“You look like shit.” Max pushed the door wider and walked in.

“Thanks. It good to see you, too.” I rolled my eyes.

“Hi, Matthew.” Jenna smiled, seeming unsure if she should be there. Her eyes were full of pity. Did I look that bad? She followed Max. Since they were both dressed up, I figured they’d stopped by before heading to their place. Sometimes I regretted living a floor below Max, especially at times like this.

“Come in,” I said after the fact. “It’s kind of late for a visit, don’t you think?”

Jenna and Max had made themselves comfortable on the sofa, all snuggled up in each other’s arms.

“It’s kind of late to drink, don’t you think?” Max added.

I shifted my eyes to the half-empty glass. “It’s never too late to party by myself.” I slid the drink closer after I took a seat across from them. “So, how was dinner?” I took a sip.

“Dinner was interesting,” Jenna said, glancing at Max with pursed lips. Max must have done something that I would have done. I’d bet he made sure Jenna’s partner was fully aware that Jenna was his.

“I’m sure it was.” I twitched my brows, twirling the cup to hear the sound of iced cubes hitting each other. Then it became awkwardly silent. I cleared my throat. “So...are you all set for the wedding?” I glanced from Max to Jenna.

“Getting there,” Jenna said. “Your mom is fantastic. The wedding invitations have been mailed. She’s already made a lot of appointments for me. I have my final fitting for my dress next week. I’m glad she’s taking care of so many things for me. I’ve only had to answer her questions like ‘What color? How many? What design?’ I’ve been so sick that it was nice to have your mom take care of so many of the details.”

“Yeah. Mom’s great, but don’t let her push you around. She’s good at getting things her way.”

“Most moms are. Though it would have been nice to have my mom help me with decisions for the wedding, I’m better off without her help. She would have driven me crazy. Your mom, on the other hand, has been giving me advice but accepting our decisions. My mom wanted to fly down and help me, but I told her that I had all the right connections from your parents.”

“That’s good.” I nodded.

“Have you spoken to Becky yet?” Max asked. That came out of nowhere.

I looked away. “She won’t talk to me.”

“You going to sulk in your apartment, or are you going to do something about it? If you wait too long, it might be harder to fix it.”

Max was always looking after me and giving me words of wisdom. I guess that was what big brothers felt like they had to do. I nodded to let him know I heard him.

“If you love her, then don’t let the past get in the way. The past is just that...the past. Fix what is now to have a better future,” Max added.

“I know. Becca won’t see me, so I need your help.” I stared at Jenna. Her eyes opened wider. Was she finally glad I was going to do something about it?

“I thought you would never ask,” Jenna said happily. “What’s the plan?”

“I’m not sure. It will have to be something she wouldn’t expect.”

After we came up with a plan, they went to Max’s place. Though I was comfortably sulking, it was good to see Jenna and Max. It was great to have family support. I was glad Jenna was willing to help me out. Most women stuck to themselves and blamed the fight on the men.

Chapter 17

Jenna

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Mr. and Mrs. Keith Hunt,” the pastor announced.

The clapping sounds echoed inside of the church as Keith and Nicole walked down the aisle. Nicole’s white dress swayed with her steps. She looked stunning with just the right amount of makeup and her hair up with loose, curly strands along the side.

All of the bridesmaids and groomsmen followed the wedding couple after the ring bearer and the flower girl. On my way, my eyes shifted to my right, knowing exactly where Max sat. It didn’t matter how many times he winked at me, it always felt like the first time, melting me to my core. I wanted to be in his arms—but the beautiful décor of flowers on every other pew and the lace that dangled along side by side distracted me—and I couldn’t wait for our wedding day.

After we were announced at the reception, we all took our seats. Since we didn’t seat in a traditional style, I was able to sit with Max. Pale lavender linen covered the tables, and on top were clear vases with white and pink flowers. On each setting was a party favor—a little white box with a lavender bow that tied the box together. The box was printed with a picture of Nicole and Keith, and inside were assorted chocolates.

“Did I tell you how beautiful you look?” Max brushed his lips against my ear.

“I believe not enough.” My lips curled into a crooked smile as I sliced the salmon into bite size pieces. I was craving steak, but I decided to feed my baby salmon instead since it had Omega 3. I read that it was good for the baby’s development.

Max let out a soft chuckle and gave me a slice of his steak. He must have seen me drooling over his. “The lavender dress looks great on you, and you can’t even tell that you’re pregnant. But you look beautiful in any color...actually, I’d prefer them off you.”

“Would you now, Mr. Knight?” I took a sip of my water.