April pushed between them. “Okay, you two. That’s enough. The wedding is weeks away and already you’re both acting like children. If anyone’s going to have a bridezilla moment, it’s going to be me. Are we clear on that?”
Aggie drained the rest of her drink and slammed the glass down. “Fine. Just keep him from being so damned annoying.” She glared at her brother.
“As if. You started it.” Drew pouted like a child.
“I said enough.” April slapped her hand on his chest and pushed him away from his sister. “If this is how the game is going to go, we won’t bother getting married. For goodness sake. I thought the kids were bad, but you two bickering really makes me wonder sometimes.” She stormed off into the restaurant and Drew ran after her.
“That didn’t go well.” Aggie peeked at Liam. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be snarky with him. It’s just that, I dunno, maybe I’m too tired to be nice these days.”
He held out his arms and after a second, she leaned into his chest. “It’s okay. Whatever’s bothering you, we can fix it.”
Liam felt the shudder run through her body as he held her and swore that he would find out why things had changed between them. The Aggie he held in his arms was nothing like the woman he’d fallen in love with. This Aggie was broken and sad and he desperately wanted to help her.
When he guided her inside, Drew and April were sitting at the table waiting for them. Drew had a contrite smile on his face. April had no doubt given him a talking to.
“I’m sorry, Drew. I didn’t mean to bite your head off.” Aggie dropped a quick kiss on her brother’s cheek before reaching for a chair.
“Sorry, brat. I didn’t mean to stir you up. Lots going on. Nice to see you, regardless of my bad attitude.”
Liam held the chair out for her.
“Yeah, you too. Apology accepted and I didn’t mean to snap at you either. Sorry.” She sat as Liam pushed it in. She looked up at him and smiled. “Thanks.”
That small act of normal went straight to his gut, giving him a shot of encouragement he desperately needed. He sat down but couldn’t keep the grin off his face.
A kick under the table made Liam look up. Drew stared at him and made a kissing motion with his lips before grinning.
Liam ignored him and picked up his menu. Nothing was going to take away that little glimmer of hope. Not even his best friend being a smart ass. “Wonder what the daily special is?”
Just then, the waitress came over to their table and gave them the specials and waited until they’d ordered before leaving them alone.
April clasped her hands together and smiled at them. “I thought it would be a good idea for us all to touch base about the wedding because we’re going to need help if I’m going to be any good at work. As marvelous as I am, I can’t do everything, no matter what Drew thinks.” April pushed back a curl from her forehead and shared a look with Aggie. “I’ve made a list of things I need help with, and we’re really pushing to get things done in time.” She opened her purse and took out duplicate cards, handing one to Liam and one to Aggie.
Liam stared at it. “I don’t understand why you’re rushed to do this. If it’s going to take longer to sort out, why can’t you wait?”
April took Drew’s hand and gave him a dewy smile. “You two are the first to know since you’re our best friends. We’re expecting a baby and want to get married before I start to show.”
A baby! He hadn’t seen that coming. No wonder Drew was so touchy these days. “Congratulations. That’s wonderful news. Isn’t it, Aggie?”
He could feel the tension in her body. What the heck was going on? She, of all people, should be happy for her brother and best friend. The old Aggie would have been over the moon. This one, not so much.
“That’s awesome. Congratulations. Both of you.” Her words sounded forced. She lifted her water glass and made a lame effort to toast them.
Liam glanced at Drew and saw the frown. The two men shared a look and shrugged at the same time. Liam had to find out what was making Aggie so cranky. This wasn’t the girl he’d fallen in love with, and he missed her. He was sure the whole family did. As they ate dinner, Liam tried to pinpoint when things had changed.
Could it’ve been when he was interning? Maybe he hadn’t give her enough of his time in Seattle? Because he’d put his studies first and pretty much ignored her until he found his feet as a doctor? Understandable if it was, but that was a few years ago. Surely he deserved a second chance? Or was it because he’d dated other women before coming to the conclusion that none of them measured up to Aggie?
For two years he’d been trying to find that connection again and failed. What if it was too late for them?
The very thought made his stomach hurt. Drew and April’s wedding was his chance to change that. He was on a mission to woo her and make her his, and he had no intention of giving up as easily as he had last time.
As they walked out of the restaurant to the car, Liam took a deep breath. Now was the time. He could organize another date, set the ball rolling.
“Aggie, I—
“April, can I get a lift home with you?” Aggie interrupted him, then gave a quick, apologetic smile. “Sorry. Just thought we could discuss some bridesmaid stuff.”
Liam sighed.
Holding onto Aggie was going to be harder than he’d thought.
Chapter 4
“Thanks for coming shopping with me on such short notice, Aggie.” April drove
