Her Brother's Best Friend

Emily Franklin is a five-star chef, but outside the kitchen, she doesn’t see herself as anything special. Navigating the wedding world as her best friend’s maid of honor, she’s certain it’s the only wedding planning she’ll be doing.

Cole Sanford is cool and confident and could have any girl he wants. At least that’s what everyone thinks. Truth is, he’s terrified to commit to a relationship. It doesn’t help that the only girl he can think about is his best friend’s sister. He knows better than to risk the friendship, especially in the middle of his job as best man.

When the maid of honor and best man are asked to plan a couples shower, Emily and Cole find themselves spending a lot of time together. Between cake tastings and menu planning, their mutual attraction is hard to hide.

Can Cole overcome his fear of a relationship and admit his feelings, or will they be forever stuck in the brother’s best friend zone?

Emily Franklin had been a bridesmaid more times than she could count. She faced the mirror in the dressing room of the bridal shop and looked at herself in the pale-pink, floor-length dress. She should be excited. And she was, really. Being a maid of honor was exciting, but how many people got to stand up at the wedding of their best friend and their own brother? Yes, she was happy for Ally and Jackson. She loved them. Why wouldn’t she be happy? 

Emily sighed. Maybe it was because she was starting to believe she would never stand in front of a mirror like this in a wedding dress that wasn’t for a bridesmaid. 

“Em, are you coming out? I want to see it,” Ally called from the other side of the door. 

Emily put on a smile. Yes, she was happy for her friend. Today was about Ally, not Emily. “Coming,” she called out, her voice cheerful. She opened the door and revealed the dress. 

Ally raised her fingertips to her lips and gasped softly. 

Emily watched as her best friend and roommate’s eyes glistened. She had been pretty emotional about all the wedding planning. Emily had also tried on six other dresses, so she wasn’t getting her hopes up yet. 

Ally nodded and Emily turned in a circle. “That’s the one.” 

Emily’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? Are you sure? What about the strapless one?”

“No, this is it. I’m sure.” 

Emily turned to face another wall of mirrors. She admired the silky look of the gown and the way it moved elegantly as she took a few steps. The neckline formed a V, and she had to admit it looked classy and feminine. She pushed her long blonde hair behind her shoulders and tilted her head as she looked at herself in the mirror. 

Ally squealed behind her. “Em, this is the dress you’re going to wear in my wedding!” 

Emily smiled as she turned and the two embraced. They had dreamed of this event together since their freshman year of college when they first became roommates. It had taken a few more years than they expected, but it was finally here. For Ally, anyway. 

Ally wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Can you believe it?” 

Emily nodded. “I can. It’s going to be perfect, Ally.”

“I don’t care if it’s perfect, I’m just happy.” Ally had struggled for a long time with controlling every detail of her life. Emily was glad to see Ally be able to relax a bit and not worry so much. Even if she still liked things a certain way. “Who knows?” Ally shrugged. “Maybe you’ll meet someone at the wedding. In that dress, you’ll be the envy of everyone there.”

Emily laughed as she reached for Ally’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Nope, that honor is reserved for you, my friend.”