Chapter 54

Dean’s POV

I slip away from the reception without telling anyone where I'm headed, cutting straight across the grass toward the tree line at the edge of the property.

Alvarez is right where he was hours ago.

"There he is." Easy, almost warm. "Nice speech. Your dad looked like he might cry up there."

"What do you want?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to see how the day's going."

"You already know how it's going. You're the reason it's going like shit."

He smiles a little at that, like he appreciates the honesty. "I'm just a businessman holding a man to his word, Dean. Don't make me out to be the bad guy. Where is he, by the way? Haven't seen him since the toast ended. Not on the dance floor, not working the room, nothing. Kind of odd, for a groom."

"He's around."

"He's not. I'd know." He steps closer