Stripped Down Read Free Page B

I’d hate you. That’s so freakin’ romantic.”
    “I know. I’m so lucky. I am such a sucker for that man. He keeps trying to get me…” She sighed. “Look, I need you to do me a favor.”
    “Anything.”
    London tucked a key into Mel’s cleavage. “Keep this away from me. And definitely keep it away from Sutton.”
    “What is it?”
    “The key to the ready room where we already rocked the countertop. I have to tell him that I lost it because if he had his way we’d be in there right now. I understand this is a celebration for everyone else, so I can share him for a few more hours. But I promise we ain’t gonna be here all night.”
    “Everyone will expect you to take off.”
    “Speaking of expectations…You’ve been such a huge help to me throughout the wedding planning. Mom and I couldn’t have done it without you.”
    Mel teared up. “My pleasure. But if you would’ve turned into Bridezilla at any point, I would’ve bitch-slapped you.”
    “And that’s why I love you.” London hugged her. “But don’t think for one second that I’m not aware there’s been some serious shit going on with you the last six months. You can talk to me about anything. So I’m telling you that you will be spilling your guts to me as soon as I return from my honeymoon, got it?”
    “Yes, bossy-pants.”
    “That’s Mrs . Bossy-pants to you.” London whispered, “Thank you for being my maid of honor, Mel. Thank you especially for being the sister of my heart.”
    The tears she tried to hold back fell freely. “Same goes.”
    “You have your own special chair, my darlin’ sister-in-law, so get outta mine,” Wynton said behind them, “and quit hoggin’ my wedding partner.”
    “I’m goin’, I’m goin’.”
    After he sat, he noticed Mel’s damp cheeks and he looked at London sharply. “You made her cry?”
    “They’re happy tears, I promise,” Mel said with a sniffle.
    “So you weren’t here warning her off me?” Wynton asked London.
    “I should, because you’re a serious pain in my ass. But I kinda like you, Wyn, so I’ll take the high road and not fill her in on your many conquests.” London winked. “His little black book rivals yours, Mel. So I’m thinking you two might be a match made in heaven.”
    He laughed after London flounced off. “Love that girl.”
    “Me too.”
    A voice boomed over the loudspeaker. “Let’s kick off the festivities with the bride and groom’s first dance as a married couple. Sutton and London, take the floor please.”
    Wynton scooted his chair closer. “Will you cry when you hear the song he chose?”
    “Maybe. This part and the father/daughter dance always make me cry.” Her eyes narrowed. “Wait. What do you mean the song he chose?”
    “Sutton asked London if she trusted him to pick a first dance song and surprise her.”
    “So you know what it is?”
    He nodded. “And trust me, Kentucky. You’re gonna need more tissues.”
    Turned out, he was right.
     
    * * * *
     
    Ten minutes later, when she and Wynton were on the dance floor with Cres and Stirling, the newlyweds, and both sets of parents, Mel still had a lump in her throat thinking about the song Sutton had picked. Billy Joel’s “She’s Got A Way.”
    “You all right?” Wynton murmured.
    “No. I’m just so happy that London found the perfect man for her. Sutton...gets her. I never would’ve pegged him as the romantic type.”
    “Yeah. Me neither. He told me she makes him a better man. I guess that’s something to aim for in a relationship.” Wynton smiled against her cheek. “I’m happy for him too.” He paused. “Maybe a little jealous.”
    “Jealous? You? Mr. I’m-not-settling-down?”
    “From a strictly competitive point of view,” he explained. “I’m the oldest. I should’ve gotten married first.”
    Mel tilted her head back and stared into his eyes. “I call bullshit on that. Nut up and admit you want that.” She pointed at the happy couple.
    “Fine. I want