Page 11 of A Slice of Summer
“I love you both. My first true love with four feet is Rex, and the honor of being my first true love with two feet belongs to you.” As she stared at Brandt, love radiated from her to him. “Just think, if I’d become a veterinarian instead of buying Wags and Tails, we might never have met.”
Their mother lowered her wineglass. “True, but you would have made a wonderful vet.”
Callie’s lips pressed together in a thin line, but she didn’t lower her gaze or cringe as she had in the past. This time, she sat tall with her chin lifted. “We’ll never know.”
“And that’s okay,” their mom added. “You’re where you should be.”
His sister’s grin returned, brighter than ever. “I am.”
Garrett released the breath he’d been holding. His parents finally understood how their expectations had hurt Callie. He and his brothers—all type A personalities—hadn’t helped matters. A good thing she’d spoken up in December, or who knows how this wedding would have gone?
As Brandt shifted in his chair, his gaze never strayed from Callie for long. “This dinner was what I needed after a day full of meetings and phone calls with investors. Though I overate.”
His future brother-in-law had founded one company, consulted for several years, and started a new venture to develop apps earlier this year. The guy was intelligent and driven, but Brandt’s devotion to Callie impressed Garrett the most.
“Then, my plan for a walk and dessert will work out perfectly.” Margot rubbed her hands together. “The bakery’s patio is finally open. I thought we’d eat there.”
Garrett’s stomach dropped. If he didn’t know better, he would think it hit the floor with a thundering splat. “Do we need dessert after such a delicious meal? I’m full.”
Brandt nodded. “Same, but I can squeeze in a brownie. And anything to stick it to my former best friend and business partner, who’s involved in a competing bakery in Summit Ridge.”
Nope. It was not happening on Garrett’s watch. He would suggest an alternative plan. That was one of his strengths. He’d kept him and Taryn secret so it wouldn’t take away from Callie and Brandt’s engagement. He wasn’t about to announce they’d gone out now, which he would have to do, if he admitted Taryn didn’t want to see him again. No, this was best for her and his sister.
“I say we open another bottle of wine and enjoy the company and the air-conditioning here.” He raised his nearly empty wineglass. “That way, we don’t have to fight the crowds.”
“And not have dessert?” Eyebrows furrowed, Callie leaned toward him. “Who are you, and what have you done with my brother?”
Garrett’s shoulders bunched. “What do you mean?”
“Well, dear.” His mother patted his hand. “You have a sweet tooth. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have gone to the bakery every day in December.”
He enjoyed sweets, but that wasn’t why he’d been there. Though, Taryn’s kisses were warm and sugary like the desserts she baked. Not that his family knew that.
Garrett gulped. “It was Christmastime.”
“No matter what season, it’s always time for dessert.” Callie licked her lips. “And you love chocolate almost as much as I do.”
True, but… “I enjoy chocolate. You can’t love things.”
“Except your job,” his dad joked. “Right, son?”
Garrett forced a laugh. His dad was a partner at one of the biggest law firms in Southern California and a workaholic like the rest of them, including Garrett’s mom, a doctor. The only exception was Callie, which proved she was the smartest of the bunch. “Right.”
Callie jumped to her feet. “So let’s go.”
Garrett remained seated, even though he was the only one left at the table. He fought the urge to hold on to the chair so no one could drag him away. “I have work to catch up on.”
“You’re on vacation. I’m not taking no for an answer.” Callie grabbed his arm before pulling him to his feet. “Come with us, or I’ll turn into a bridezilla.”
Brandt cringed. “No one wants that to happen. Please, Garrett, our fate until the wedding lies in your hands.”
Not really.
He wanted to do the right thing for Taryn and himself.
Still, his family’s expectant gazes weakened his resolve, but he didn’t want to take away the spotlight on Callie and Brandt. “There might have been a misunderstanding with Taryn earlier.”
“When you picked up the bread?” Margot’s eyebrows drew together. “I paid ahead of time.”
