Forbidden Miles

by Claire Kingsley

  Mom put the blindfold on Roland, spun him around, and he wobbled toward a large cartoon man taped to the wall. There was already a dick stuck to the thing’s belly button, one on his leg, and another on the wall about a foot away.

  That one was mine. I was bad at this game.

  Roland carried a paper penis in one hand and reached for the wall with the other. We all laughed harder as he felt around the poster, trying to place the dick in the right place. Zoe shouted encouragement—and bad directions. He stuck it on the guy’s hand and pulled off his blindfold.

  “Shit. Damn it, Zo.”

  I doubled over, I was laughing so hard, and Roland handed me the blindfold. “Okay, Mom, your turn.”

  Mom stood in front of me and I put the blindfold over her eyes. Cooper proudly handed her a paper dick.

  “You’ve got this, Mom,” he said.

  As I spun my mom around, someone knocked on the door. Leo was closest to the front, like he was hoping for a chance to escape. He answered the door and a very startled-looking Ben came inside.

  “Um, I’ll come back,” Ben said, looking around at the balloons and sparkly decorations.

  “No, Benjamin, come in,” Mom said as she felt her way toward the giant poster of a cartoon naked man, paper dick in her hand.

  Ben’s eyes widened.

  “Nope.” Leo patted him on the back. “You’re stuck here now.”

  “We’re having fun,” Mom continued. “Have a drink. And we have cake.”

  “Oh god, Cooper did you get a penis cake?” Leo asked.

  “No,” Cooper said, and we all turned toward him. I think everyone was surprised. “I baked a penis cake.”

  Ben looked shell-shocked, but I just laughed. What else can you do when your crazy brother just announced he baked you a penis cake?

  “Am I close?” Mom asked, still apparently focused on her game.

  “Keep going, Shannon,” Zoe called from the couch. “Straight ahead.”

  “You’re almost there,” Grace said.

  Roland put his hands on his hips. “You can’t help her.”

  “Hush, impregnator,” Zoe said. “A little to your left, Shannon. There you go.”

  I couldn’t help but glance at Ben. He watched my mom intently as she pinned the penis right in the center of the cartoon-guy’s crotch.

  The rest of us clapped and cheered as she took the blindfold off her face.

  “Wow,” Mom said. “Looks like I still got it.”

  Cooper groaned. “Oh my god, it was a huge mistake to let you play.”

  Ben looked a little red, so I caught his eye and nodded toward the kitchen. I met him there and got him a beer out of the fridge.

  “Here, I think you’ll need this.”

  He took the beer with a grateful smile. “Thanks, Sprout. Nice crown.”

  I touched the tiara. “Thanks. Grace got it for me. Did Cooper invite you, too, or were you unfortunate enough to stop by at the wrong time?”

  “Wrong time, it seems.”

  “Sorry about that.”

  He shrugged. “Not the weirdest thing your brothers have ever done.”

  “I don’t know. Did you see the decorations? And you heard what he said about the cake. If you’re not careful, Cooper will make you wear a penis whistle.”

  “He can try,” Ben said with a wink.

  I laughed. “I’m glad you’re here. There’s something I need to ask you.”

  He took a drink of his beer. “Sure.”

  “I was wondering if you’d walk me down the aisle?”

  Ben froze, his beer bottle half lifted, his eyes locked on me. He stared at me for a long moment before answering. “You want me to do that?”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “Your father isn’t coming?”

  I took a deep breath. “We didn’t invite him. I thought about it a lot, but I decided not to. He hasn’t called me once since he left. He even went to see Grace’s mom—or tried to. But me? Not a word. As far as I’m concerned, he gave up his walk-his-daughter-down-the-aisle privileges.”

  “Oh, Sprout.” He stepped in and pulled me into a hug. “I don’t think I deserve such an honor, but if it’s what you want, of course I will.”

  “It’s definitely what I want. There isn’t anyone better.”

  He cleared his throat and took another drink just as my mom came into the kitchen.

  “Sorry for the chaos,” Mom said. “I see you already have a drink. Can I get you anything else?”

  Ben smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “No, I’m fine.”

  “Will you stay?” she asked. “Cooper did bake. At least, I think he baked. Hopefully he didn’t try to cook it on the grill. I can’t be sure.”

  “Should I run to the store for back-up dessert?” Ben asked.

  It was Mom’s turn to smile. “No. I have cupcakes hidden upstairs.” She winked at me. “Don’t tell your brother.”

  “Of course not.” I nodded toward the other room. “I should get back to my party.”

  I ducked out of the kitchen, leaving my mom and Ben alone.

  There was another knock on the door and Cooper went to answer it. “Awesome. I think the first of our entertainment is here.”

  “Entertainment?” I asked. Oh god, please tell me he didn’t get a stripper. “What entertainment?”

  “Oh, is this my thing?” Roland asked.

  Now I was really confused. “Your thing? Zoe?”

  Zoe shrugged. “He didn’t tell me anything.”

  “Yep,” Cooper said, then opened the door with a flourish.

  Five women came in with big plastic totes and bags slung over their shoulders. I was pretty sure they weren’t strippers. And if they were, they were the wrong kind.

  “Pedicures,” Roland said with a smile. He turned to Zoe. “This was my idea. Good, right?”

  She leaned against him. “So good, baby. This is adorable.”

  Roland stood and came over to give me a squeeze around the shoulders. “I’m sorry I was kind of a jerk about you getting married. It’s hard not to see you as the little girl you used to be. But Chase is a great guy. I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks. This is all so sweet.”

  “Are you having fun? I know it’s not a normal bachelorette party, but we did our best.”

  “I can’t imagine anything better.”

  He smiled. “Good. Now go get your toenails done.”

  The ladies set up in the living room and we took turns getting pedicures. There were more drinks, and Mom and Grace brought out finger foods. A pizza delivery guy showed up and I’d never seen anyone look so confused. Of course, Leo had taped a paper penis to Cooper’s forehead, which he’d happily decided not to take off, shortly before he answered the door.

  Darkness fell, and after a few more silly games, Grace and Cooper announced that it was time to take the party outside. We were all a little tipsy, but our toenails looked fabulous. They led us out to an open area where they’d started a big bonfire. I was a little bit afraid they’d dragged my mattress out here, but it was just a normal fire.

  Normal for us, at least. It was six feet high. Cooper took his bonfires seriously.

  They’d set up a couple of folding tables with more food, stuff to mix drinks, and what I assumed was the cake Cooper had made.

  I figured this was it, but a dark SUV pulled up and a bunch of guys piled out. They were all shirtless with firemen’s pants and suspenders. I gaped at them as they sauntered over to the fire.

  Oh god, they did hire strippers. And my mom and brothers are here.

  “Hey guys,” Grace said. “Thanks for coming.”

  My mom smiled. “Oh good, this should be fun!”

  Leo looked like he wanted to disappear, and even Roland eyed them like this was pushing his limits. Ben stayed behind my mom and I was surprised he didn’t put an arm around her to pull her away. I was pretty sure he wanted to.

  “Um, Grace?” I asked.

  She nudged
me with her elbow. “Don’t worry. They’re actual firefighters, not strippers. They won’t get more naked than this. Except maybe Logan.” She pointed to a guy who looked about my age with an impressive set of abs—I was getting married, I wasn’t dead—and thick dark hair. “He’ll take his clothes off with very little encouragement.”

  “You must know them?”

  “Yep, friends of mine. They’re here to wait on you for the rest of the night.”

  Logan came over and stood in front of me, hands on his hips. “Damn it. Another one bites the dust. If you’re having any doubts right now, baby, let me know, and we can run away together.”

  Cooper pointed at him. “Hey. Firefighter boy. Watch it.”

  Logan put his hands up and laughed. “I’m just saying.”

  “Okay, Logan,” Grace said. “Why don’t you get the bride a drink?”

  He bowed. “Anything you want, beautiful.”

  The firefighters brought everyone drinks, paying special attention to me and Mom. Logan dropped to his knees in front of Zoe and gave her a foot rub. Roland kept trying to intervene, but Zoe waved him off, exclaiming how good it felt.

  Mom sidled up next to me, a drink in her hand. “I hope it hasn’t been too weird having your mom at your bachelorette party.”

  I leaned my head against her shoulder. “There are like half a dozen other things that are much weirder about this party. And actually, I’m really happy you’re here.”

  “Me too. I know I was worried about you when you first said you were getting married. But honey, I couldn’t be happier. I love Chase. I’ve always loved that boy like a son, ever since he was little. And he loves you so much. You two just keep on loving each other and you’re going to have such a beautiful life.”

  “Mom, you’re going to make me cry.”

  She hugged me tight and I squeezed my eyes shut to keep the tears from spilling.

  Someone turned on music and the fire blazed, sending up little sparks that danced in the night sky. One of the firefighters grabbed me and spun me around. I almost tripped over my feet, but it turned into a dance. Then Roland was cutting in, so I danced with my brother around the bonfire. He twirled me the way he had when I was little, leading me through pirouettes and spins, leaving me dizzy and laughing.

  Another set of strong hands gripped my waist and turned me. The next thing I knew, I was in Chase’s arms, melting against his body. He wrapped one arm around me and took my hand in his, pressing me close so we could dance in the firelight.

  “Hi, there,” he said as we swayed to the music.

  “Hey.” I giggled, more than a little tipsy, but he held on, keeping me steady.

  “Mind if I crash your party?”

  “You must have heard there were shirtless firefighters.”

  He cracked a smile. “Actually, I heard there was cake.”

  “I don’t know. Cooper said he baked it, so that could go either way.”

  “That is a risk. But getting to dance with you makes up for it. Are you having fun?”

  “Yeah,” I said, and he led me through a slow spin. “It’s been amazing. I feel bad, though. Cooper spent all this time on my bachelorette party, but he’s your best man. Are you guys doing something for you?”

  “Nah. I’ve already done more than my fair share of partying. I had a few beers with your brothers and a few other guys last night. It was mellow. And perfect.”

  “Time for cake,” Cooper shouted over the music.

  We all gathered around one of the folding tables. Cooper pulled the foil off revealing a cake shaped like a penis. It was… quite anatomically correct, complete with chocolate sprinkles around the balls. Leo grimaced and shook his head, and Roland rolled his eyes. Everyone else laughed and clapped until Cooper held his hands up for quiet.

  “Tonight, we celebrate my sister, Brynn. And Chase, who showed up when I wasn’t looking. Hey, bro.”

  “Sup.” Chase tipped his chin.

  Cooper lifted a knife to cut a slice of cake.

  “Wait,” Mom said. “Let me take a picture first.”

  Mom stumbled—I think she was a little bit drunk—and Ben held her arm to steady her. She took a few pictures with her phone.

  “Okay, let’s eat,” Cooper said, lifting the knife again. He hesitated, then moved the knife to a different angle. “Shit. I don’t think I can slice a dick with a knife. Not even a dick made of cake.”

  Grace laughed and nudged him aside. “I’ve got this.”

  Cooper winced and turned away while Grace cut slices, and the firefighters passed them out. I had to give it to Coop, the cake was fantastic. Even Leo reluctantly took a piece.

  As the night wore on, we danced around the fire, and polished off the cake. I switched to water—didn’t want to drink too much. When people started to get tired, the party broke up. The firefighters were nice enough to stay and help Cooper and Grace clean up. Roland took a very tired Zoe home, and I noticed Ben making sure Mom got inside safely.

  Chase put his arm around me as he led me back to the cottage. “You ready to get married in a few days?”

  I stopped and slipped my arms around his waist while I looked up at him. “I can’t wait to marry you, Chase.”

  Thirty-Three

  Chase

  Looking in the mirror, I straightened my tie and adjusted my suit jacket. I was buzzing with so much adrenaline, I felt like I might start bouncing off the walls. Although who could blame me? I was about to get married.

  “The only thing that sucks about this wedding is that I’m related to all the bridesmaids,” Cooper said. He sat cross-legged on the table, his shirt open, his tie hanging loose around his neck. “What the hell, man? My pregnant sister-in-law and my half-sister? I put my chances of getting laid tonight at less than ten percent.”

  I glanced over my shoulder at him and grinned. “I’d put my chances at a hundred.”

  “Fuck. Right. Off.” He pointed at me. “The fact that it’s your wedding day does not justify sex jokes involving my baby sister.”

  “Trust me, Cooper,” I said with a wink. “She’s not a baby.”

  Groaning, he rolled his eyes and fell back on the table. “I fucking hate you.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  “I should hate you, you prick,” he said. “You’re ruining my life.”

  “I hate you both, how about that?” Leo said. “And how is he ruining your life?”

  “Numerous reasons.” Cooper sat up and started ticking them off on his fingers. “He’s leaving me for my sister. Also sleeping with my sister. Making me go to a wedding without hot single bridesmaids. And making me wear a suit. I just wore a suit for Roland’s wedding.”

  “That was last year,” Roland said. “Quit your bitching.”

  Cooper jumped down and glanced at himself in the full-length mirror. “I do make this look good.”

  “Isn’t it exhausting to carry that ego around with you all the time?” Leo asked.

  “Nope,” Cooper said. “That’s why I work out.”

  Roland shook his head and even Leo cracked a smile at that.

  Ben poked his head in the door. He was dressed in a suit and tie, his beard neatly trimmed. “The photographer wants you guys outside for some pictures.”

  I checked myself in the mirror one last time—Cooper did look good, but fuck if I didn’t look better—and followed Ben outside.

  The photographer directed us to an open area on the side of the Big House. The weather was perfect—warm, but not too hot, the sun descending toward the mountain peaks that surrounded our little town.

  All this waiting was starting to drive me crazy. I paced around the grass, shaking out my hands, trying to calm down. I wasn’t nervous, I was excited, but the effect was more or less the same. My stomach was unsettled, and I couldn’t stand still for more than about two seconds.

  I wondered how the girls were doing. The dresses had come at the last minute—the right ones, in the right sizes. Zoe was relieved she could actu
ally fit into hers. I didn’t know how that woman could still walk with that huge baby belly. Surprisingly, she was actually feeling better now—big as she was—than she had for most of her pregnancy. She wasn’t throwing up all the time, and I hadn’t seen her cry in at least a couple of weeks. That was a relief. Zoe was tough, so it was fucking weird when she cried. I still gave her M&Ms whenever I saw her, though.

  In fact, there would be dishes of M&Ms out at the reception. Because we were awesome like that.

  “Gentlemen, I’m going to run out to my car to get a different lens,” the photographer said. He was a slim guy, probably in his thirties. “I’ll be right back.”

  As he walked toward the front of the building, I had to do a double take. A man in his fifties with salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a button-down shirt and slacks, came striding across the lawn.

  Lawrence fucking Miles.

  He sauntered over like he still owned the place—which technically I guess he still did. A woman with bleached-out hair and bright lipstick clutched onto his arm. The sight of them made me want to puke. He brought his mistress here? On his daughter’s fucking wedding day?

  I must have lurched forward because Leo put a steadying hand on my shoulder. Roland’s back had gone stiff and Leo glared at his dad, but it was Ben who looked closest to doing violence. At first glance, you might not have recognized it. Ben’s apparently relaxed stance was anything but. The guy was a coiled spring.

  Shit. This could get ugly.

  “Fuck,” Roland muttered under his breath. “Ben, can you go make sure the girls don’t come out here?”

  Leo did a subtle sidestep in front of Ben, blocking him from his father’s view. “That’s a good idea.”

  I could see what they were doing. We all knew Ben cared about Shannon—was maybe even in love with her. The Miles brothers didn’t want their dad to know. Ben was one of the most chill guys I’d ever known, but all men have their limits. Lawrence Miles strutting around here with his fucking mistress was clearly going to be Ben’s. We needed to get him out of here.

  “Yeah, Ben, if you could make sure Brynn doesn’t come out here right now, that would be awesome,” I said. “I don’t want her getting upset.”