The manager of the dress shop hurries toward us, shutting and locking the door. “Phew,” she says, leaning up against it. “This is the second day in a row I’ve had to lock the door because of the photographers. You celebs sure know how to keep things interesting.”

  “We’re not famous,” I tell her.

  “You must be to them. I’m Claudia, the owner.” She comes forward and shakes our hands.

  “I’m Peyton, this is my sister Elle and our mother, Katelyn.”

  “It’s nice to meet you. Who’s the bride?”

  Elle points at me. “She is.”

  Claudia smiles and takes my arm to lead me toward her dresses. “I’m sure you’re aware we specialize in the vintage look. Everything is handmade, and we do all the alterations on site. When’s your wedding?”

  “Christmas.”

  “Day?”

  I nod.

  “Doable. Do you know what you’re looking for?”

  “I do.” Unlike the other stores, Claudia and I go through the dresses while Mom and Elle stay in the background. I tell Claudia how I imagine my dress, what my theme is, and the colors Noah and I have chosen. I think she was shocked to find out that we’re not going with red, like most winter weddings. Within a few minutes, she has me set up in the dressing area with a handful of dresses.

  As soon as I step out onto the pedestal, I look at myself in the mirror while she zips me up. She’s prattling on about the fabric, but I’m lost in a sea of visions. Me standing next to Noah, holding his hand. The two of us, side-by-side, posing for pictures. Me with my arms around him while we dance at our reception.

  “What do you think?” Claudia asks, standing next to me.

  “This is the one.” This is the one. This dress is everything I was looking for but didn’t know I wanted until I saw what I looked like in the mirror. I move my hips back and forth to watch the tiered skirt twist. It reminds me of Cinderella, just without the lace. The satin fabric is exactly what I wanted, and the small bow in front is just enough to give the simple, yet classic ballgown enough character. I’m in love with the capped sleeves. I didn’t know I wanted those until now. I run my hands down the front, loving that Noah can hold me without worrying whether his suit is going to get caught on my dress. The train length is perfect. It’ll cover the church stairs but won’t be bothersome during the reception. Turning slightly, the tiers cascade elegantly, making me fall more in love.

  “Let’s go show your mom and sister.”

  Claudia holds back the large curtain separating the dressing room from the store. I step through, both Mom and Elle gasp. I’m watching Mom though because every dress earlier has made her cry and I fully expect the same reaction. This time, she covers her mouth and shakes her head before she starts fanning herself.

  “I can’t, Peyton.”

  “Can’t what?” I ask her.

  “Find the words. You were right. Everything from before… they pale in comparison. You look stunning.”

  The smile on my face is going to last me until well after my wedding day. I glance at Elle. She’s crying. “You’re so beautiful,” she says as she comes to me. “I think you should curl your hair but leave it down. Maybe pull a few strands back, like this.” I can’t see what she’s doing, but Mom and Claudia are nodding.

  “We’ll take the dress,” Mom says.

  “Do you want to know the price?”

  Mom shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter, I’d pay millions to see her light up like this every day.”

  As fast as I can, I move to my mom to give her a hug. “Thank you, Mom.”

  “Thank you for staying,” she whispers into my ear. The magnitude of her words sends my heart and the rest of my body into some sort of frenzied motion. I’m shaking, on the verge of tears as she cups my face and tells me that she loves me. I’m also speechless, unsure how to respond. Do I tell her she’s welcome? Of course not, that’s not the right answer. Maybe, in this situation, there isn’t one.

  After Mom has paid and called us a car, we sit in one of her favorite Italian restaurants off Wilshire. It’s a cell phone free zone, which means I can slurp my pasta, and no one will post it on Instagram or Facebook later.

  Mom’s words from earlier have stayed with me. They’re on replay in my mind, her voice soft in my ear. I’m waiting to tell Noah when I see him later. It’s our last free week before the season starts.

  I’m mid-bite when I put my fork down. “Earlier, someone asked about Quinn’s girlfriend. What did he mean?” I look from Elle to our mom, who shrugs.

  “Quinn doesn’t have a girlfriend. He’d tell me,” Mom says.

  Elle chokes on her soda. “You’re the last person he’d tell. He would tell Uncle Liam or Noah, first.”

  “Noah hasn’t said anything to me,” I add.

  “He hasn’t said anything to me, either,” Elle says. “But a few weeks or so ago, Mom and I were at the coffee shop and this girl came up to him and said something about knowing his sister, which let’s be real, even if she thought she knew you, she’d think I was you, ya know?”

  I nod.

  “Anyway, I’ve been in a few times, she’s flirty with him. Dana even said she was hanging around their table the one time she went in to talk to him.”

  “Gotcha,” I say. I’d like for Quinn to find someone, although not sure how she’d fair with this family of ours. It’s a lot to take sometimes. I glance at our mom, she’s completely lost in thought. “You okay, Mom?”

  She looks up and smiles. “Just thinking about the first time we all met Quinn.”

  “Christmas with Liam, Josie, and Noah,” Elle reminds us.

  “The three of you were so small. I could hug all of you at the same time.”

  Elle and I both reach for her hand. “I’m sure you still can if you try. I’ll call and beg Quinn to come out to the beach house this weekend,” I tell her.

  “I’d like that. Everyone will be there. Just like old times,” she says before going back to her food.

  The last thing my parents are is old, but with all of us growing up and doing our own thing, I imagine life is so different for them now.

  12

  Noah

  I never thought I’d feel relieved that Peyton found a dress. I know the bride’s dress is an important part of a wedding, but in all honesty, I don’t care if she’s wearing shorts and a tee-shirt, I just want to marry her. Although, now that I think about it, if she were in my jersey, I’d really like that.

  Of course, I broke a cardinal rule when I asked to see it. After she told me she fell in love with it the moment she stepped into it, I had to see what the fuss was all about. Huge no-no on my part, which doesn’t make sense since she gets to see my suit and helped me pick it out. This wedding stuff is confusing.

  Things with the Pioneers have settled down. I’ve been working my tail off to make sure the owners know where my heart is. It’s in Portland. It’s there that I want to buy a house and start a family with Peyton. The city, it’s really amazing when it comes to their sports teams. The vibe is contagious, and it’s where I want to be. Right in the heart of it.

  While Peyton has been in Los Angeles doing wedding stuff, I’ve been looking for houses. I’ve found a few that I like, one that overlooks the city. It’s near to where I took Peyton a few weeks ago after I almost destroyed the single best thing that’s ever happened to me. There are times when I get lost in my own head, forgetting that I have a partner. The crap the Rams pulled… I let that get the better of me and took it out on Peyton. If she hadn’t shown up at practice, I don’t know where my head would be right now.

  Some of the guys gave me a lot of shit when Peyton was announced as staff. The ribbing can be fun for the most part, but I carry a certain amount of fear. Not that I don’t think Peyton knows her shit, because she does. I just think the guys won’t take her seriously because she’s female. I hope she busts their balls so I can laugh at them.

  As soon as my plane touches down, I text her.

  Hey babe, just landed. Headed to the beach house.

  Hurry! Quinn’s bringing someone home. My mom says she walked in on them doing it.

  Doing it?

  IT

  IT could be a lot of things.

  S.E.X.

  I know. I just wanted to hear you say it.

  I didn’t say anything. I typed it.

  Smarty

  Love you, HURRY!!!

  I pocket my phone with a big smile on my face. It’s been a week since I’ve seen her. She officially doesn’t start her job until Monday, however, she’s been watching game film each night, reporting back to the coaches on what needs to be worked on. I’m the only one privy to this information though, and I’m hoping that once she’s on the sidelines, the guys will see that she knows what she’s talking about.

  The entire ride to the beach house, I’m tempted to phone Quinn to find out what’s really going on. I’m having a tough time believing that Katelyn walked in on him unless he was at the beach when this all happened. Either way, whoever he’s bringing to meet the gang better have some super thick skin. I love Elle, and of course Peyton, but damn those girls can be feisty and they are super protective of their brother.

  Peyton is pacing out front when the car service drops me off. “What’s wrong?” I ask as soon as she opens the car door.

  “Nothing, can’t I just be excited to see you?”

  As soon as I’m out, I drop my carry-on and pull her into my arms. Soon, we’ll see each other so much, she’s liable to get sick of me. “Did you miss me?”

  She nods and presses her lips to mine. “I always miss you.”

  “Me too.” With my suitcase being towed behind me, Peyton and I walk toward her parents’ house. “So, Quinn?”

  “He didn’t say anything when you went camping?”

  “Not a word, but honestly babe, guys don’t sit around and talk like you girls do. We discuss manly shit like beer, sports, and guns.”

  Peyton stops dead in her tracks and looks at me. “Guns? Noah Westbury, you don’t own a gun. Do you even know how to shoot one?”

  “Not the point.”

  “Doesn’t matter. Don’t make stuff up. Your manly discussions are about burping, farting, and other gross bodily functions.”

  I start to laugh. She’s not far from the truth. We do act a bit more relaxed when the women in our lives aren’t around. “Seriously, babe. He never said anything.”

  She doesn’t look like she believes me. Thing is, if Quinn had said something, I’m not sure I’d tell her. The guy doesn’t stand a chance when it comes to women, especially in this family.

  Out back, our entire family is gathered around the fire pit. Betty Paige runs up to me, launching herself into my arms. She’s the best thing to have happened to our family. I hug her tightly before setting her back onto the ground. “You gonna be at my home opener?”

  “Eh, I’m not sure football’s really my thing anymore,” she says so nonchalantly that I almost believe her. My mouth drops open and she giggles. “Of course, I am. Mom ordered me a bunch of new shirts and stuff for me to wear. Grandma Bianca and Grandma and Grandpa say they’re going to be there too.”

  “A full house, I can’t wait.”

  Paige and I walk over to the group. She goes back to her seat and picks up her phone. I hope she’s playing a game, but something tells me she’s texting Mack. I’m waiting for my parents to nip this budding relationship soon before something drastic happens. I kiss my mom, Katelyn, and Jenna on their cheeks; hug my dad, Harrison, and JD before grabbing a bottle of beer and taking a seat. Peyton and Elle have disappeared, leading me to believe they’re out front, waiting for Quinn. I’m tempted to run interference, but the ambush is going to happen, regardless.

  “Would you like something to eat?” my mom asks.

  “Sure, if you’re going in. I’ll take something.”

  She rests her hand on my shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”

  All around, the guys talk. It’s mostly band stuff and I’m content to stare at the fire. The next time we’re all together like this will be opening day if they can all come, and then the wedding.

  “Noah, have you heard the demo from Elle’s band?” Dad asks. I shake my head. He pulls out his phone and taps the screen a few times. Quinn’s voice rings out. My head starts bobbing to the music. I like it. I knew he had talent, but he’s really good. By the look on my dad’s face, he agrees.

  The clearing of a throat has us all looking toward the house. There’s Quinn, holding hands with a very pretty woman.

  “Quinn, didn’t hear you come in,” Harrison says. “This must be Nola.” He stands and walks over to shake her hand and introduces himself. Quinn follows by introducing his girlfriend to the rest of us, and all I can think is that he got caught, like a horny teenager, having sex. I want to bust out laughing but don’t want to embarrass my best friend.

  “Where are Peyton and Elle?” Quinn asks.

  I lean slightly and see the twins standing behind their brother. By the look of things, I’m guessing they went inside and had a pow-wow on how they were going to handle this newcomer, instead of waiting for their brother out front. Poor Nola. I wish I could give her some advice, but since I’ve been a part of the family forever, as has Ben since he moved to Beaumont, neither of us could possibly tell her anything useful. Ben slaps me in the arm and doesn’t even try to hide his laughter. He knows all too well how dangerous Elle can be.

  “Right behind you,” I hear Elle say. Quinn turns slowly, his face showing so much fear. As tempted as I am to rib Quinn about this whole situation, I don’t. I know my time’s coming with Betty Paige, probably sooner than expected. My sister is infatuated with Mack, which to me isn’t a good sign.

  “How’s the team shaping up?” Ben asks.

  “It’s good. Our rookies are going to make a difference and the offseason training the backs did is really showing. My arm is stronger too.”

  Ben nods toward Peyton. “Is she going to be a good fit?”

  “Hell yes, she is. Even if it’s only for my own benefit.”

  “I feel bad for Quinn.”

  “Me too. I was just thinking that you and I had it so easy.”

  “Mostly you.” It’s like Ben is reading my thoughts. “This girl doesn’t stand a chance with those two.”

  “Or her.” I point toward Eden who is running as fast as she can with her surfboard under her arm. This isn’t going to be good. For a while, we’ve all thought Eden was harboring a crush on Quinn, but Jenna says it’s purely a brother/sister type relationship because he surfs with her. By the look on her face, I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s definitely a crush.

  “Shit, this day keeps getting better and better.”

  “We’re like a damn soap opera,” I mumble, watching as everything unfolds.

  Whatever Quinn says to Eden sends her running toward the water with her surfboard. Quinn looks upset, but JD tells him not to worry. There’s something about her knickers being twisted. Still after all these years, I have a hard time understanding JD’s lingo.

  Quinn brings Nola over to the fire and sits down. Instantly, band talk starts, which means I tune out. The music bug didn’t really bite me as much as it did with Quinn. Maybe if I had grown up with it, things would be different. Mom often says I have the best parts of my dad. If I didn’t know better, I would think that she’s not a fan of the Liam Page, but I know that’s not true.

  “Nola, where are you from?” Peyton asks her. I reach for her hand and give it a squeeze. She’s trying. More than Elle at the moment.

  “I’m from South Carolina but spent the last four years in Idaho for college.”

  “Gamecocks fan?” Peyton asks.

  Nola nods, and she and Peyton start discussing college football. I’m about to tune out until Nola calls the NFL the ‘no fun league.’ Of course, I’m in mid swallow and end up spraying beer all over the place. My dad starts laughing and Peyton’s eyes go wide.

  “Did I say something wrong?”

  “Noah’s the quarterback for the Portland Pioneers,” Quinn tells her.

  She covers her face from embarrassment. “Is there anyone in your family that isn’t famous?”

  Many hands go up. “Don’t worry, sweetie. You’ll get used to it,” Katelyn says.

  “Are you saying you had no idea who Quinn’s family is?” Peyton asks.

  Nola nods. “Up until the other day, I had no idea who Liam Page was.”

  Everyone in our circle busts out laughing, except for Nola. I can’t imagine what’s going through her mind right now, but sense that she’ll have no problem fitting in with the rest of us. Still, she has a battle on her hands where Elle is concerned. I’m confident though that Peyton and Nola will get along just fine.

  I excuse myself so I can go clean up. Peyton follows. She sits down on her bed and sighs. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m not sure I like her.”

  “You just met her. Give her some time to find her groove. Our family is a tight nut to crack.”

  “It’s not just that. There’s something… odd. Like who doesn’t know who your dad is?”

  I shrug and pull a clean shirt out of my bag. “Maybe she listens to country music.”

  “I think you should go out without a shirt on.”

  I pause and rub my hand up and down my chest and abs. She smiles and beckons me with her finger. “Be careful Miss James, we’re at your parents’ house, and you know what that means.”

  “I know, but I haven’t seen you in what feels like forever. I’ve missed you.”

  Leaning down, I kiss her nose. “We’ll have to run some errands a bit later. Take a nice long drive somewhere.”

  Peyton pulls her lower lip in between her teeth and places her hands around my neck. “Do you promise?”

 

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