Bridesmaid for Hire

I STARE DOWN AT MY PHONE ringing and mentally sigh. I’m surprised it took him this long to call.

Not in the mood, but knowing I won’t be able to avoid this phone call, I answer. “Hey, Gary.”

“Hey, sis, how’s it going?”

I take a seat on my couch and tug on my sleeve as I lean back. “Fine,” I say.

“Oh cool…” He’s silent for a second, like he’s trying to figure out what to say so I decide to help him out.

“I’m assuming you talked to Brody.”

“What? Brody…I mean…”

“It’s fine, Gary. I know you guys talked. I’d be shocked if you didn’t.”

“Yeah, we talked. I’m, uh, I’m sorry about what happened.”

“It is what it is,” I sigh. “I actually don’t want to talk about him.”

“Okay, sure. Yeah, I don’t want to talk about him either. He’s gross.”

I chuckle. “You’re an idiot, Gary.”

“Patricia informs me of that every day. So, if we’re not talking about Brody, then tell me about the trip, besides the whole Brody thing. Did the business thing work out?”

My lip trembles.

I haven’t talked to anyone other than Hattie about what happened because honestly, I can’t fathom what choice I’m going to have to make. It feels impossible to even try to make a decision. And now that Haisley is coming back from her honeymoon soon, I know Reginald is going to contact me, pressuring me to make a move, and I have no idea what that move should be.

I’ve just been going through the motions with work. I haven’t talked to Everly about the situation because I don’t want her to think that I put us in danger, but I have. I put the whole business in danger, including her career. What the hell am I supposed to do about that?

“Maggie, you there?”

“Sorry…yeah.” My throat grows tight. I hate that I’m about to cry, but I honestly don’t know what to do. “I, uh…I’m actually not doing so well, Gary.”

“Because of Brody?” he asks.

“Well, I mean…yes, I can’t even think about him or that situation without breaking down completely, but that’s not what I’m talking about right now.”

“What are you…oh fuck, did he get you pregnant?”

“What? No…no, it’s not that. It’s my business.”

“Oh.” He pauses and then asks. “What’s going on with your business?”

“Well, I haven’t really told anyone this besides Hattie because I honestly don’t know what to do, but…” I take a deep breath. “At the wedding, Reginald pulled me to the side on the dance floor and sort of blackmailed me.”

There’s silence, then what sounds like a lot of scrambling and shuffling around.

“Gary?”

“Yeah, sorry, just…ouch—” More silence and then Gary clears his throat. “Stubbed my toe.” Okay, he’s being weird. “What do you mean he’s blackmailing you?”

“He found out that Haisley and I were talking about different partnerships with our businesses and well, he said that he wanted me to bring that partnership under Hopper Industries.” Gary whispers something that I can’t quite understand. “What, Gary?”

“Sorry,” he says, voice strained. “Patricia is trying to pull my pants down.”

“What?” I ask.

“No, I’m not,” Patricia says in the distance.

“She wants me, I can’t help it.”

“Ew, Gary,” I say.

“Yeah, just, uh…one second.” Then, I can hear his voice, but it’s muffled, which means he must be covering the phone. After a few seconds, he comes back on the phone and says, “Okay, took care of her. Maggie, are you serious? Reginald Hopper intends to blackmail you?” And for the first time, I can hear absolute rage in my brother’s voice. It’s what I needed. Validation about how wrong this is.

“He does.”

“Fuck,” he growls. Never heard him growl before either.

“He also told me he knew why I was there in the first place—to basically infiltrate the wedding. I didn’t confirm or deny anything, but he did tell me that I have two options. Since he’s opening up a new wedding branch, he said I could either work with him or against him, meaning if I don’t bring Haisley over to Hopper Industries, then he’s going to put me out of business.”

There’s silence for a second and then…“He fucking said that to you?”

“Yes,” I answer as I feel tears well up in my eyes. I try to hold them back, but this is my future, my livelihood. Stolen from me by a pretentious, entitled prick. “I don’t know what to do, Gary.” I sniff and wipe my nose. “I know how important it was for Haisley to establish her own business. I value her as a businesswoman and a friend. I can’t imagine trying to carry out Reginald’s demands, but…what do I do? I’ve put everything into my business, everything, and for it to just be crushed by some awful man who needs control over his family? How is that fair to me?”

“It’s not,” Gary says. “This isn’t fair at all.”

“What should I do?”

“Have you thought about talking to Haisley? Maybe if you told her what was going on, she might talk to her dad.”

“I don’t want to do that,” I say softly. “She told me that things were strained between them because of her business. Lately, they’ve improved, and she believes he’s proud of her. They’ve been rebuilding their relationship. I can’t ruin that.”

“But he’s the one ruining it,” Gary says. “It’s wrong of him to ask that of you. He’s manipulating the situation and taking advantage of you.”

“I know, but I just don’t know how to proceed. He could also turn it around and deny everything, say I’m a liar. That I’m just trying to pit him against her and tell her my motivations for being at the wedding in the first place. I don’t want to lose that friendship. I don’t want to hurt her…and this all just sucks, Gary. I don’t know what to do.”

He lets out a deep breath. “Yeah, I don’t know what to tell you either.”

More tears stream down my cheeks. “Maybe…maybe I just throw in the towel.”

“Maggie, no.”

“Just hear me out, Gary. I…I thought I was killing it, but my accountant told me that I haven’t made enough to afford the storefront. Without the storefront, I don’t know how viable this business is for me in the long term. Especially with Hopper Industries moving in on the space. They’re going to take clients, they probably already have—I lost two bids in one week. If I want to succeed, I need to spend all my time promoting myself at events and on social media, but I don’t have the time to do that because of the weddings I’m already planning. It’s just…it’s too much, Gary.”

“You can’t give up, Maggie,” he says softly. “Just…let me think about this, okay? I know we can come up with a solution. Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight?”

“No, I’m a mess. I keep crying and I honestly don’t think I could visit your house—you have too many pictures of Brody hanging up.”

“I can take them down.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m just going to curl into a ball and cry on the couch, maybe eat some ice cream, possibly attempt to do some laundry.”

“Want me to come there? Or Patricia?”

“Thanks, but I’m okay. Hattie just left, and I think I need some time to myself for now.”

“Okay…well…give me some time. I promise I’ll help you figure this out.”

“Thanks, Gary,” I say before we both say bye and I hang up the phone.

I drop it to the side and then cover my eyes as a new wave of tears hits me all at once.

BRODY

Gary hangs up the phone and I struggle beneath him. He’s sitting on my chest, pinning my arms and body down while Patricia holds a dish towel over my mouth, nearly gagging me with the pressure.

“Grrrmmmmpff,” I say as I struggle against them.

Patricia releases the towel and I let out a big breath before. “Was this necessary?”

“Yes,” Gary says as he gets off me. “You were going to give us away.”

“Well, you nearly suffocated me.”

“We would have revived you,” Patricia says as she sits on the couch.

I scramble to my feet and push my hand through my hair. “What the actual fuck is he thinking? He wants to put my girl out of business?” I point to my chest.

Gary holds up one finger. “Technically, she’s not your girl anymore.”

I swat his finger away. “She’s my fucking girl. She will always be mine.”

“Oh look, the real Brody is starting to show up again. Maybe we should have called Maggie sooner.”

I pace the living room, trying to figure out how I can fix this. “Do you know what the problem with people like Reginald is? He thinks because he has money, he has power, and with that power he can make people bend and break to his will. Well, it’s not going to fucking happen. Maggie has put her heart and soul into her business, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let him destroy it.”

“What are you going to do?” Gary asks. “Talk to Haisley yourself? Don’t you have a relationship with her?”

“I do, but Maggie was right, we want to try preserve things between her and Reginald, even though he’s clearly trying to fuck up any relationship that he has. I need to think of…” And then it hits me.

“I think a lightbulb just went off in his head, did you see that?” Patricia asks.

“I think it did. I’ve never seen that happen in person before,” Gary replies. “What is it, what did you think of?”

“Jude,” I say. “He came to my bungalow on his wedding day, gave me his card, and told me to call him if I ever needed anything. He was there, at the bachelor party. He believes it was wrong the way I was treated. Said he’d back me up. He’s my in. He’ll help me.”

“Why didn’t you think of that in the first place?” Patricia asks, tossing her hands in the air. “It would have saved us all those hours of you weeping on the couch.”

“Because I was heartbroken,” I shoot back at her. “I wasn’t thinking straight.”

“Clearly.”

“We really should have called Maggie earlier.” Gary rubs his chin. “That’s on us.”

Ignoring them both, I run off to the guest bedroom and grab my wallet, pulling out Jude’s business card. I take a seat on the bed and type his phone number into my phone. Not sure where he is on his honeymoon, I decide to send him a text instead of calling.

Brody: Hey Jude, it’s Brody. Sorry to drop in like this on your honeymoon, but I have some pressing things I need to talk to you about. It involves Haisley.

I hit send and wait.

I can’t believe that fucker. It’s one thing to mess with me, but to mess with Maggie? Someone with a heart of gold, who helped make his own daughter’s wedding amazing…who stepped in selflessly and gave her all. Fuck him if he thinks he can treat her—and her business—with such disrespect. Like he’s above reproach. Not going to fucking happen.

My phone buzzes in my hand and I quickly pull up Jude’s reply.

Jude: We got home early. I’m free tonight. I don’t fuck around when it comes to Haisley.

Same, Jude. I don’t fuck around when it comes to my girl either.

Brody: Meet me at The Bean at eight. We need to talk.

Gary: Are you sure you don’t want me to be there? What if he beats you up?

Brody: Why would he beat me up?

Gary: After you showed me a picture of him, all I can think about is his fist driving through your face. He might not like what you have to say.

Brody: He’s not going to punch me.

Gary: You don’t know that for sure. You could say something about his woman and then whammo bammo, he pulls his hammer from his back pocket and bashes you between the eyes.

Brody: I love you, Gare, but he’s not going to do that.

Gary: I’m not risking it. I’m on my way.

Brody: Jesus Christ. Stay home.

“Hey, man,” Jude says, coming up to me with a cup of coffee in his hand.

I look up from my phone and start to smile. Until I see Hudson and Hardy walk up behind him.

Oh…fuck.

Maybe I do need Gary here.

“Uh, hey guys,” I say nervously as I stand and hold out my hand.

Jude shakes it, and to my surprise, so do Hudson and Hardy.

Nervously, we sit down, crowding a tiny bistro table that we’re too large for.

“So…” I begin. “How was your honeymoon?”

“Cut the formalities,” Jude says in a gruff voice. “What’s going on?”

Okay, yup, should have expected that. I told him I needed to discuss his wife, and he doesn’t want to beat around the bush.

“I first want to apologize for the bachelor party,” I start off. “I know I was out of line—”

“I’m going to stop you right there,” Jude says. “I’ve already spoken to you about this, and I had a chat with Hudson and Hardy on the way over here. You were not at fault for what happened that night and they agree with me.”

“You do?” I ask.

Hardy nods. “I’m ashamed of my father—that’s what this comes down to. He should never have treated you like that, and I don’t care what the circumstances were.”

“Agreed,” Hudson says. “We’ve been having discussions, the three of us, on what we want to do about Reginald because frankly, he’s not the kind of man we want to be—or the kind of man we want representing us.”

Okay, so this might be easier than I thought.

“Well, I appreciate that. But before I get into anything else, I need to tell you, the pocket wedding idea—that was Maggie’s. I don’t know what happened to me, maybe in my drunken oblivion I just started rambling. I honestly had no clue that was why Maggie broke up with me until Deanna emailed me and thanked me for the idea.” Hudson’s face darkens in anger. “And I’m not going to act like I’m not to blame, because I am. I wanted to contact you, figure out a way to tell you the truth and I’m glad I’m getting the chance, because that idea was solely Maggie’s. It’s part of her expansion plan, and I am begging you to not use it. I don’t care that I lost my job, I don’t care that I might not work another day in San Francisco after this conversation, but please, please don’t take this away from Maggie. It was foolish and stupid and I’m so fucking sick to my stomach that I said something.”

Hudson nods. “Takes a big man to admit that.”

“Or a small man who knows he fucked up.”

Hardy shakes his head. “No, a big man.”

“We’ll take care of it,” Hudson says, sending a bolt of relief straight through me. Okay, one down, one to go.

“Thank you,” I say. “And now onto the second thing. I, uh…technically I shouldn’t know this, but since Maggie’s brother is my best friend, I sort of used him to see how she was doing. He called her, put her on speaker phone, and I listened to her conversation. I know, also wrong, but fuck am I desperate to hear her voice.”

“How is she?” Hardy asks, which grates on my nerves slightly, but I just tell myself it’s because he’s being a good friend—not because he’s interested.

“Not great. Your dad said something to her at the wedding.”

Hardy stiffens. “Was it when he was dancing with her? I thought something looked off.”

I nod. “Yeah, he basically blackmailed her.”

“What the fuck,” Hudson mutters under his breath.

“What did he say?” Hardy asks. “It has to be bad, because she left the wedding straight after that, and none of us have heard from her. Not even Haisley.”

“He told her that he knew about the potential of Haisley and Maggie working together. He wants Maggie to tell Haisley that she’ll only partner with her if it’s under Hopper Industries. If Maggie doesn’t comply, he promised he’d put her out of business with Hopper Industries’ new wedding branch.”

Jude’s hand curls into a fist as he turns toward Hardy and Hudson. “I fucking told you he was going to pull a stunt like that.” The veins in his neck pop and his face goes red—it’s frightening. “It’s not going to fucking happen. He acts like a goddamn saint and pretends he wants to improve his relationship with his daughter, but then he goes and pulls stunts like these. Humiliating one of his employees, trying to blackmail a woman who has been nothing but kind to my wife…I’m not going to fucking stand for it.”

Hudson nods as he sits back in his chair. “I know, Jude. You’re right.”

“It’s the final straw. You need to pull the trigger.”

The trigger? As in…are we getting homicidal? I mean, I don’t like the man, but I think that might be a bit extreme.

“Uh…” I place my hand on the table. “You know, this might not be my place, but I don’t think any sort of violence is going to solve the situation.”

“We’re not talking about an actual trigger,” Hardy says and then glances at Hudson. “I think you should tell him. He should be part of it.”

“Part of what?” I ask, feeling confused as fuck.

“He hasn’t signed an NDA,” Hudson says.

“He’s good for it,” Jude says, his fist still clenched on the table. “Right?” he asks me.

On a gulp, I nod. “Yeah. Trust me, I have nothing left to lose.” Yes, I need an income, but losing Maggie is the real devastation. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me—do not tell Gary I said that—and knowing she’s suffering has broken something deep within me. I feel lost without her.

Hudson nods and leans forward. Speaking quietly, he says, “We, as in Hardy, Jude, and I have been in discussion with the Cane brothers for the last few months.”

“Uh, as in Huxley, JP, and Breaker Cane?”

“Yes,” Hudson says. “Hardy and I haven’t been thrilled about the way our dad has been running the business, and he’s made it quite clear that he’s not interested in suggestions. Recently, Hardy was able to acquire the full ownership of the almond branch, which has been worth its weight in gold. Dad never liked the idea of farming—he thought it was beneath us—so when Hardy approached him with the idea of taking it over in exchange for his trust fund, Dad signed off on it.”

“Fool never cared to look at the reports, because the almond business is a lucrative one.” Hardy smiles brightly.

I can imagine, especially since they’re one of the fastest growing providers in California.

“Which leaves me,” Hudson says. “The goal was to take over Hopper Industries when Dad retires, but it doesn’t seem like he wants to do that anytime soon. And with the way he’s been running things, we don’t want to be associated with the business, so we approached the Canes about starting a cooperative. Equal buy-in, equal ideology. The goal is to focus on infrastructure within San Francisco. They’ve been looking for some help with their low-income housing, which is something both Jude and I are very invested in, and they’ve been looking into the agriculture space as well, which works great with us. We want to expand into spaces like your idea, revamp empty storefronts around the city and revitalize some of the rundown parts of town—without forcing out the people who already live there. The Canes understand our passion for our city, and we understand their passion for helping others. It’s a win-win. We’ve just been trying to figure out the details with our lawyers.”

Holy.

Fucking.

Shit.

I can’t help the smile that crosses my face. “Your dad is going to lose his shit.”

“Good,” Jude says. “Don’t fuck with the wrong people.”

I am a straight man with giant heart eyes for Maggie Mitchell, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t get semi hard from Jude’s protective instincts.

“We’d also bring Haisley into the cooperative,” Hudson continues, “if she’s game, of course. We’d give her more capital to continue her business and, if she wants to work with us, give Maggie the capital she needs as well.”

That makes my heart trip in my chest. “Are you fucking serious? Holy shit. Really? That would be…” I have to take a deep breath to calm myself. “I know you’re not in the business to make me happy, but fuck, man, that would make me the happiest motherfucker on earth. She’s so goddamn special. She works hard. She has built a brand with her name alone, and she just needs that extra push to get her storefront and make all her dreams come true. This would be life-changing for her.”

“We’re in the business of supporting good ideas, good people,” Jude says. “Maggie is one of them.”

“And so are you,” Hudson says.

I shake my head. “Nah, man. I don’t need you to bring me on for my idea, but if you like it, take it. I can send you the presentation, my research, everything, but I don’t need anything. I just need you to be there for my girl.”

Hudson twists his lips to the side. “You sure about that?”

I nod. “Yeah, this is about Maggie.”

“You say that as if you’re together,” Hardy says.

I shake my head. “No, she’s done with me, and I don’t blame her. She told me to leave her alone and I’m respecting her wishes. I just couldn’t stand by and watch her dreams be stolen right from under her. You should have heard her on the phone.” I wet my lips, remembering the devastation in her voice. “She was ready to throw in the towel on her business because she wasn’t about to betray Haisley. This will change everything.” I slowly nod and look the boys in the eyes. “Thank you. Thank you for meeting with me, for really listening.”

“We appreciate the honesty,” Jude says.

And knowing that there’s nothing else to discuss, I stand. “Anytime. Good look with the cooperative. No offense to your dad, but I hope you drown him.”

Hudson and Hardy smile while Jude just nods. He doesn’t have to say much—I know that’s exactly what he’s hoping for.

I shake their hands and when I’m outside the coffee shop, I pull my phone out from my pocket and send Gary a text.

Brody: She’s safe. Hudson and Hardy came too. They’re taking care of it. Don’t say anything to her, as they’ll approach her first.

I start walking down the street, a pep in my step as Gary texts me back.

Gary: She deserves you.

Brody: She deserves the goddamn world.

MAGGIE

FIVE DAYS LATER…

“Who is this new client we’re speaking to?” I ask Everly as we walk down the bustling street toward my favorite coffee shop, The Bean.

“Uh…didn’t get much information from them. Just that they’re looking to work with you and would love a chat.”

“Wow, and you didn’t ask questions?” I joke. “What if this person is a murderer?”

“That’s where your mind goes?” Everly asks.

“That’s where your mind should always go,” I say as I open the door to The Bean, the rich coffee aroma immediately putting me in my comfort zone despite the way my brain is still reeling with indecision.

I didn’t think much about this meeting because frankly, I’m not sure what I’m going to do about the whole Haisley situation. This is just something to check off the list before I go back to agonizing over my decision.

“They said they’d meet us over by the planter in the back,” Everly says. “You go first since you’re the face of this operation.” She pushes me forward and I adjust my blouse before leading the way.

“When we get there, take their order and grab us all drinks,” I say over my shoulder.

“Of course.”

We move past the barista station, to the right, through an archway, turn right—I come to a dead halt. Everly bumps into my back with an ooof.

“What’s going on?” she asks.

I feel my nerves spike. Jude, Hudson, and Hardy are all sitting at a table near the planter.

“Uh…did they mention a name?” I ask.

“What?” Everly asks, confused, just as all three men stand from the table. “Holy mother of God,” Everly whispers to me. “Is that…are those…?”

“Yup,” I say.

“Muscles,” she whispers. I can practically see the drool hanging out of her mouth.

“Pull it together,” I whisper back as Hudson steps up to us.

“Maggie, it’s good to see you.” His smile reads friendly, but this feels anything but friendly. It feels like I’m about to be ambushed.

But because I’m a professional, I say, “It’s so good to see you, Hudson, how was your trip back?”

“Eventful,” he says and then gestures to the table. “We’re your three o’clock. Why don’t you have a seat?”

“Oh, uh…sure.”

“Hi, I’m Everly,” Everly says, practically shoving me out of the way. “I’m Maggie’s assistant. She has said nothing but amazing things about you.”

“Well, the feeling is mutual,” Hudson says.

And then Everly races by me and walks straight up to Hardy. “You must be Hardy, I’m Everly. Can I just say, the almond commercials you do are so freaking funny.”

“Oh, you’ve seen those?” Hardy asks.

“Yes, every single one of them. They’re amazing.”

“Thanks.” Hardy smiles brightly at the fangirl before him. “Hear that, Hud, she likes the commercials.”

“That makes one person,” Hudson mutters as we join them at the table. To my horror, Everly takes Hudson’s chair, so she’s seated between the two of them. I’ve never seen the girl beam with so much excitement. Like a kid in a candy store, but instead of licking lollipops, she’s gearing up to lick chests…or I guess, human lollipops, if we want to be crude about it.

“And you must be Jude,” Everly says, holding out her hand. “I’m Everly. Congrats on your recent nuptials. Maggie told me all about it and I can only imagine how dreamy it was.”

Jude shakes her hand. “Thank you. Easily the best day of my life. No contest.”

And that is why Jude is so “dreamy.”

Everly places her hand on her chest in awe. “That is so sweet.” She glances around the table and realizes that no one has coffee. “Oh my goodness, what can I get everyone to drink?” She pulls out her phone and opens her notes app.

“Oh, we’re good,” Hardy says. “You don’t need to get us anything.”

“Are you sure?” I ask. I’ve realized by now this is probably not a wedding or event job, but I still want to offer. I’m truly confused. I’d thought Hudson and Hardy were nothing like their dad, but they do have that same charisma. Charm for days, perhaps ready to devour you just like their dad does. I read them so wrong. Jude’s presence is throwing me. Surely he cannot be in on this takeover. Surely, I didn’t misjudge him as well. Then again, I didn’t read Brody. My radar is way off.

“We’re sure,” Hudson says as his eyes connect with mine. “Can I assume that I’m free to talk in front of Everly?”

“Yes,” I say, even though my nerves are starting to spike.

She must see the panic in my eyes though, because she says, “I can actually give you space if you need it.”

I shake my head. “No, it’s fine.” I then look around to the boys. “Um, does this have to do with the wedding? Because if so, I don’t think I told Everly everything, and I just…if this is going to be embarrassing for me, I’d like to spare her.”

Hudson shakes his head. “This will be anything but embarrassing, and I’m sorry to bombard you like this. I’m sure your mind must be spinning. To ease any anxiety, we’re not here for anything bad. We’re actually here to apologize.”

“Apologize?” I ask, confused. “What do you need to apologize for?”

“I think we need to start with the bachelor party,” Jude says.

Hudson nods and glances over at Hardy. Hardy places his hand on the table and looks me in the eyes. “Our father got Brody drunk the night of the bachelor party, then forced him to propose his idea for the company. It was wrong place, wrong time, and completely inappropriate. Brody was not in a good head space—he was pressured, and he said something that he told us he wasn’t supposed to say.” I swallow down the lump in my throat. “He told us about one of your concepts, the pocket wedding.”

“He did?” Everly says, looking shocked. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Still processing,” I squeak out, because the mere mention of Brody’s name has my emotions rearing up. Do not cry, Maggie. Not now. Not here.

Hudson steps in and says, “Our father took that idea and pawned it off to Brody’s competitor, Deanna, who is planning on opening a wedding branch for Hopper Industries, something I know you’re aware of. Well, we wanted to apologize for taking intellectual property that wasn’t rightfully ours. We’ve spoken with our father, and it’s been struck from Deanna’s proposal.”

“Oh…really?” I ask. A huge bubble, which has been sitting on my chest, bursts, relieving me of the anxiety and anger brewing over my idea being stolen by a billion-dollar company.

“Yes, that concept is rightfully yours,” Hardy says.

“Well, thank you. I appreciate it.” I smile, feeling semi-relieved. Doesn’t solve the other problem I have though.

“Next,” Jude says, startling me with his deep voice. “We were made aware of a situation that Reginald presented to you at the reception.”

Oh God…how did they find out?

“Uh…what situation?” I ask, wanting to play it cool.

“Reginald asking you to convince Haisley to bring her business under the Hopper Industries umbrella,” Jude replies.

Okay, so yeah, they know.

“I want you to know, I wasn’t going to do that to her. I would never do that. I know how important it is for her to make her own name, so please don’t think for a second that—”

“We didn’t,” Jude says.

“We want to apologize for our father’s behavior,” Hardy says. “We want you to know that we don’t agree with what he asked you to do, nor do we agree with his threats.”

“In fact, we’ve recently had a conversation and have told him we’re parting ways,” Hudson says.

“Wait…what?” I ask as Everly’s mouth falls open.

“We’ve started a new venture,” Hudson says. “It’s called the Cane-Hopper Cooperative.”

“Cane-Hopper as in…you and the Cane brothers?”

Hudson nods. “Precisely. Jude here is also a partner.”

“But not a heavy lifter like the others,” Jude says.

“And we’ve taken a different approach to business. We value smart ideas, hard workers, and projects that help the community. We’ve brought the almond side of Hopper Industries under our umbrella and are focusing on sustainable farming and agriculture while also supporting the farmers around us—a cooperative effort, if you will. Haisley is bringing her side of the business into the cooperative as well, providing her themed vacation rentals, while also developing properties for families that are in need. Like families that might have a loved one in the hospital, and they require a long-term stay without breaking the bank.”

“Wow,” I say. “That’s…that’s amazing.”

“As for the Cane brothers, they’re already working on low-income housing here in the city but the process is overwhelming, which is where Jude comes in. He’ll be overseeing all construction.”

“That’s incredible,” I say. “Congratulations.”

But…why are they telling me this? Sure, it’s amazing, but I don’t see how this pertains to me in the slightest.

“We also want to help uplift small businesses,” Hudson says. “Which is where you come in.”

“Wh-what?” I ask.

Hudson smiles softly. “We admire your work ethic, Maggie. We admire your honesty and your integrity. We think you do beautiful work, and we know you want to open a storefront. If you’ll allow us, we want to help you with some of the capital to do that. Our lawyers can connect with you and get down to the specifics of the deal, but we won’t be taking anything from you, just endorsing you. Of course, we’d love to see your business partner with Haisley’s, but we very much believe in you and what you can accomplish regardless. Not to mention, the Cane-Hopper Cooperative will be hosting many charity events and we’ll need an event planner to help us out with those.”

“You’re…you’re serious?” I ask, feeling a tidal wave of emotions hit me all at once. “You want to invest in my business?”

“We do,” Hudson says.

“I…I can’t believe this.” I shake my head, stunned. This is not what I was expecting when I was coming into this meeting. I look up at them, my thoughts racing. “I thought…” Tears well in my eyes. “Oh my God, I thought I was going to have to say goodbye to my business. I didn’t want to tell Haisley anything about your dad’s demands—I wanted to protect her relationship with him—I knew I wasn’t going to be able to compete with him. I was truly trying to find a way to shut down without being heartbroken.” Tears start to streak down my cheeks, and I wipe them away. “You’re giving me a new life.” Everly places her hand on my shoulder, and I feel such solidarity in the action. God, she’s taking this well.

Hudson smiles. “We’re just investing in smart businesses. You are a smart investment.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes, my God!” Everly shouts, making us all laugh. “We have so much to offer. The storefront, the pocket weddings, and my pet project—the new division of bridesmaid for hire and assist our brides. We need the help and we need the capital. Say yes!”

I chuckle at Everly’s insistency. “I mean, of course, yes. I would be honored. Thank you so much.”

“You’re more than welcome,” Hardy says.

“Wow,” I whisper, completely floored.

“You know…we offered to pick up another business,” Jude says. “One that we’re actually very passionate about, but we can’t seem to make the sell on it.”

“Who wouldn’t want to work with you?” I ask.

“I don’t think it’s about working with us. They gave over the idea, they just…they don’t seem to be interested in anything else…but you.”

I feel my skin prickle as my eyes lock with Jude’s.

“We spoke with Brody,” Hardy says. “He contacted Jude, asking to talk to him. He found out about what our dad did to you. We had no idea. We sat at this very table with Brody, and he told us all about how he fucked up with the pocket wedding concept, and that he had no idea until his coworker told him. He begged us to not do it, claiming your ownership. Then he asked us for help, to try to convince our dad not to take advantage of you and Haisley.”

My mouth goes dry as my heart hammers so loudly in my chest that I can barely hear them.

“He did?” I gulp.

“He did,” Hudson says. “He’s the reason we’re here. He didn’t need to convince us of your talent, but he sure as hell helped us pull the trigger on making a smart move. And when we said we wanted to invest in his boutique idea, he just shook his head and said no, focus on Maggie. She deserves the world. Make her dreams come true.”

Cue more tears.

“He loves you, Maggie,” Jude says, pulling my attention. All I see is a burly blur through my tears. “What he said at the bachelor party…that wasn’t him, that wasn’t the man you know and love. That was a scared version of a drunk man who was grasping on to anything to keep his job. And in the end, he lost it anyway. He’s been through the wringer, and the only thing he cares about…is you. He cares about your happiness, your success. To me, that’s a man you keep around.”

I swipe at my tears. “I miss him,” I whisper.

“Good,” Hardy replies. “He misses you, and I can’t freaking sit by and look at that man’s dejected face one more time. Christ. It was devastating.”

“It was,” Hudson adds. “This is your life, but I don’t think you’ll be happy until you make this right, Maggie—until you forgive him.”

“I haven’t even met him yet, and I know you need to forgive him,” Everly says. “Listen to these guys—they know what they’re talking about.”

Hardy points at Everly. “She’s a good assistant.”

Once again, Everly clutches her heart. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

Jude nudges me with his foot, grabbing my attention. “It takes a big man to admit when he’s wrong. It takes an even bigger man to recognize what he had and what he lost. Brody has done both. If you still have an inkling of feelings left for him, go after him. You both deserve that happiness.”

I smile softly and bring my phone to the table. “You’re right.”

“Ooh, she’s going to text him,” Hardy says.

“No, I have an even better plan,” I say.

Maggie: Brother, I’m going to need your help.

BRODY

Gary opens his front door and smiles brightly. “There’s my big man.” He clutches my shoulders and looks me in the eyes. “How are we feeling?”

“Worn out,” I say. “This dog walking thing is no joke.”

“I told you to stop doing that.” He lets me in the house, and I follow him up the stairs to the main living space.

“The money is good, though nothing goes far here. I need to do something until I figure out what career path I want to go down.”

“Did you hear from Jaleesa?” he asks.

“I did. She put in her notice when she found out that Reginald had no plans of making things better. She was leaving anyway. She said she might need a virtual assistant for her online marketing business, but hell, I don’t think that’s something I want to do. At least with the dog walking, I get exercise.”

“Well, thanks for showering before you came over.”

“Not sure Patricia would let me in the house if I didn’t.” I lean forward. “By the way, is she okay with me being here? I know she was on a little bit of a Brody hiatus.”

“She was fine with it,” Gary says.

“You sure?” He just nods as he leads me into the kitchen. “Have you, uh, heard anything from Maggie?”

“I have, actually.”

“Really?” I ask when he opens the fridge and hands me a beer. “Did she say anything about me?”

Pathetic, I know, but a guy has to try.

“No, but she did talk with Hudson and Hardy, and they offered her the capital for her business. She said yes. Her lawyer is looking through the contract now.”

“Holy shit, that’s amazing,” I say as I lean against the counter, almost weak with relief. “I’m happy for her.”

Gary studies me for a second. “I can tell. You’re happy for her.”

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because she’s not talking to you.”

I shrug. “That was my own damn fault. Have to suffer the consequences.”

“That’s it? You’re not going to fight for her?” Gary asks.

“Dude, I broke her trust. I did something so unforgivable, and there’s no coming back from that. If I had a chance, yeah, I’d fight for her, but she told me to leave her alone. And I’m going to respect that.”

“What if she said you could talk to her?”

My beer freezes halfway to my mouth as I stop and look at him. “Did she say that? You said she didn’t mention me, but did you get the feeling that she wanted to mention me? Did she seem like she wanted to see me?”

“You know, why don’t we take this conversation out to the deck,” Gary says.

“Why, is it going to be a long one?” I follow him through the dining room, to the sliding glass door. He pulls back the curtain and the door at the same time, revealing the back patio lit by candles. I pause and look at him. “Uh, dude, is Patricia planning something for you?”

“It’s for you,” Gary says.

I nervously laugh. “I love you, man, but I think this might be a bit much.”

“Jesus Christ,” he says just as a figure appears in front of the door.

It takes me a second, but when I realize it’s Maggie standing before me, I feel my heart sink all the way to the floor because, motherfucker, look at her.

She’s wearing a flowing green dress, and her hair tied up into a high ponytail, showing off her slender neck. Her lashes are coated in mascara, making her beautiful eyes pop, and her lips are glossy, begging me to kiss them. And to my surprise, she has a smile on her beautiful face.

“M-Maggie,” I say, stunned.

She holds her hand out to me and my entire body shakes as I let her take it. She pulls me out onto the deck, and Gary slides the door and curtain shut, offering us some privacy.

“What, uh…what are you doing here?” I ask.

Her hand falls to my chest and her head tilts as she looks up at me. “Your beard is long.”

“I forgot how to be a human and take care of myself.”

She chuckles. “Well, you smell nice.”

“I didn’t want to smell like a dog. Patricia doesn’t like it when I smell like a dog.”

Her smile grows even wider. “Well, thank goodness for Patricia.” Her fingers smooth over my chest and I swear on my life it feels like I’m having a heart attack. I never thought I’d see Maggie again, let alone have her touching me like this.

“Maggie.” I swallow. “I’m sorry,” I say before she can even start with whatever she has to say. “I fucked up, and I’m sorry. You deserve so much better than a man who throws around your ideas and offers them to other people. That was fucked up and I’m so, so sorry.”

“I know,” she says, rubbing my chest, her hand passing right over my heart. It’s beating so fast that I’m embarrassed she might be able to feel it.

“You know?” I ask.

She nods. “I know that you’re sorry and I’m sorry that I didn’t give you a chance to explain yourself.”

“Explain myself about what?” I ask. “I fucked up. There’s no explaining. There’s no excuse.”

She keeps rubbing my chest, her eyes softening. “You were drunk, Brody. You were pressured. I know everything that happened that night. Instead of jumping to conclusions, I should have asked, I should have talked to you. I didn’t give you that chance.”

“Would it have changed anything?” I ask.

“Maybe,” she says.

I slowly nod. “Well, either way, I messed up and I can’t put you at fault for the way you reacted. It was an honest and deserved reaction.”

“It wasn’t fair,” she says. “And it wasn’t right. And it’s made me miserable.” She moves in closer, now pressing both of her hands to my chest. I take a chance and rest my hands on her hips, expecting her to tell me to move away, but when she doesn’t, I feel the small victory. “I miss you, Brody. I miss laughing with you. I miss waking up next to you. I miss holding your hand. I miss having your arms wrapped around me, and I miss our conversations. I’ve felt so…lackluster since I left Bora-Bora. Nothing feels right, everything is out of sorts, and yesterday was the first time I actually felt like something was being put back into place.”

Fuck…she missed me.

Don’t cry, man, don’t fucking cry.

“What, uh, what was yesterday?”

“Hardy, Hudson, and Jude approached me. They told me all about this man who stepped up, who told them how amazing I was, how I deserved the world. And when they said it was you, it felt like a piece of my unfinished puzzle was put back into place. I realized that the reason I was so upset about how everything went down is because I finally had you…but then lost you. I got a brief taste and then it was taken away. I craved you, Brody, every last part of you. And I’m here, telling you that I want it back. I want you back. I want us back.”

“Fuck, really?” I ask, my hands now shaking against her hips.

“Yes.” She smiles brightly up at me. “Would you want that?”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I ask before I pick her up and spin her around. “Maggie, yes, I want this. I want you. I want us. I’ve been so goddamn miserable thinking that I lost one of the best things to happen to me.” I cup the back of her head. “I didn’t think this was a possibility.”

“It very much is,” she says before lifting up on her toes and pressing her lips to mine.

I fucking sink into the kiss.

Melt into her arms.

Relish in the fact that my girl, Maggie, wants me back.

Her lips part, and mine part with hers as my fingers sift through her hair. I sink into this moment, savoring what I’ve lost and found again. This love. This woman. This bond that we seem to have, that we hid and denied for so long.

I pull away just enough to rub my thumb over her cheek. “This is real, right? I’m not dreaming?”

“This is real,” she says quietly.

“You’re mine?”

“I’m yours.”

“Is Gary watching?”

She chuckles and looks past my shoulder. “He’s peeking through the curtain, crying.”

“Perfect,” I say as I bring her lips to mine and then put on a show, because if I’m going to date my best friend’s sister, then I’m going to fucking do it right.