Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 80102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80102 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
I find Gordo and Dad in a nightmare world of tulle and fairy lights, and I have no idea where to start or how to help them.
“Shouldn’t you be good at this stuff?” Gordo asks.
“Queer Eye will not be choosing me to help make over anything or anyone anytime soon,” I quip back. I turn to Dad. “We need Mom.”
Speak of the devil. “You sure do.” Mom enters and promptly gets into action. “Okay. Gordo, you climb up and wrap the lights around the rafters. Leighton, you organize the hay bales in something that resembles rows. You”—she turns to Dad—“ you’re on aisle duty. I’ll cover this place in so many flowers it will look like it vomited petals here.”
“See. We just needed someone to herd us,” I say.
Mom scoffs. “Honestly, it’s like herding cats.”
With a system in place, we get it done, and as we’re finishing up, two figures appear in the entryway.
Damn, Rainn in a suit. Holy fuck, he’s the hottest person I’ve ever seen. His dark hair is slicked back, his bright blue eyes are shining, and he shaved. I don’t think I’ve ever seen his skin as smooth as it is right now.
Beside him is a woman with a pretty face and black hair styled in an updo.
“Is that your boyfriend?” Gordo taunts. “Did he bring a date?”
I shove him. “It’s his cousin.”
“Sommer is your boyfriend’s cousin?” he asks.
I guess with Sommer knowing Christie, they all must have hung out at some point.
We agreed for Rainn and Sommer to come a little earlier than the rest of the guests so I could meet the only family he has in Vermont. I’m probably more nervous about that than what I have planned for later tonight.
“Do you know if she’s single?” Gordo asks.
I point at him as I walk away. “Hands off.”
Rainn’s cousin lets out a little squeak when I approach and lean in to kiss his cheek. I don’t know what that’s about.
“Whit, this is Sommer.”
“I can’t believe you’re real,” Sommer says.
“I, uh … I think I’m real.”
Her arms come around me. “Yep. Real.” She turns to Rainn. “And muscly. Good job.”
“I can’t take you anywhere.” He pulls her to his side.
I step past them. “Come to the house. We’re finished here.”
“Are we too early?” Rainn asks.
“No, we’re behind schedule. The weather is screwing up their big wedding plans.”
“It looks amazing, though,” Sommer says.
“I’ll take your word for it.” I lead them to the house where my brother looks more respectable than before but is still struggling with his bow tie. He’s practically worn a path in the floorboards from all his pacing back and forth.
“Ooh, someone’s nervous,” Sommer sings.
Campbell relaxes into a totally fake smile. “Hi, Sommer.” He holds his arms open to hug her, and as he pulls her close, he says, “You’re not allowed to tell Christie I’m freaking out.”
She purses her lips. “Well, that depends. Why are you freaking out?”
“I want today to be perfect for her.”
“Aww.”
“Making sure you’re at the other end of the aisle when she turns up will make it perfect,” Rainn says.
I pull back. “That … that might be the most romantic thing you’ve ever said.”
“I’m setting a low bar of expectations, and I’m okay with that,” Rainn says.
“I have to go shower and get ready.” I point at Rainn and Sommer. “You two, it’s your job to keep Campbell calm.”
Rainn mock salutes me.
I get to the stairs when I hear Sommer say, “Your boyfriend is adorable.”
“Say it louder. I don’t think he heard you,” Rainn mutters.
“Oh, I heard it!” I call out.
I shower fast, put on one of my post-game suits, and run back downstairs. My parents have joined them, and Gordo’s actively hitting on Sommer, but my eye catches on Rainn and Campbell in the corner, smiling and laughing.
I guess Rainn’s taking his duty seriously, then.
He looks relaxed around my family, and even though a small part of me is still expecting him to change his mind or run away, there’s a bigger part of me that can’t help picturing him in my life on a more permanent basis.
Rainn glances up at me, and I do a spin even though he’s seen me in a suit countless times.
“It’s not a penguin suit, but it’ll do.”
“Still want to be a penguin, huh?”
“Penguins are cool.” I take my phone and check the time. “We’ll be back in time for the ceremony, but I need to steal Rainn for a second.” I grab Rainn’s hand and lead him outside before my brother can protest me disappearing this close to the vows.
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“I’m not like you. I don’t like surprises.”
I lead him to my truck. “Well, technically, this isn’t really a surprise for you. It’s just something I’m proud of.”
“It’s your dick, isn’t it?”
“How’d you know? But it’s not only my dick. Normally, I’d take the ATVs, but mud is not our friend today, and Campbell will kill me if we come back dirty.”