The Billionaire's Kiss(104)

Callie always had such grand expectations for things, and Charlotte wanted to surpass them. After all, Callie had made her Maid of Honor. Of course, she had also named Amy as Matron of honor, so their duties were shared. As Charlotte stepped through the front door into the marble entryway of Callie’s palatial home, she wondered what she could possibly do to upstage Callie’s happiness. She wanted to make this a party to remember. Everything had gone perfectly for Callie and Logan over the past year. Every time Charlotte saw them, she knew she was in the presence of true and complete love. Affectionate but not annoying, they were casual and lovely and everything a couple should be. Logan had won over everyone in Callie’s family through his devotion to her. Even Ethan, his former rival, agreed that Logan and Callie were perfect for each other. So it was going to be hard to top any of that. What kind of party do you throw for the woman who has everything? Charlotte had given it her best shot.

Charlotte looked down the length of the house, past the gleaming, open kitchen and the dining room. Half of the furniture was still in boxes or partially unpacked as Callie decided where she wanted everything. This is a different world, Charlotte thought. She was so happy for Callie, but she couldn’t help feeling out of place.

Logan bounded down the stairs wearing a tuxedo, his dirty blonde hair still tousled as always. He tapped Callie on the shoulder and gave her a kiss. He held for for a moment, letting the kiss linger. “Have fun tonight,” he said.

“Keep your phone on you, and don’t get into too much trouble,” Callie said. “Remember, we have to get married in two weeks.”

Logan laughed and brushed a strand of hair back from Callie’s face. He always looked at her that way, like she was the only woman in the world, and Callie always looked back like he was the only man. In a way, they were. They were perfect for each other like nobody else could be. Concurrent bachelor and bachelorette parties had been Logan’s idea, a way of minimizing their time apart. For them, even a few hours apart seemed like torture. Charlotte marveled at how Callie had managed to find that sort of love while balancing an insane work schedule and family obligations.

“Enough of this lovey-dovey stuff,” Vi called from the kitchen. “Is this a party or what? Everyone has to try one of my patented cocktails before we put this show on the road.”

“Except for Amy,” Callie yelled back. Charlotte watched Amy pour herself a glass of Perrier. Her bump was starting to show. She and Ethan were already several months on their way to their second baby.

“I’ll leave you ladies to it,” Logan said, heading to the door for his own party. He shot Charlotte a glance and shook his head. “If I were you, I’d pass on Vi’s cocktail. I’m pretty sure the main ingredient is rubbing alcohol,” he whispered.

“Last time I let you in on a secret,” Vi called from the kitchen.

Callie grabbed Charlotte’s arm. “If you have one I’ll have one.” This was an old refrain, one they had practiced over years of nights on the town together. It was a great way to keep from getting in trouble, and a better way of keeping things interesting.

“Deal,” Charlotte said.

The next hour passed in a blur, after Vi poured drink after drink while telling a convoluted story that involved the Vatican, three cousins named Lorenzo, and a stray dog named Charlie. Amy and Charlotte kept asking her for more details. Without fail, Vi was able to provide them. By the time the limo arrived, everyone was in good spirits. Everyone except Callie.

It wasn’t that Callie was sad or upset. She was just quiet, reserved, in the way she was when something was gnawing at her. As they piled into the limo, Charlotte figured it was the perfect time to try and lift her mood. “Alright, Callie, now that we’re on our way, we have set up some trivia for you to see how well you and your husband to be know each other.”

“Oh no,” Callie said. She started to blush a bit. “I’m not sure I even want to know.”

“We’ll start easy, dear,” Vi said. “Boxers or briefs?”

“Am I giving my answer or what I think he’d say?”

“Both,” Amy said.

“Then neither,” Callie said.

“Correct,” Vi replied.

“What does Logan say is your best physical feature?”

“He better have said my eyes,” Callie shot back, “but I’m going to guess he said something else.”

“Which one?” Charlotte said.

“Eyes.”

“Sorry, he said butt.”

They rifled through the questions as they headed out of town, and while everyone laughed almost to the point of crying, Charlotte could tell that there was still something off. Someone who hadn’t lived with Callie for so long might have looked at the smile on her face and thought everything was fine, but Charlotte saw through her. While Vi and Amy argued about who was more responsible for Callie ending up with Logan, Charlotte whispered, “Hey, what’s going on? I know you, and I just want you to be happy. We have an incredible weekend planned for you, and don’t worry, it doesn’t include the boots.”