Wrong Brother, Right Match (Anyone but You #3)

by Jennifer Shirk

  Kennedy backed out of Trent’s arms and slid her glasses back up her nose. “No, no. I definitely don’t want to go out. Come on in.”

  Maddie took off her coat then handed her a wrapped package. “Here. This is for you.”

  “What’s this?” she asked, inspecting the outside of the box. “I thought we already exchanged Christmas gifts.”

  Trent shrugged. “It’s not from us. It was sitting outside your door when we got here.”

  “Really?” She glanced at the card.

  Kennedy: I thought you could use the reminder. M-

  Matt. She hesitated briefly then tore open the wrapping. Inside there was a simple blue T-shirt, with a message on the front that read: The only certainties of life are 1) that it’s not perfect and 2) that it’s messy.

  Maddie frowned at the shirt. “Interesting gift.”

  “Yeah.” Kennedy sniffed and folded it back into its box. “Private joke.”

  “Is it from Matt?”

  Not trusting her voice, Kennedy nodded.

  “I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you,” Maddie said.

  “I’m not,” Trent added. “I never thought Justin was right for you.”

  Kennedy drew back and tilted her head. “Yeah. You mentioned that. Why did you feel that way?”

  “Men’s intuition.” When Maddie rolled her eyes, he shrugged. “What? You women think you’ve cornered the market in that area? Plus, you and Justin were way too similar. Too perfect. He seemed more like a brother to you than a potential husband. I think you need friendship, but there has to be a spark, too.”

  Maddie gaped at her future husband. “You, Montgomery, are turning into an old softy.” Her lips grew into a mischievous smile. “And I like it.”

  Her cousin grabbed Maddie’s hand and pulled her onto his lap. “Well, if you like that, I’d be happy to go over a few more of my relationship theories tonight,” he said, burying his face in her neck, causing Maddie to giggle.

  Kennedy waved in front of them. “Uh, hello? Can you guys give it a break for a few hours and not advertise how happy you are? Because I have to be honest, it’s not really helping.”

  Maddie’s cheeks colored as she slid off Trent’s lap. “Sorry.”

  Kennedy sighed. “Don’t be. If anything, you’ve solidified my breakup with Justin. There wasn’t much of a spark.” Not like she had with Matt, anyway.

  As if picking up on her thoughts, Maddie asked, “Have you heard from Matt?”

  Kennedy pointed at the gift. “Only through this. Not that I really expected to hear from him anyway. I broke his brother’s heart, I probably caused his mom to have another stroke, and I’m sure his sister is using the sweater I bought her for Christmas as guinea pig bedding. He could only hate me as well,” she said miserably.

  Maddie laid a hand on her shoulder. “If that was true, he would have never left you that Christmas gift.”

  “He probably couldn’t return it,” she murmured.

  “So what are you going to do about this guy?” Trent asked.

  Her eyes widened. “Seriously? I came in like a wrecking ball to his family. What do you expect me to do? Send an oops-my-bad candygram?”

  Trent’s lips tightened. “How about picking up the phone and calling him?”

  “No. He made it perfectly clear how he felt when he rushed off before the press conference was over. I hurt him, too. Just like his ex fiancée did.”

  Maddie sighed. “So what’s next?”

  Kennedy gazed at them both through watery eyes. “I guess we just sit back and ring in the New Year.”

  …

  Matt poured a small sampling of recently bottled cabernet and swirled his glass to open the wine up a bit. After breathing in deep to catch the dark cherry and coffee notes of the wine, he tasted it.

  Good. But not great.

  Although truth be told, since he’d last seen Kennedy over two weeks ago, he hadn’t tasted a single wine that bordered great. Maybe it was him. He was losing the sensitivity of his taste buds. Or he just plain couldn’t concentrate. He looked down at the wine journal Kennedy had gotten him for Christmas and snapped it closed. How the hell could he concentrate on anything when he had that reminder of her in front of his face?

  He thought of her often. Even read a favorable write-up about her company in the newspaper last week, despite the unique press conference she had given. It seemed as if her honesty about the software she’d created had only enhanced her reputation in the city. That was probably keeping her busy.

  And here he was, a man who could barely remember to brush his hair let alone taste any of his wines. Some businessman he was.

  “Matt,” his mom called from the top of the stairs, “are you down there?”

  He glanced up. “Yeah, just doing some sampling.” If you could call it that.

  His mom carefully made her way down to the cellar. “Justin is looking for you,” she said mildly.

  “He’s here?”

  “Yes, catching up with Jim right now. He got a promotion at work, so he’s taking a few days of earned time off.”

  “I’m happy for him. At least he got one thing he wanted.”

  She eased herself into the chair next to him. “Pour me a taste, please,” she said.

  He did as he was asked and slid the wine glass toward her. She swirled the contents a few times then held the glass up to her nose just as he’d done. “Wow, this is delicious, dear,” she said with an enthusiastic smile. “Dad would be so proud. Your best to date.”

  He frowned at the bottle. “Is it?”

  His mom sighed as she set her glass down on the table. “Matthew, you have been in a complete funk since New Year’s. I told you that I’d always have an ear for anything you wanted to talk about. So tell me what’s going on with you.”

  “Nothing’s going on with me. Shouldn’t you really be asking Justin this? He was the one who just broke off his engagement.”

  “Yes, and I have spoken to him. He seems to be handling the breakup with Kennedy better than you have. Better than any of us, actually.”

  “Yeah, well, I told you from the beginning she didn’t belong with him.”

  “Who does she belong with, then?”

  He looked up and met her knowing gaze. “Did Justin tell you?”

  She shook her head. “He didn’t have to. Honey, I’m your mother. Plus, I hate to tell you but you don’t have the poker face you may think you have. In fact, you look awful. Like a man who’s had a woman on his mind these past few weeks.”

  He brushed a hand through his hair and blew out a deep breath. “Yeah, I’m sorry, Mom.”

  She chuckled. “Sorry for what?”

  “Hell, I don’t know. For letting you and Justin down.”

  “Language,” she said gently. “People can’t control their feelings, just their actions. And as far as I know, you didn’t do anything. You’re a good son and a good brother. You’ve always taken us into consideration before yourself, like giving up your dreams when Dad passed, staying here and looking after me and Caitlyn, and even now with Justin. If anything, we should be apologizing to you.”

  “What on earth for?”

  “For relying on you too much, not allowing you to live the way you want. I even saw how Justin depended on you to take care of Kennedy while he was away.”

  “It’s okay. You know I would do anything for you guys. Besides, I love living here and running the winery.”

  She regarded him with a sympathetic half smile. “I know you do. Now. But I also know that most of the decisions you’ve made in life have been centered around what others have wanted. What do you want, Matthew?”

  Matt remembered Kennedy asking him that very question not too long ago. He knew the answer then, but could never voice it. Because he wanted something—someone—who belonged to someone else.

  “I don’t want anything, Mom. Everything worked out for the best. Even for Kennedy.”

  She gazed into his eyes, a sadness lingeri
ng in their blue depths. “Did it work out for the best?”

  He was saved from answering when he saw his brother come down the stairs.

  “Hey,” Justin said, tipping his chin up as he approached.

  “Hey.” Matt stood, extended his hand to his brother, feeling more than a dizzying amount of relief when Justin shook it. He hadn’t spoken to his brother since Justin had punched him in the jaw and was afraid he still hadn’t forgiven him.

  His mom cleared her throat. “Well, I should let you two talk. I need to go check in on that new girl in the tasting room. I think she’s been eating more of the cheese and crackers than the customers.” She kissed both her sons, then with one last concerned glance toward Matt, she went upstairs.

  Justin pointed at the wine. “I could use a glass of whatever that is.”

  Matt obliged and poured him a glass. “It’s a cabernet.”

  Justin sat down, stared at the glass without touching it for a few moments. “How’s your jaw?” he asked.

  “Healed.” The one part of him that he could say was. “So I hear congratulations are in order.”

  One corner of his mouth twisted upward. “Thanks. I lost the girl but got the promotion, didn’t I?” He took a healthy mouthful of wine then swallowed. “Hell, Matt, you were right. I do have screwed-up priorities, which is why I’m home visiting. I’m trying to become a little less me centered. Mom’s so happy. In fact, if you need any help with the winery while I’m here…”

  Matt sat back, shaking his head. “We’re good. You enjoy your vacation.”

  Justin fingered the stem of his wine glass for a few seconds, looking thoughtful. “So, have you talked to Kennedy?” he finally asked.

  Matt laughed. “No. Why would I?”

  “You told me you liked her.”

  “Yeah, well, I like Dustin Pedroia and the Red Sox, but you don’t see me trying to contact them.”

  “You would if you could,” he said, his lips curving into a slight smile. “Besides, this is different and you know it. You cared for Kennedy enough to travel all the way into Boston that day of her press conference. That says something, that you like her a lot. I mean, I was engaged to her and couldn’t travel ten minutes to be there for her.”

  Matt shrugged. “All right, I like her a lot, okay? More than I’ve liked a woman in a long time. And I haven’t even the foggiest idea why. She’s ridiculously anal, has a chocolate addiction that rivals mine, owns more eyeglasses than some people have underwear, and has enough anxiety to fill a psychiatric ward two times over.”

  “Yeah,” Justin said wistfully. “I liked those things about her, too.”

  “She also has a heart for people and for bringing them happiness.”

  “You should go to her and tell her that, then. Hell, I never did.”

  Matt blinked, caught off guard by his brother’s suggestion. Was he really saying what he thought he was saying? “No, it wouldn’t be right. I would never do that to you.”

  Justin leaned over and clasped him on the shoulder. “Look, I’m not exactly giving you my blessing here, but I have had some time to think and to talk to Mom. You’ve made enough sacrifices for our family. Maybe this time, you should do what you really want to do. Because as I see it, you forgot to mention that Kennedy is also smart. Smart enough to recognize when she was making a mistake with me before it was too late.”

  Matt sat there and listened to his brother’s words with a mixture of elation, hope, and guilt. He wasn’t even sure if Kennedy would have him, but he had to try and not hold back his feelings. It was about time he did do something for himself—what he wanted to do and not because he had to do it.

  Matt’s thoughts began to shoot off in his head like fireworks, causing his legs to stall, keeping him planted where he was.

  “You should go to her,” his brother urged. “It wouldn’t have worked out for me. But maybe, maybe it could work out for you.”

  …

  A knock on her office door had Kennedy snapping herself at attention. Her mind had been a thousand other places—namely on Matt and the rest of the Ellis family. She missed them so much. She should be concentrating on selecting one of the new ad campaigns the PR firm had come up with, but her heart just wasn’t into it. She’d made a mess of her love life. How could she possibly think about helping others with theirs?

  “Come in,” she finally called.

  Mia walked in with a coffee, closing the door behind her. “How’s my favorite boss doing today?” she said, setting the mug down on her desk.

  Kennedy rolled her eyes. “I would dial down the kiss-ass, if I were you. I doubt we’ll have the money for bonuses for quite some time yet.”

  Mia chuckled. “Well, I have a feeling it won’t be as long as you think. From my perspective, business is up and morale is good. In fact, that’s why I’m here. You have some clients waiting to see you now.”

  “Clients?” Kennedy glanced at her schedule and frowned. “I don’t have any appointments today.”

  Mia shrugged. “I didn’t see it on your schedule, either, but the hot guy and his family were quite insistent that they needed to see you today.”

  “Well, you’re just going to have to—”

  Hot guy…

  And his family? Pulse thumping, Kennedy jumped out of her chair and scurried to the door.

  Matt was there in the reception area.

  Her heart burst at the sight of him. He was tall and handsome with that hint of a beard he had growing in. All the air seemed to leave her lungs at that moment, and she had a hard time making her tongue work.

  “Matt,” she whispered, walking up to him. “What are you doing here?” Then her gaze traveled over his shoulder, and her eyes widened. His mom and Caitlyn stood beaming behind him. “I mean, what are you all doing here?”

  Matt shrugged. “They insisted on coming along.”

  Caitlyn elbowed her brother. “Hey, I hardly ever get to Boston. Mom even let me skip school.”

  “Well, it is a special occasion and all,” Barbara said with a wink.

  Special occasion? Kennedy blinked. “It is?”

  Matt cleared his throat. “Uh, can we go in your office and talk?” He cast a sidelong glance to his family then lowered his voice. “Just the two of us.”

  “Oh. Of course,” she said, leading him into her office.

  Once inside, Matt closed the door behind him and locked it. When she questioned him with a look, he shrugged. “You don’t understand. Those two are relentless. I doubt they’ll give me two minutes to say what I’ve come here to say to you before they try to barge in and do it for me. My mom even brought you a fruitcake, for Pete’s sake!”

  She chuckled, despite the frustration on Matt’s face. Oh, how she missed his family. And more importantly, she missed him. It was complete bliss to see him again. “What did you come here to say?”

  “Two things. First, I wanted to apologize for comparing you to Samantha. You’re nothing like her. You’re warm and caring and honest—a completely beautiful person on the inside and the outside. You wouldn’t put your career ahead of people. I knew all that deep down, I really did, even before you confessed everything at the press conference.”

  She gave him a watery smile. “Really?”

  “Really. But I had to make sure Justin was okay.”

  “I know. You’re a good brother.” One of the things she loved about him. “What is the second thing you wanted to say?” she asked, cocking her head.

  Matt raked his hands through his hair. “That I’m a mess without you. I’m a complete mess, and despite you just breaking off your engagement with Justin, I was kind of hoping to hear that you were a mess without me, too.”

  He’s a mess without me! Her heart sang with delight, stunning her into silence for a few beats. “Yes! I’m a mess, too.”

  “Thank God,” he breathed. He fiercely pulled her to him, burying his face in the side of her neck.

  Tears slipped over her lashes. “I’m not used to fe
eling this way. But there it is. For so long, I’ve tried to create this perfect life and the perfect love for myself, but you know what? I can’t. I’m just so sorry that I hurt Justin in the process.”

  He pulled back to look at her. “I think he’ll be okay. We had a long talk.”

  She raised her hands, cradling his face in her palms. “I’m sorry for hurting you, too. It’s kind of funny. For a woman who doesn’t like messes, I sure know how to create them, don’t I?”

  His mouth twitched with amusement. “Mmhmm, it’s one of the things I find most fascinating about you.”

  “You do?”

  He nodded slowly, leaning his face close to hers. “I do.” He kissed her then, long and deep as his arms came up and wrapped around her like they’d never let go.

  Kennedy kissed him back, straining into him, her body trying so desperately to melt into his. She kissed him and kissed him until she had to come up for air.

  She broke contact, tilting her face back. “That’s good,” she said, her chest heaving, “because I kind of had a proposition for you—one that doesn’t involve cocktail parties at your winery.”

  Matt stayed right where he was, his expression warm. “I’m listening.”

  “Well, how about this? I just thought that if you wanted to, since we’re both so imperfect together that maybe, well, we could make future messes…together?”

  He gazed up at the ceiling. “Good grief, I think I’ve corrupted her.”

  She laughed. “Well, what do you think?”

  He grinned and kissed her again. “I think it’s perfect.”

  Epilogue

  One Year Later

  Music and laughter filled the tasting room of Ellis Estates Winery. Kennedy smiled to herself as she saw friends and co-workers, as well as clients of Match Made Easy, enjoying the Christmas party she’d convinced Matt to have in honor of her company’s third city expansion.

  Although truth be told, it didn’t take that much convincing.

  She and Matt had taken their relationship slow at first, due to the complexity of the family ties, but it was working out great, especially since one of the city expansions of Match Made Easy happened to be Cape Fin Island. She stayed at Matt’s place whenever she was in town—which she made sure was frequently.