Say You're Mine (The Gallaghers Book 1) by Layla Hagen (comprehension books .txt) 📕

about the last five locations I’ve shown you.”

We were at Dumont’s in Tribeca, throwing a little engagement party. Rob closed it for the evening, so we had complete privacy. I loved everything about this space, from the redbrick window arches to the industrial-style light fixtures and glass tabletops.

Tess—who was, of course, our unofficial wedding planner—was showing us pictures of possible locations for the wedding. I liked every single one of them.

We decided to have an engagement party since it would take a while until we could have the actual wedding. We had to wait for the tour to be over to have time for the preparations, which included scouting locations. Tess insisted that visiting them in person was the best way to decide. I had a feeling we’d still like all of them.

“Let’s focus on the engagement party right now,” I said.

She pouted, putting her iPad away. Tess was so cute, always getting so excited when we talked about the wedding.

Everyone was here already, some sitting, some gathered in front of the open-space kitchen watching the chefs cook. I loved this concept where you could watch what was going on in the kitchen, at least on the front line. They had hidden cooking stations in the back where all the prep work happened.

We thought it might be fun if everyone went to the counter to give their order and watch as it was prepared, so there were only two servers circulating between us, carrying drinks.

Even though it was just family and close friends, there were a lot of us. We’d decided not to unite tables into a long one, because there were honestly so many of us that it made no sense. We kept the tables as they usually were, but there were no seats assigned or anything, so everyone moved around. The band and Sasha weren’t here yet, but they’d arrive any second now. The family was here though.

Josie, Hunter, and Sophie were sitting down at one of the tables, next to Ryker and Heather, who was holding Ray on her shoulder, patting his back.

Skye and Rob had come without their son, who was with Skye’s Mom. She and her husband stayed home because he was recovering from a torn ligament he’d gotten while jogging.

Cole and Laney were in the front, waiting for our food. She and I had both ordered Caesar salads. I wasn’t a fan of salads, but Dumont’s had a secret recipe or something. It was delicious. Rob insisted the secret was in the parmesan.

Mom and Dad had flown in yesterday, and they were staying at the same hotel as Brayden’s parents. They’d arrived two days ago. Sadly, Jana and Donna couldn’t take time off work, but they promised they’d be here at the wedding.

Currently, both sets of parents were in front of the counter with my brothers, all watching the cooks do their magic.

“Our parents seem to get along fine, don’t they?” Brayden asked.

“Yes. It’s a bit scary, actually.”

He chuckled. “I think my parents had resigned themselves that I would never marry and are being extra nice to make a good impression.”

“Aww, that’s cute.”

Our parents abruptly stopped talking when they noticed us.

“What’s with the sudden silence?” I asked.

Brayden glanced pointedly at his parents, but both of them just shook their heads.

Mom smiled. “Always so curious. You don’t have to know everything.”

I glanced at Dad, who pointed to Mom. “I agree with her.”

Dylan and Ian, who were on Mom’s other side, inched closer.

“Careful, Dad. Sis promised me payback when I withheld information from her,” Dylan said.

“Actually, we were talking about you two,” Mom said.

Ian cocked a brow. Dylan frowned.

“Why?” Dylan asked.

“Esther here was telling us how she never thought Brayden would find a girl, and I said that gives me hope for both of you. Who knows, next year we might fly to New York not just for one wedding but for more. Or at least another engagement party.”

The looks on my brothers’ faces were epic. I burst out laughing.

“You know what? I’m dropping any payback plans. This right here is gold!” I informed Dylan.

“So generous,” he said.

“My offer still stands. I can always introduce you to some friends of mine. Both of you.”

“Suddenly you’re extending your offer to me too? Now I’m suspicious.”

“Well, I’ll give it to them straight. Explain I have two brothers. That one’s a bit broody but actually a great guy, and the other can make you laugh, but you can’t trust him with your heart.”

“That’s your endorsement for us?” Ian asked.

I grinned. “I’m nothing if not honest.”

“Then I have no problem with you pimping us out. As long as no one expects me to be their Prince Charming.”

“I have a problem with it,” Dylan growled.

I sighed, patting Dylan’s shoulder. “Okay, point taken. I’ll leave you out of it.”

“Two Caesar salads ready,” one of the chefs announced.

A few seconds later, Laney and Cole came up with the salads. I relieved him of mine. My mouth was watering.

“Just putting it out there, but meeting the right person can change your mind. Fast. Don’t fight it,” I heard Brayden say. Was he trying to be a supportive brother-in-law again? I had no idea why that got to me so much. I loved him even more for it.

Two more dishes were called out, and Hunter and Tess joined us in the front.

“We can back that up,” Cole said, earning points for catching on to what the conversation was about so fast.

“What are you all talking about?” Hunter asked.

“Relationship bliss,” Cole said with a straight face. He was completely serious.

Ian groaned. “You all sound like you’re endorsing an ad for a dating site.”

Hunter smiled, looking around the group. “Well, I don’t want to add—”

“Then don’t,” Ian said. “I’m starting to feel a bit cornered.”

Ha! Cole and Ryker sang a similar tune not too long ago, and look at them now.

“A lot cornered,” Dylan emphasized.

“You guys almost make me sorry that I’m leaving again.”

I’d decided to join the band during the next segment of their tour as