“A Christmas wedding,” Cara said and smiled to the best of her ability. “In Cabo!” She tried to be enthusiastic and hoped she sounded convincing. She paused a moment and then looked at Sam sincerely. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Sam reached across the table, taking her hand in hers and smiled. She felt the tears sting her eyes. Cara was the closest thing she had to a sister. She loved her just as much as she loved her brothers. “That makes me so happy.” She bit her lip, and squeezed Cara’s hand. “There’s just one more thing.”
“What’s that?” Cara asked with their hands still joined.
“Will you be my maid of honor?” Sam asked nervously. She thought it might be a lot to ask of her, especially since she would be such a big part of the wedding, but there was no one she rather have stand beside her as she married the love of her life.
Cara smiled softly and a tear slid down her cheek. “I’d be honored.” She said hoarsely.
“Really?” Sam asked, blinking back her tears. Damn, these hormones. Who was she kidding? She got her emotions from her mother. Even if she wasn’t pregnant, she’d probably be crying. Cara released her hand and pushed back her chair. She walked around the table and leaned down to hug Sam.
“Of course.” Cara assured her as they embraced.
Nick looked across the table at Luke. “That leaves you.” He said in a matter of fact tone, fighting not to grin at his best friend.
“What about me?” Luke said as he leaned back in his chair and matched his friend’s look and lack of a grin.
“You’re going to make me ask, aren’t you?” Nick said as he crossed his arms against his chest.
Luke shrugged his shoulders, mimicking Nick, he crossed his arms as well. “And then I’m going to make you hug me.” He nodded towards the girls. “Just like that, maybe with a little more emotion.” He turned back to Nick. “And I expect tears too.” He said pointedly and arched an eyebrow, waiting patiently with an amused look on his face.
The girls broke apart from their embrace and looked between Nick and Luke. Nick cracked his neck from side to side and then winked at Luke.
“You want me on my knees too? Should’ve I gotten you a ring too?” He sighed and looked at Luke. “Will you be my best man?”
Luke looked at his oldest friend and unleashed the grin he was holding back. “Sam had more emotion in her pitch.” He heard his sister and Cara laugh and then he raised his glass tipping it towards Nick. “It would be my pleasure.” He said sincerely.
Nick raised his glass toward Luke in return salute. He spoke his gratitude with his eyes and their secret language. Luke nodded as they both downed their drinks.
“So it’s set! We’re getting married in Mexico with the two most important people in our lives standing beside us!” Sam said as she wrapped her arms around Nick. He turned in her embrace and their lips met. They kissed one another as if they were the only people in the restaurant.
Luke turned his gaze from Nick and Sam to Cara. He watched her intently as she stood to her full height and smoothed down the front of her dress. Her hands paused and something changed in her facial expression as she glanced at her hands. When Nick and Sam broke their kiss, Cara snapped out of her trance, forcing a smile towards the happy couple.
“I’ll be right back, and then we’ll toast the happy couple?” She looked at Sam who nodded in response. “Good. Excuse me.” She said softly. Turning around she walked towards what Luke suspected was the ladies room.
Sam watched her brother’s eyes follow Cara as she disappeared from their view. She saw the dark weary look fill his eyes and the memory of his argument with Leah ran through her head, followed by her conversation with Cara.
His leg fidgeted beneath the table and he looked as if he was about to jump out of his seat, but he seemed to be struggling with himself not to. She knew he wanted to go after her, but she had no idea what was pulling her brother towards her like that. Could it really be the promise he made to Jake?
She reached across the table and placed her hand over her brother’s. He turned to face her, startled. “You have to ease off, Luke.”
“What’re you talking about?” He said automatically, almost defensively.
Sam cocked her head to the side and looked at him knowingly. She didn’t need to say the words. They were evident in her eyes. Luke drew out a shaky breath and then nodded towards her. She patted his hand after a moment before pulling it back and picking up her fork again.
Luke glanced in the direction that Cara had walked and sighed before he looked back at his plate pretending to finish his meal. What he really wanted to do, was to throw his napkin onto his plate and stalk off to the bathroom. He wanted to take the pills out of her hand and flush them down the toilet and then when she fought him, knowing very well she would. He would grab her and push her against the wall. He’d fight her back only with his mouth instead… He closed his eyes and dropped his head. Where did that come from? What was he thinking?
He was out of control. For the first time in his life, he was completely, hopelessly out of control.