“You’re right.”
“I know I am. I’m going to talk to Grady and then try and convince Graham to take me to bed. I’m tired.”
“Liar,” Brooklyn said with a laugh.
“I know, but it sounded good.” Rennie hugged Brooklyn and told her she’d see her in the morning. Even though Rennie and Graham could walk back to their houseboat, they were staying at the inn, along with everyone else. Rennie wasn’t exactly keen on the idea, but it was what Brooklyn wanted, and as maid of honor, Rennie would do anything for her friend.
Rennie avoided everyone on her way over to Grady. He stood on the outskirts, holding a water bottle. As soon as he saw her, he held it out for her.
Only she refused to take it. “I trust you.” She looked forward to the day when Grady wouldn’t feel like he had to prove he wasn’t drinking anymore.
“Thanks.”
“Is someone giving you shit?”
He nodded toward the crowd. There were so many people she had no idea who in their right mind would say something to Grady about his sobriety. Rennie had firsthand knowledge of the efforts he put in. Grady met with his probation officer, passed every surprise test, never missed a therapy appointment, and went to AA twice, if not three times, a week.
“I’m going to need a name, Grady.”
“It’s Mila, but I think she’s drunk.”
Everyone in their close-knit group of friends refused to drink around Grady. They were all trying to do their part to help him out, and Grady stayed away from the Whale Spout, and the staff there knew not to serve him alcohol if he did come in. There were times when he’d come in to see Graham. He’d sit at the bar and drink pop or water, never once asking for a drink. On those days or nights, Graham would come home and tell Rennie how proud he was of his brother.
“Eh, gotta look at who is saying crap and ignore. You know you’re doing awesome. I’m proud of you. Jefferson tells me all the time when he gets reports from your PO how well you’re doing.”
Grady raised his water bottle and took a sip. “I know I’ve thanked you before, but I’m really appreciative of everything you’ve done for me. I know you’ve helped Brooklyn out with the contract and stuff she wants me to sign, so thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Grady. Next summer will be an exciting time. Do you know what you’re going to name your boat yet?”
“No, not yet. Everyone tells me I have to name it after Austin—”
Rennie cut him off. “No, you name it after whatever you want to. Austin’s gone. He has been for a long time. It’s time everyone bury him and move on. You could call your boat the Jo or Johanna. I bet your mom would love that.”
Grady laughed. “I think I might try for something comical. I don’t know. Once I get through winter, I’ll start thinking.”
“Hey, are you trying to steal my woman?” Graham hollered as he strode toward Rennie and Grady.
“I think she pays more attention to me than you anyway,” Grady teased his brother.
Graham leaned down and kissed Rennie. When she stood between the two of them, she felt like a shrimp among giants. The Chamberlain twins were tall men with piercing green eyes, and both were currently wearing their hair a bit shaggier than she was used to. From afar, very few people could tell them apart. But up close, Graham carried himself with confidence, while Grady slouched most of the time. The years of alcohol and drug use had done a number on Grady’s skin, but he was slowly healing and looking more and more like Graham every day. He was a work in progress.
“I’m glad you’re here. I’m ready to go inside. Are you?” Rennie asked Graham. She would never take him away from his friends or brother and was more than willing to head in by herself.
“Yeah, I’m good. Grady?”
Grady looked over Graham’s shoulder and nodded. Rennie tried to see who he looked at, but no one stood out. The three of them walked up the wooden stairs to the inn. Once inside, Rennie insisted they take the stairs to the third floor because she still didn’t trust the elevator. More so with the twins inside.
When they reached the third floor, Grady stopped halfway down the hall and wished them good night. “I’m so happy I’m not anywhere near your room. The last thing I want to do is listen to you guys all night long.”
Rennie slapped Grady on his shoulder and rolled her eyes at him.
Graham, on the other hand, asked, “Are you jealous?”
Grady sighed. “Yeah, I am, actually. I’d like to fall in love someday.”
“You will, Grady. It just takes time.” Rennie hugged him and told him they’d see him tomorrow.
In their room, as soon as the door closed, Graham picked Rennie up and set her on the bed. He hovered over her and gazed into her eyes. “I love you, Ren.”
“I love you too, Graham Cracker. Now, show me how much.”
He did exactly as she demanded.
Rennie held her hand out for her niece, Brystol. Together, they twirled in front of Brooklyn and her mother, Bonnie, along with Bowie’s mother, Linda, and Simone. Everyone clapped for the little dance party going on in front of them.
“Those dresses are gorgeous,” Linda said to Brooklyn. Rennie wore a floor-length, modern, short-sleeved A-line gown with thick straps and a slit that she insisted Graham would appreciate and be very thankful for. Brystol wore a simple A-line, knee-length dress that flared when she spun in circles.
“All Brystol,” Brooklyn said, making sure to give her daughter credit for everything. When it came time to plan the wedding, the women in Brooklyn’s life sat around a table for a weekend, scouring bridal magazines for inspiration. It wasn’t until Brystol opened up one of Brooklyn’s paint swatch books that they finally found what they were looking for. An obscure but trending color of blue. Referred to as dusty blue, it was a light navy, which was one of Brooklyn’s favorite colors. From there, they decided the men would wear navy-blue suits, and all the decorations and flowers would be blush colored.
“Okay, ladies. Let’s get the bride into her dress.”
Everyone clapped and took their positions. Rennie stood on a chair and held Brooklyn’s long locks up while the two moms helped her step into her blush-colored boho sweetheart A-line dress. The day the wedding crew went shopping, Brooklyn had her mind set on something simple. No fuss, no lace. She wanted a plain dress. That was until she saw the strapless boho dress on the mannequin with all the embroidery and appliqués, everything she didn’t want, and asked to try it on. As soon as she stepped out of the dressing room, she had tears in her eyes, proclaiming that was the dress.
“I got the zipper,” Simone said. With the zipper up, Rennie let Brooklyn’s hair go. She had chosen to leave her hair down in soft waves and held the front back with a diamond headband. Brystol wore one to match.
“Oh, Mommy,” Brystol exclaimed. “You’re so beautiful. Can I hug you?” Brooklyn nodded and pulled her daughter into her arms.
“Don’t either of you start crying,” Bonnie warned.
“We won’t, Grandma.”
Linda stood off to the side, dabbing her tears. “My son is one lucky man.”
“We’re the lucky ones,” Brooklyn told her.