My Ex-Boyfriend’s Brothers (Ex Marks the Spot)

50. Maggie

50

***Maggie***

“ I ’d like to raise a toast to the woman of the hour. My new best friend, Christina! This isn’t the party we thought we’d be throwing, but it’s an even better party in a way. She’s free. Lift your glasses for dodging bullets and telling cheating assholes where to stick it!” I tapped my glass to Christina’s and drained the expensive champagne. “Drink up, everybody! Let’s not waste a drop!”

Christina caught me around the waist when I stepped off the stage. “Who knew you were such a partier?!”

I snorted, something I only did while drunk. “I’m cheap. They’re going to charge you for the alcohol whether you drink it or not. Might as well drink it!”

Christina’s older brother moved between us and wrapped his arm around both of us. “Ladies. While I’m sorry I missed the chance to kick Brad’s ass, I’m very glad I got in before the storm and in time to watch you two party like animals.”

“Billy, dance with Maggie while I go get more champagne!” She hurried away in the wedding dress we’d altered for her in her suite earlier in the day. It was dyed with the only thing we could find, coffee, and cut into a mini dress that made her legs look amazing. She was killing it.

I was so focused on her that it took me a second to realize she’d told Billy to dance with me. I laughed as he pulled me into his arms and shook my head. “I might’ve just had my heart broken, but I don’t need sympathy dances.”

“Come on, kid. My wife is nine months pregnant and threatened to kill me if I even think about asking her to dance tonight. You’d be doing me the favor.” He kept a respectable space between our bodies and spun me around. “If you’re going to throw up, just let me know! I got really good at dodging vomit during Hailey’s first trimester.”

I looked across the room and spotted the very pregnant blonde. She grinned at me and waved so I waved back and figured a little dancing wouldn’t hurt. “She’s beautiful. What are you having?”

“We don’t know. It’s going to be a surprise. She thinks I want a boy but secretly I’m hoping for a little girl with her mom’s eyes.” He winked at his wife and shot her a grin that made the ache in my chest that much worse. “I didn’t see Christina and Brad as happy as Hailey and I are. I told myself it was just because I didn’t see them a lot but I think we all knew he wasn’t good enough for her. Honestly, this is so much better for her. She’s got a chance to find someone she truly loves now. And someone who truly loves her. Someone not unlike my friend, Mac.”

“Oh?”

“Mac’s had a thing for her for as long as I’ve known him, since we were kids. He thinks I don’t know but I do. I figure I’ll wait a week or so and then start playing matchmaker.” He twirled me and then pointed to the bar where Christina was standing next to a handsome man with curly red hair. “I might not have much to do after all.”

We both stopped to watch as Mac leaned in and whispered something to Christina that made her laugh. They looked good together. More importantly, it was clear even from across the room that Mac was crazy about her.

“She looks happy with him. I hope it does happen. She’s so kind and she deserves the world. Brad was never going to give her that.” I looked back at Billy. “Did you know I dated Brad for three years?”

“Shit. Is that why you’re heartbroken?”

I let out a bark of laughter and slapped my hand over my mouth. I was sure I’d had too much to drink. “God, no. Gross. Unfortunately, Brad has three older brothers who stole my heart, believed I was a skank, and then fled the coop.”

His eyebrows crawled up his forehead. “What?”

“Forget it. I don’t want to talk about them anyway.”

He shrugged. “Alright.”

After Billy, I danced with Christina’s dad and a few of her cousins before I was drunk enough that any swaying made me feel like getting sick. The party had been a success and my job was done. I hadn’t gotten a couple to their wedding but I’d done something much better, in my opinion. Christina had spent the entire night talking to Mac and I had a feeling things were happening there.

It was late and the surprise snow storm that had come in was finally breaking up enough for me to make it to the cabin without getting cold and wet. I already had plans with Christina for brunch the next day so I waved goodbye and hiked my gown up around my hips so I could keep it off the wet ground. I also had another bottle of champagne in my hand. I was desperate to keep the buzz going so I didn’t have to think about the Heath brothers.

“Maggie!”

I turned around and smiled when I saw Christina’s cousin, James, jogging over to me. “Hey! This isn’t the last bottle of champagne! I swear there are more in there.”

He laughed and shrugged his suit jacket off so he could put it around my shoulders. “I saw you leave and figured I’d walk you home. The champagne is all yours, I promise.”

“That is so nice of you! Especially the part where you don’t want my champagne.” I gave up on my dress and gripped the sides of his jacket instead. It didn’t close around my chest completely and I was struck with the painful reminder that the guys’ clothes swamped me.

“What you did for Chris is amazing. This could’ve been the worst day of her life but I think you managed to turn it around. She’s having a blast.” He let me lead the way as we walked side by side. “So, what about you? Is there a Mr. Amazing Event Planner at home?”

I groaned. “No. There’s not even a plant waiting for me back home.”

“I’m in the area often enough… I would love to take you out sometime.”

“That’s so kind of you, James, but I just spent two days straight crying over my last relationship and I don’t think I’m going to be ready for anything else for a long time.” I hefted the bottle. “Except for this bad boy.”

He ducked his head and smiled. “My loss. If you change your mind, Christina has my number. I’m a patient man.”