Fever (Breathless #2)(97)

Jace had enlisted the aid of Gabe, Mia and Ash in an attempt to give Bethany a New Year’s Eve where she would relax and enjoy. They’d gathered at Jace’s apartment—he’d thought if they entertained in a place Bethany felt at home that perhaps she would feel more at ease—and Jace had ordered in all of Bethany’s favorite finger foods. He also made certain he had plenty of black cherry soda—Mia’s favorite—on hand, and he’d quickly discovered that Bethany loved it at first taste. He immediately made a mental note to stock more on a regular basis.

“I wanted you all to be the first to know this,” Gabe said when conversation had quieted down.

Jace turned his attention to his future brother-in-law. He and Mia were sitting on the love seat, while Jace and Bethany were cuddled on the couch. Ash occupied the armchair on the other side of Jace and Bethany.

They’d eaten themselves silly and then relaxed in the living room with drinks, the television on in preparation to watch the ball drop in Times Square. Mia had suggested they all venture down to the square for the event, but Gabe and Jace had vetoed the suggestion, not wanting to brave the crowds. There was also the fact that since Jace had no idea where Jack was or if he’d cleared up the matter of the drugs, he wasn’t taking any chances with Bethany’s safety.

Gabe gazed tenderly down at Mia, who returned his smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“We’ve finally set a date,” Gabe said after a long pause. “Or rather, Mia has set the date,” he added dryly.

Mia thumped him on the arm in reprimand and he chuckled, holding his arm in mock pain.

Bethany smiled and leaned forward eagerly. “Oh, that’s wonderful, Mia! When?”

“She’s making me wait until April,” Gabe said with a groan. “She wants a spring wedding. I tried to convince her to elope tomorrow so we could marry in Vegas on New Year’s Day. I can’t think of a better way to start the year than making the woman I love officially mine.”

Mia’s face went absolutely soft as she stared up at Gabe. Jace felt a tightening in his own chest and he squeezed Bethany back against him, enfolding her more firmly in his embrace.

This was nice. Hanging out with his family. The people who meant the most to him in this world. The woman he loved in his arms. Him watching his sister with the man who loved and adored her beyond measure.

The only thing missing was . . . Ash. Not that Ash wasn’t here. But Ash was conspicuously single. The only loner in the group.

“You make a very romantic argument for that elopement,” Mia murmured.

Gabe’s eyes gleamed mischievously. “Does that mean you’d consider it? I could have the jet fueled and ready to go in an hour.”

She whopped him again and rolled her eyes. “Nope. I want a wedding. My brother giving me away. The whole shebang.” Her expression grew wistful. “A gorgeous dress, a beautiful cake and for everyone to see me become Mrs. Gabe Hamilton.”

“And I want you to have whatever you want,” Gabe said in a serious tone that dropped all pretense of teasing. “All I want from the deal is you as my wife. Anything else is just icing on that beautiful cake you want.”

She leaned up and kissed him and Jace rolled his eyes in Ash’s direction. Ash shook his head in response.

“This means we’ll be subjected to this shit for the next four months,” Ash groaned.

Gabe laughed and Mia glowered in both Jace’s and Ash’s directions. Then she turned her attention to Bethany.

“I’d like you to be an attendant in my wedding, Bethany,” she said softly.

Bethany went tense against Jace, her mouth opening in surprise. She seemed genuinely befuddled and at a loss for words. Jace squeezed her reassuringly.

“But you hardly know me,” Bethany said. “I don’t want you to feel obligated to include me because of me and Jace . . .”

Mia smiled. “I don’t. I want you there. It’s my big day, according to Gabe, and every girl should have things exactly her way on her big day. And I want you with me.”

Bethany’s cheeks went pink but her eyes glowed with pleasure at Mia’s request. Jace wanted to hug his little sister for making Bethany feel important and included.

“Then I’d love to,” Bethany said quietly.

Mia beamed at her. “And while I’m in command mode, my girls and I are going out this week to Vibe.”

Before she could go any further, Gabe broke into a groan and Jace added his own.

“Shush, you two!” Mia admonished. Then she looked apologetically at Bethany. “As I was saying. My girls and I are going to the club and we’d love for you to come.”

Bethany glanced quickly up at Jace as if seeking his approval and he frowned.

“Of course you can go,” he whispered so the others couldn’t hear. “You don’t need my permission.”

She sent him a look that suggested she was adhering to the rules of their relationship. Something agreed upon by both of them. And he loved her for that, that she was so willing to cede power and control to him. But he wasn’t going to be a bastard about it either. He’d damn near give her the moon if she wanted it.

Besides, he already knew Mia had planned to invite Bethany for a night out with the girls. When he’d explained the situation with Jack and how down and worried Bethany had been the last several days, Mia had seized the opportunity and declared that what Bethany needed was a girls’ night out.