“Someday, you’ll pay for this,” Cole mumbled.
“By the way, she brought a few surprises for you.” Mariah’s laughter trailed behind her as she flounced down the hall toward Finn’s suite.
Steph and Laurie chatted with Cole’s sister while the makeup artist put the finishing touches on Brooke’s face.
“Now, don’t touch your face!” the woman warned. “And don’t cry or talk or laugh too much. Absolutely no eating until after the ceremony.”
“That’s not true, Brooke.” Laurie must’ve overheard, because she corrected the woman. “You’re allowed to eat those saltines if you need them. Better to mess up your makeup than throw up on your dress.”
Brooke stood as the tailor slid the silky white dress over her shoulders and zipped her into it, pronouncing the fit “perfect.”
If perfect means it’s so tight you can’t breathe.
“So you’re the woman who finally got my brother to the altar.”
Mariah approached as the other women gathered their supplies and slipped away. The tall redhead was intimidating—her sleeveless blue dress exposing the sinuous muscles in her arms and shoulders. She could probably bench-press a hundred pounds with Brooke sitting on the bar.
“This whole marriage thing was Cole’s idea.” Brooke shifted, trying to relieve the pressure on her aching feet. She didn’t dare sit down for fear she would rip her gown. “I promise, I’m not trying to take advantage of your brother.”
“I’m sure you’re not.”
Mariah’s tone was hard to read. Was she against the marriage? Did she think Brooke would go after her brother’s money?
“I didn’t want to spend a lot on the wedding, either.”
“That’s the truth,” said Laurie, who was relaxing on the couch beside Steph, the delicious-looking glass of water in her hand emphasizing the desert in Brooke’s mouth. “Steph and I had to twist her arm to get her to buy a wedding dress.”
“Don’t worry. I believe you.” Mariah arched an eyebrow.
“I just don’t want you to be angry with me.”
Her expression softened. “I’m not angry with you, Brooke. But I can’t say the same for my irresponsible brother. In fact, I want to warn you what you’re up against.”
“Like what?”
“Like the fact that he’s nerdy. Plus, he’s lived alone so long he doesn’t know how to think about anyone else.”
“Well, I’m pretty self-sufficient, so I’m not worried.”
“I can attest he’s self-centered and hard to live with.”
“Maybe you don’t know him as well as you think you do. He may be a little arrogant, but he’s not selfish.”
“You don’t say.” Mariah’s arms folded and Brooke knew her words were falling on deaf ears. It broke her heart that Cole’s sibling wasn’t supportive. Harper had her faults, but she was always ready to back up Brooke’s decisions, whether or not she approved. She’d been an absolute rock during the breakup with Nathan. Cole needed that kind of loyalty.
“As a matter of fact, Cole’s extremely considerate.” Brooke jutted her jaw forward. “He’s gone grocery shopping for me and cooked dinner. He picked flowers for me. He even ran me a bubble-bath.”
“I’ll bet he did,” Mariah chuckled. “No offense, but a man will show you his best side to get what he wants. I’m glad you made him work for it.”
Brooke sputtered as heat raced from her collarbone to the roots of her hair.
Steph came to the rescue. “I’m guessing your brother didn’t mention he and Brooke aren’t sleeping together—before or after the wedding.”
“Not even after the wedding?” Mariah’s mouth dropped open. “Why not?”
“Because it’s not that kind of relationship.” Brooke grappled for her composure, blood throbbing in her face almost as intensely as in her swollen feet. “And Cole’s not that kind of guy.”
Mariah’s lip twitched then curved into a mischievous grin. “What kind of guy is he, then?”
“He’s the kind of guy who gives a ton of money to help kids with disabilities. And he’s willing to ruin his own reputation to protect someone else’s. He’s tough enough to stand up to a bully, but sweet enough to massage a pregnant girl’s feet.”
“Well, well, well…” Mariah stroked an invisible beard on her chin. “That’s very interesting. Seems I have a lot to learn about my brother.”
“I’m glad you’re finally seeing it.” Brooke reached for a cracker and nibbled on the corner. “I hope this means you’ll be there for him when he needs it.”
“I have a feeling that job isn’t likely to fall to me.”
Mariah looked over her shoulder toward the couch. Steph grinned back at her and Laurie thrust a thumbs-up. Obviously, Mariah was counting on Bran, Finn and Jarrett to give Cole any encouragement he needed, rather than accept her responsibility. How would he ever learn to trust women if his own sister wouldn’t stand by his side?
Steph stood up, glancing at her watch. “It’s time to head downstairs.”
Brooke’s tongue grew thick and heavy. “Now?” she rasped.
“Didn’t you say your family was going to meet us at the chapel?”
“Yes, but…” A glance at her cell phone revealed the time as seven o’clock, on the dot. Her sister and parents were due to arrive any minute. “Hopefully, I’ll feel more courageous once Harper gets here.”
