It was on a day that Rowan had to work, but Carly was home, that things started to get weird. Carly had asked for my help with Rin today, considering there were a few things work wise she had to do at home in her office. I obviously couldn't have been happier to help. 

I still wasn't feeling all too energetic, so I was overjoyed to stay inside today. While Rin and I were coloring in front of the coffee table—as we always did—Carly was meandering about in the kitchen. It had been a busy morning for her, so I just assumed she was preparing herself something to eat. 

Instead, a questioning "Alek? Can you come here a second?" reached the living room from the kitchen and I quickly called back an affirmative. 

I whispered an "I'll be back, Bud," as I ruffled Rin's hair and then made my way into the kitchen. 

Carly was hovering over the marble counter of the kitchen island when I stopped by the doorway, a single curl hanging free from her messy low ponytail and sitting directly in her face. 

She puffed some air at the curl to get it out of her way and I watched in amusement as it laid back down exactly where it had been previously. 

"There's a letter here for you. Some kind of wedding invitation for someone, I think." She stated, a curious lilt to her voice. Once I reached the other side of the island, she slid the letter across the countertop in my direction. 

For Soon to be Mr. And Mrs. Wick, the letter read. That only furthered my confusion. I don't know anyone with the surname Wick?

I shrugged and opened the letter to see who had mistakenly sent an invite. I never got mail here—which was definitely the reason Carly was staring so intently at the envelope in my hands—unless it was a bill of some kind. 

Once I got the envelope opened, I pulled out a shimmering, almost golden piece of paper and my eyes widened. 

William Wick and Evelyn Atwood politely invite you to their wedding ceremony being held on July 12th at 10:00 AM. Please arrive to ##### Jackson, Blvd. in So-and-So Town, State. The dress code is as follows: formal wear, yellow and/or brown colors preferred. RSVP for yourself and plus one through this number: (###) ###-####. The bride and groom hope to see you there.

"Oh." I gently set the letter back down on the island and ran a shaking hand through my hair. 

"What 'oh'? What is it?" Carly asked, eyebrows furrowing as she looked at me. 

Evelyn Atwood. It had been years since my sister and I spoke to each other, and now Lyn was getting married and I didn't even know there was a man in the picture? 

All of this felt wrong. It wasn't meant to happen this way. We promised to be each other's best man/maid of honor for the weddings we would dream about and gush over to each other, but instead I was hearing about her wedding straight from an invitation they probably didn't even want to send? And that's not including the fact I had no idea how they got my address. 

"Um, it's my sister's. She's getting married." I knew I made a mistake as soon as I opened my mouth when Carly's whole face lit up. 

"Oh, how wonderful! Does it say you can bring someone? When is it? Oh, just let me see-" Before I could even process any of her words, the letter was in Carly's hands. 

No one could ever say that Carly wasn't persistent. Or that she wasn't nosy, but I digress. 

"Oh no! I have to work on the 12th, but Rowan has an off day. He could go with you and Rin!" 

"Oh, no, Carly, that's okay. I probably won't go—"

"Nonsense! It'll be fun, and who wants to miss their sister's wedding day? Oh, and it's the perfect excuse to go shopping! I haven't bought little Rin anything formal in far too long. You better send pictures! Oh my, the three of you are going to look absolutely adorable!" Carly gestured her hands around wildly, wearing a smile so huge I thought for a moment her face might split in half. She was quite literally vibrating with excitement. 

I didn't have the heart to tell her that Lyn was most likely hoping I'd outright ignore the invite she sent. 

"I should go ahead and RSVP for you three, get that out of the way! I can't wait to see you all dolled up, Alek. You're so beautiful, please let me pick an outfit for you!" The rambunctious omega continued on, already beginning to dial the number into her phone as she looked at me with pleading eyes. 

"Oh, um, sure?" I nodded along like the idiot I was. 

Her returning smile assured me I had said the right thing.

Carly Madden was a force to be reckoned with and I, for one, did not want to reckon with her. 

I guess I'm going to a wedding?

A/N~ Check out chapter 14 now on Patreon and Ream! Rowan and Alek have a little one on one chat;)

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