Fast? Hell yes.
Scary? A bit, especially when I got my first real look at her closet and realized that if we were ever to get a place together we’d have to dedicate an entire room to her wardrobe. The shoes could possibly require a small addition.
But we made sure to communicate openly with each other, and her therapist was helping her work through things and focus on her strengths. Her mantra was to take things one day at a time and I was totally on board with that.
And that kernel of an idea my mom had had about doing some catering had actually turned into a great little side business for the two of them. They were only doing small events, but word was getting out and I was sure the wedding reception today would result in new business.
Fiona hadn’t wanted to do the reception at first because she wanted to be able to focus all her attention on Laney. But when Nate and Laney decided to just do hors d’oeuvres and drinks and save their money for a kick-ass honeymoon, Fiona had finally relented.
The business was doing wonders for her self-confidence, and she and my mom worked together like a dream. My mom never let Fiona freak out about forgetting things or losing track of her thoughts, and she was always the one in charge of any waitstaff and set-up. That allowed Fiona to delve into her favorite parts of the business, which included creating menus, cooking, and schmoozing with clients. It was a wonderful partnership, and I was relatively certain they could turn this into a full-time business and hire a manager if they wanted to. We’d just have to wait and see—one day at a time.
I made my way up the center aisle of the church, which was about half-full, and sought out Nate, hoping to find him still upright. He was exactly where I’d left him, standing with Gavin in the sacristy just off the altar. Gavin tucked a flask into the inside pocket of his tux jacket as I walked in, and Nate was looking a bit calmer but still kind of pale.
“Well, man, everything’s under control. The moms, Bailey, and Fiona are with Laney; Rocco and Laney’s dad are waiting to walk her down the aisle; and your dad is gonna walk the moms down in just a few. All you’ve got to do is hang in there a few more minutes, say your ‘I do’s, and we can all go have a drink.” I had no idea how I’d gotten so involved in my friends’ wedding, but there are certainly worse things than standing up with a good friend when he gets hitched to the right girl.
Nate took a breath. “Okay, I can do this.”
“Did you remember to break the news to Fiona about the reception speech?” Gavin asked.
Shit.
“Shit. I forgot,” I said and then gestured for him to bring the flask back out so I could partake.
I knew I’d forgotten something.
You see, back at the engagement party, Fiona had insisted on giving a little toast to the crowd where she had, in her traditional style, said something that really struck a chord. I believe the exact phrase that had sent the crowd sniggering was, “To Laney and Nate, as they enter into this union, may they only have happy endings.” While it had certainly been a memorable toast, it was not one that Laney and Nate wanted repeated at their wedding reception. As the boyfriend, I had been tasked with breaking it to Fiona that there would only be Gavin’s Best Man speech this evening, although I wasn’t sure how that could possibly turn out much better. Their wedding, their rules, though.
“I’ll catch her afterward and tell her.”
Just then, the priest walked in and I quickly hid the flask behind my back.
He just laughed. “Son, you think Jesus didn’t drink?” Then he turned to Nate. “You ready?”
Nate nodded once and then stiffly exited the small room to go meet his bride.
“I still don’t understand why I’m not giving a speech. The food is all set and the servers and assistants have things covered. I’m just here to party,” Fiona said, giving a little shimmy.
I pulled her to me and wrapped her up in my arms so I could feel her against me. “Then party away, Shortcake,” I said into her ear before giving the lobe a little nip. She shivered and I smiled.
The small band Laney hired had just begun their first set, so I swayed with Fiona a little as we stood beside the dance floor. The newlyweds were about to have their first dance and I intended to spend the rest of the evening with my girl in my arms, both here and upstairs in the hotel room I’d booked for the night.
Nate and Laney had chosen to dance to “The One” by Kodaline, and as the song started even I had to admit they looked pretty damn perfect dancing out there with eyes only for each other. That was, until Rocco decided to join in. Nate bent down and easily hoisted him up to join in the dance.
“Awww,” Fiona said into my shoulder and I could swear I heard her sniffle. Apart from Laney and Nate, I don’t think there was a happier person in the room than my Shortcake. That’s just who she is.
When the song was over and everyone clapped uproariously, the band’s lead singer invited everyone to join the couple on the dance floor and enjoy the music. Fiona and Laney performed a shockingly sexy dance that had me almost sweeping Fiona away to our room that minute. I managed to resist, but I made sure every man in the room knew she was spoken for. I was less than subtle in my claim and caused Fiona to smack my chest at one point and call me a caveman.
I was just about to suggest we take a break and get another drink when the lead singer addressed the crowd again. “This one is a special request for Mark, one of tonight’s groomsmen. Enjoy.” I pulled my head back in confusion and then looked down at Fiona, sure she had to be the one behind this. But she looked just as clueless as I was.
Then the first chords of a song I knew better than any other in the world rang out over the room. I swiveled my head in search of the culprit and, sure enough, Bailey stood leaning into a high table across the room. She was wearing a strapless dress identical to Fiona’s, and I had to admit the girl cleaned up good. When I caught her eye, she smiled her smartass smile and lifted her drink to me in a silent toast. I laughed out loud and ushered a confused Fiona back onto the floor where we proceeded to dance to “Kiss Me Slowly.”
Fiona burrowed into me and then, partway through the song, she drew back and looked up at me, her eyes alight. “I live on the fourteenth floor! That’s got to mean something!”
I smiled and said, “Yeah, I think it does.”
The song was just winding down when I heard Nate’s voice come from my right. “What in the hell does he think he’s doing?”
I turned in his direction and Fiona and I moved closer. “Who?”
“Your asshole brother,” he said, gesturing to the other side of the room with his chin.
I’m allowed to call Jake all sorts of filthy names because he’s my brother and he usually deserves it, but I was taken aback by the uncharacteristic acid in Nate’s tone. That was, until I looked over and saw that my brother was indeed the asshole who happened to be kissing Bailey in the corner of the room, his hand halfway up her thigh.
Fuck!
Laney and Fiona both gasped and then for some reason known only to the female population of this planet, they both sighed and said, “Aww.”
“This shit is not happening,” Nate spat out and started to remove his jacket.
“Whoa there, Mayweather, I got this. Stick with your bride and go cut some cake or something.” I eyed both women and they ushered his ass away.
By the time I got across the room, the slutty little slutbags were nowhere to be seen. I made a token effort to search the adjoining hallway and the men’s room (I wouldn’t put much past Jake) but came up empty.
Back in the reception hall, I found the rest of the wedding party gathered together watching Rocco show off some hilarious dance moves.
“He totally gets that from me,” Laney said, and I actually think she was being serious.
I put a hand on Nate’s shoulder and gave him a thumbs-up when he turned to me. No use spoiling his big night. Bailey and Jake were both adults and nothing I could say would have made a difference anyway.
Rocc
o finished his performance by giving a little bow to hoots and cheers from his family, and then Gavin spoke up.
“Well, I guess it’s about that time,” he said and then walked toward the band to take the mic and start his Best Man speech. We all turned our attention to him and he ran a nervous hand through his messy brown hair.
“Um, hi everybody. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Gavin, Laney’s brother. I wanted to say a few words to the happy couple.” He gestured in our general direction and someone in the crowd hooted.
“Nate, I’ve never had a brother but I’m proud to call you one now. You make my big sis and the little dude happy, and that’s what counts in my book.”
Laney and Fiona both awwed again.
“Laney, you’ve been a great sister and a better friend than I probably deserve, and I’m really happy for you that you found the right guy to make your family complete.”
Nate looked at his shoes and Laney tucked her arm around his waist while she beamed at her brother.
“Now, I was going to end my speech there, but I think something else needs to be said, so everyone please raise your glasses for a toast.” We all obeyed and Gavin smiled. “To Laney and Nate, as they enter into this union, may they only have happy endings!”
Fiona squealed and fist pumped the air.
Laney buried her face in Nate’s shoulder.
Nate dropped his head in defeat.
And I threw my head back and laughed my fucking ass off.
~THE END ~
Continue the series with The Lucky One, Bailey and Jake’s story. Now Available! Read on for an excerpt.
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Get a glance into the inner workings of Sylvie’s brain as she gets real about The Spark in Sylvie Says (after the excerpt).
About the Author
Award-winning author Sylvie Stewart is addicted to Romantic Comedy and Contemporary Romance, and she’s not looking for a cure. She hails from the great state of North Carolina, so it’s no surprise that most of her books are set in the Tar Heel state. She’s a wife to a hilarious dude, and mommy to nine-year-old twin boys who tend to take after their father in every way. Sylvie often wonders if they’re actually hers, but then she remembers being a human incubator for a gazillion months. Ah, good times.
Sylvie began publishing when her kids started elementary school, and she loves sharing her stories with readers and hopefully making them laugh and swoon a bit along the way. If she’s not in her comfy green writing chair, she’s probably camping or kayaking with her family or having a glass of wine while binge-watching Hulu. Or she’s been kidnapped—so what are you doing just sitting there?!!
**Winner of the 2017 National Indie Excellence Award for Romantic Comedy
**Winner of the 2017 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal for Romantic Comedy
Thank you so much for reading The Spark – I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it! If you did, a review on your favorite book site is always appreciated!
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Author’s Note
I would like to apologize to the great state of New Jersey. It’s not me, it’s Fiona. I swear.
Also, if you’re wondering what makes Mark smell so good, it’s Hudson Made Worker’s Soap. Makes hard-working men smell yummy!
Excerpt from The Lucky One
Carolina Connections Book 3
Chapter One: Hello, My Name Is Satan
BAILEY
“I swear his eyes are following me.”
“It is a little creepy, I’m not gonna lie,” said Mark, glancing over my shoulder.
A shiver ran down my spine and the hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention.
Mark took in my expression—which I’m sure was one of intense revulsion—and laughed right in my face, his straight white teeth not even attempting to bite his tongue. This was entirely unsurprising.
Mark’s day is not complete unless he has tortured me in some way. He’s the twin brother I never had and certainly never wanted. I already have an older brother, but Mark somehow worked his way into my life and I can’t seem to get rid of him and his ridiculously bulky bod no matter how hard I try.
Still smiling at my pain, Mark shook his head and asked, “If he freaks you out so much, why the hell did you say yes?”
I glared at him, hands on my hips. “What in the hell was I supposed to do?! There were tears! Wet, sloppy tears!”
This did nothing to tame his smile. “You are such a fucking pushover,” he whispered in my ear before skirting around me and approaching the creepy son-of-a-bitch.
“Ha!” I declared as I turned around, completely forgetting to keep my gaze averted. “Shows how much you know. I talked the kid down from a puppy!” I was actually quite proud of myself, despite my lack of forethought.
Turns out I can’t stand lizards. Who knew? But the joyous expression on my nephew’s face and the complete cessation of all waterworks was my prize to revel in.
Totally worth it.
I’m sure I broke every babysitting rule in the book, but desperate times call for desperate measures. It looked like my brother and his new wife just got themselves a pet gecko.
Whoops.
“Okay, little man. Everything is all set up,” Mark said to a nearly-vibrating Rocco. “The light will keep him nice and warm, he’s got a good place to hide in that log, and your Aunt Bailey will show you how to feed him the crickets.” Mark’s smile turned evil as his eyes found me again.
What in God’s name had I been thinking? To be fair, I had assumed these crickets would be dead when the twelve-year-old sales associate had pushed his glasses up on his nose and mentioned we’d need to stock up. By the time I realized we would instead be bringing home a plastic container teeming with live insects, it was too late. Rocco, my adorable nephew, had fallen in love.
“Fist bump,” Mark requested of Rocco, whose attention was completely captured by his new pet. Rocco extended his little fist without letting his eyes stray from the tank. “Thanks, Mark.”
“Sure thing,” Mark replied, ruffling the kid’s dark hair. Then to me, “I gotta get back to Fiona.”
“Is she feeling any better?” I asked, leaning against Rocco’s dresser.
“Eh, hard to say.”
Mark looked slightly distressed at the thought, and I marveled for the umpteenth time at the transformation my once-slutty friend had undergone since meeting his girlfriend, Fiona. Gone was the arrogant manwhore and in his place was an arrogant, pussy-whipped little douchebag. Ah, it warms the heart.
“I picked up an antibiotic for her, so hopefully that will start working soon,” he said as he gathered his things.
I felt a sympathy pain in my throat just thinking about Fiona and her bout of strep throat. I cursed the damn virus for forcing me to step in and babysit Rocco while my brother, Nate, and his new wife, Laney, were off on their honeymoon. The same
virus that, today, revealed just how ill-equipped I was to care for a child without becoming the biggest sucker known to man. “Well, tell her I hope she feels better and not to worry about Rocco—I got this.”
Mark stopped in his tracks on his way to the door. He cocked his head, his eyebrows arching and his mouth sporting that damn smirk I wanted to knock off his stupid face. “Oh, I can see that.”
I flipped him off, confident that Rocco’s attention was elsewhere.
Mark’s smug cackle echoed in the hallway outside Rocco’s bedroom. “I’ll let myself out!”
“You do that, Buffy!” Asshole.
Damn. It was just me and the kid again.
It’s not that I don’t like kids—I love my new nephew. I’m just not all that comfortable around tiny humans. I think I’m always waiting for them to judge me and find me inadequate somehow.
I’m the youngest of two kids, and I was never the babysitting type. My teen years had been spent sketching, reading, and plotting to get Nate in trouble whenever possible. And I’m a total daddy’s girl, so I never pursued anything Riordan Murphy would consider “girly,” much to my mom’s disappointment. Babysitting, makeup lessons, and trips to the mall were eschewed in favor of hanging out at building sites with my dad and rocking out to heavy metal while painting and drawing. And, although my taste in music evolved as I reached adulthood, the rest pretty much stayed the same.
Everything I knew about taking care of a child consisted of lessons learned through trial and error over the last twenty-four hours.
The Spark (Carolina Connections Book 2) Page 27