“Cole updated Beckett:Stay where u r. Not sure how this will go. He’s playing now.Cole glanced at Beckett’s response:Ave Fuckong Mariea?Cole wondered how to put it:No, just noise. Not music.Beckett’s next message had no typos:Shit”

“Sometime later, Cole entered the situation. Beckett wasn’t sure if Blake had confided in Cole or if Cole just stumbled upon the ritual, but one night he joined Blake and Beckett. And then there were three.”

“Cole leaned in for a back-pounding and murmured in Beckett’s ear. “Blake and I need you alive too. Don’t forget that.”

“Eve grew uneasy. She had to tell Beckett there was another wedding to attend from a distance. Blake had refused to appoint anyone else as best man. He said it was Beckett’s place, whether he filled it or not. Cole would officiate.”

“Cole smiled. “Love you,” he whispered softly. “I’ll be back soon to show you how much.”

“Nik. All you need to do is wear this tonight, and we'll sell out."I glanced down at the shirt and then back up at Cole."Yeah, I'm sure this is the look you were going for.""You can make anything look good," he said softly.”