. His sister had been his entire world for most of his life. To be asked to stand beside her through her wedding meant everything to him. It took him a few moments before he was able to respond. “I don’t have to wear a dress, do I?”
She laughed. “Not unless you want to. No, your job will be to help me make decisions and just be my emotional rock. Avery will take care of everything else, but I really want your input. Oh, how I’d love for you to spend some time with me this summer. It’s been forever since we hung out. When was the last time you took a vacation?”
Never. Not that it mattered. His job was satisfying, and he’d been able to stop worrying as much these last five years as Ally settled into being an adult and building her own life. “Besides the team-building project at Logan Circle?”
“That wasn’t a vacation. Please tell me you know that.”
“But the scavenger hunt and escape-room activities really helped us bond.”
“Okay, I have an outrageous suggestion: take some time off and spend the summer with me. You never take vacations, and we’d have so much fun!”
He opened his mouth, automatically ready to decline, then shut it. For the first time in a while, he was a bit restless. He loved his job as a hacker, but there was an odd stirring in his gut. Almost as if he were searching for . . . more. He just wasn’t sure what it was.
Spending time with his sister might be the solution. She was his only family, and helping her plan the most important day of her life would be like stepping back into the past, when they were together 24-7. Getting the time off shouldn’t be a problem. He’d accumulated a ton of vacation days, and he’d finish up this latest project by the end of the month.
“Let me see what I can do. Are you sure I wouldn’t be crashing in on your time with Avery?” He knew he was a bit overprotective and overwhelming at times.
“As long as you don’t give me a curfew or limit my alcohol intake, I’d love it.”
“Okay, Ally-Cat, you convinced me. Let’s do it.”
Her squeal made him grin. “This is going to be the best summer of our lives.”
Carter wondered why her words suddenly seemed like a forewarning of something to come. He shook off the odd thought, said goodbye to his sister, and began to make a list to prepare for his time off.
Avery selected a croissant from the platter. The flaky crust and buttery texture showed a perfect bake, and just a hint of chocolate peeked from the sides. She licked her lips and settled at the head of the conference table—a gorgeous mahogany antique that she’d grabbed at an estate sale and repurposed. The standout centerpiece of the room was paired with softer touches: fresh blush roses, lavender-mint soy candles, soft buttercream carpeting, and delicate lace curtains. The walls were adorned with black-and-white photographs of some of their most esteemed weddings, clad in ornate frames that beckoned new clients.