“Drew. You are my everything. You’ve given me and my children something I didn’t think possible—unconditional love. I adore you and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather spend the rest of my life with. I promise to honor you, love you, and walk toward the golden sunset of our days together. I want you to be the first person I see when I wake in the morning and the last I see when I go to sleep. You complete me.”
Liam stifled a sniff beside Aggie.
It wasn’t until Father Richards pronounced them husband and wife that Aggie let out a shuddering breath and her shoulders relaxed.
April reached for her flowers and winked at Aggie before taking her husband’s arm. “Thanks.”
Drew gave his new bride a huge grin and started walking her down the aisle to the applause of everyone present.
“Okay now?” Liam touched Aggie’s arm.
Aggie gripped her bouquet tight, the lack of blood leaving her knuckles white. “Yeah. That was pretty intense.”
“You did great. Now the fun begins. Let’s get ready to party.” Liam took her hand and followed the bride and groom out of the church, standing back far enough not to get caught up in the confetti. “I’ll give you a lift to the reception after we do the photos. You and I are following the bride and groom for a few wedding party shots, then Drew and April will have a private session. I promised Drew I’d look after you.”
Her eyes widened and Aggie shook her head. “Tell my brother to stop acting like I need a babysitter. I’m a grown woman, for goodness sake.”
He gave her a cheesy grin and wiggled his eyebrows. “I’ve noticed.”
Aggie batted his arm. “Liam...”
“What? You’re gorgeous and I have no trouble telling you. It’s just that usually you don’t give me a chance to say more than a couple of words to you unless it’s about dough rising or how much butter goes in that pastry. Normally you avoid the personal but not today. We’re not playing by your rules, Aggie, so it’s anything goes. Now that I have your attention, I’m letting you know.”
“You’re embarrassing me.” Heat flooded her cheeks and she looked like she wanted to walk away but found herself captivated by his words. Liam had hoped that their time together in the bakery had smoothed out some of her apprehensions where he was concerned. He’d been as calm as he could be over the last few weeks, making sure she was okay at work and lending moral support. Maybe she’d give him the chance he wanted to rekindle their love. At least, that was what he hoped.
“Let’s go.” Liam grabbed her hand and pulled her toward his car while the bride and groom rode off in their horse-drawn carriage. He helped her into the front seat, making sure her beautiful dress was tucked in, and then went around to the driver’s side. He grinned and started the car, heading in the same direction as the newly married couple while other guests made their way to the yacht club where the wedding reception was being held. “Let’s get the photos over and done with, and then you and I are doing our own thing.”
They followed the bride and groom and posed for the required photos before Liam took her hand again and pulled her toward the car. This time when Liam took the coast road, it wasn’t back to where the reception was being held.
Looking confused, Aggie stared at him. “Wait. Where are you taking me?”
“Wait and see. We have an hour before Drew and April will be at the reception, if not longer. I imagine the photographer is going to want to make the most of the light so you and I are going somewhere first.” He put a hand on hers. “I cleared it with Drew. Relax.”
* * *
That was half the problem. She tried to relax but in the back of her mind, a small voice prodded her with doubt. She’d heard those very words before. Relax, pretty girl. Her life hadn’t been the same since.
Aggie swallowed and took a breath. This was Liam, the man she trusted. The same guy who gave up his sleep to help her at night so she didn’t feel so alone or frightened. What could he possibly do to her that would make her worry?
“Sorry. It’s been a hectic day and my nerves are a little bit shot.” Aggie twirled a curl around her finger to try and distract her overactive brain.
“And now the hard part’s over—for you. Unlike you, I have to give a speech that will impress your brother.” He grimaced and Aggie laughed.
“Oh, right. Of course you do. Best man duties and all that fun stuff.” She shuffled in her seat so she was almost facing him. “What little nuggets of horror have you decided to share about him?”
Liam grinned. “You’re wicked, you know that? The look on your face as you think about me roasting your brother is priceless.” He turned down a coast road toward the water. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you got some perverse joy in seeing him squirm.”
“True, but what do you expect from siblings? Any chance we get to cast them in a less-than-stellar light, we take.” And she had, too. “Must be because we were always trying to outdo each other growing up. Twenty-first birthday toasts and wedding speeches are the only times you can say what you want and get away with it.” Aggie grinned at him. “The chances of them grabbing you and dunking you in a mud puddle are less in public.”
“I remember Arlo doing exactly that to you once.” He chuckled. “Drew even came to your rescue and got much the same treatment.”
Her mouth dropped open. “He did! I remember that day.” She gave a small sigh. “I want
