Whiskey Wedding (Tasting Nashville series Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

loss.” I breathe in a deep sigh as stinging tears spill over my ashen cheeks.
    “There’s not a lot to say, sweetie. We know what’s going on. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.”
    I smile at my friend. A faint, halfhearted smile, but at least it’s an effort. “I appreciate that. You guys have done too much already. I can’t let you take care of this mess. Dean should be here cleaning up his own shit.”
    I drop my face in my hands again. I’m unable to get the sobbing under control. I feel like an idiot. He’s never done anything like this before. I’m embarrassed, ashamed, and beyond pissed. The tears are no longer sad or heartbroken tears. No, I’ve moved on. They’re now run for your life, pissed off tears. They’re you fucking left me tears. They’re disappointed tears.
    “No word?” I told myself that I wouldn’t ask. If Dean had called, it would have been the first thing out of Judy’s mouth. And after the pained expression on her beautiful, weathered face, I wish I hadn’t.
    “Sorry, hun.”
    The sound of heavy footsteps coming up the stairs sends me reeling out of bed and rushing to the doorway. My heart plummets when I see Rick.
    “Uh,” he stammers. “Joselyn, there’s someone here to see you. I didn’t know if you were up for it. If not, I can tell him to take a hike.”
    My brow creases.
    Rick clears his throat before continuing. “Sounds like he’s a relative of Dean’s or something. Clive Covington?”
    My pulse skyrockets. Adrenaline rushes through my body. This man has crossed the line. I run down the stairs two at a time. Standing on the opposite side of the door, I smooth my hair back, even though I have no idea why. I struggle to steady my breathing before turning the knob. I don’t invite him in, choosing to step out on to the porch.
    The man’s back is turned toward the house until he hears the door close. My heart rolls in my chest. He’s an older version of Dean. The same dark hair, only with a few gray tufts. His blue eyes are heavy, older with deep, harsh lines. I shudder. I have noticed the same lines appearing around Dean’s warm eyes. The two are close in height. Clive’s not near as muscular or handsome as Dean, but when you look beyond his rugged edges, the father son genetics are undeniable.
    “Ms. Tillman.” He removes his hat, holding it at his side.
    “Mr. Covington.” My curt tone causes me to stand up straighter, jutting my chin in the air.
    “I’m real sorry to just pop in on you like this. I know how we left things on the phone and we had a plan.”
    “No, Mr. Covington, I had a plan. You agreed to it, at least I thought you had. Now that you’re standing here on my porch, I’m only left to assume that you’ve taken it upon yourself to alter that plan.”
    He clenches his jaw and it suddenly hits me. I know nothing about this man, other than the fact that he’s Dean’s father and an ex-convict. I don’t even know if he’s dangerous, with the exception of the obvious threat.
    “Like I said, I’m sorry for just showing up.” He tilts his head, rubbing the back of his neck. “Shit, I’m sorry. I’m not here to start any trouble or step on any toes.”
    “Then why are you here?”
    “I just wanna see my son. After catching up with Mel, I decided it probably wasn’t a real good idea to hijack his wedding day and all. Thought maybe it might be a good time to man up and come on out to face him head on. Hell, the wedding’s tonight anyway, right?”
    I twist my lips. Folding my arms across my chest, I attempt to disguise my rapid heartbeat.
    Clive shoves his hands into his jean pockets and continues. “Again, I know it ain’t how you and Mel wanted this thing to go down, but I feel like I owe my boy at least that.”
    Shit .
    I don’t want anything to do with this man. Not after the way Dean left at the mention of his name. But I sure as shit wasn’t expecting him to show up out of nowhere and do the right thing. My lungs are