Chapter 42

Dean’s POV

I take way longer getting ready than I probably need to, longer than it should ever take just to put on a suit. Iron the shirt twice — the first time I get distracted mid-crease and nearly scorch a whole line straight across the collar, catch it right before it actually sets, the smell of hot cotton hanging in the air for a second after.

"Shit, shit, shit," I mutter under my breath, then start over.

I redo the collar itself another three times before it actually sits right. Drop the cufflink twice, watch it roll under the dresser both times, have to get down on the floor after it.

The wedding's tomorrow, which means tonight's the rehearsal dinner, and all I have to do for the next few hours is put on a suit, be a good son, and get through it.

***

The venue's out at the old orchard past the highway — string lights looped between the apple trees, long tables draped white, the whole place faintly smelling li