The Texas sun is already up when Brooke opens her eyes. For a moment, she lies there, a smile on her lips, still immersed in the memories of the night before. The terrace, the silence, the kiss... and Julian. He left such a vivid impression that she can hardly believe it's all real.
Peyton : Brooke!
Peyton's voice rings out from the hallway, abruptly bringing Brooke back to reality. She enters her room, already full of energy.
Peyton : Did you have a good night, sleeper?
Brooke : Yes, yes, very good night.
Peyton : You look... dreamy. Did anything interesting happen last night?
Brooke : Nothing at all. So, it's the big day, right? Ready for the most beautiful wedding in Texas?
Peyton : Well done, you change the subject. But hey, I'll leave you alone... for now!
Brooke smiles, a little relieved, and she gets up to accompany Peyton. They spend the next few hours in a joyful hustle and bustle, surrounded by the other bridesmaids and family. Peyton looks beautiful, and Brooke feels honored to be here for her.
As they go down to the garden to join the guests, Brooke sees him. Julian is there, dressed in a dark suit that suits him incredibly well. He chats with some of Jake's family, but his gaze eventually meets hers. He nods at her and a small smile plays on his lips. Peyton notices and whispers in Brooke's ear, not hiding her smile.
Peyton : There's our mystery cowboy. I wonder what you talked about last night...
Brooke : He just welcomed me to Texas.
Peyton : Sure. I'll keep a close eye on that.
Peyton walks away to find Jake, and Brooke is alone for a moment, before she feels a presence next to her.
Julian : Brooke.
Brooke turns and sees him, closer than she thought. Julian smiles at her, looking relaxed.
Julian : So, is the bride ready?
Brooke : Yes. She looks beautiful, you'll see.
Julian : I have no doubt about it.
He looks at her silently, as if he's hesitant to say something.
Julian : I've been thinking about you a lot... well, about our conversation last night.
Brooke : Oh yeah? And... why is that?
Julian : I don't know, maybe you're more interesting than other New Yorkers.
Brooke : More interesting? Is that all you found?
Julian : I am a man of action. I don't like to blabber too much.
A laugh escapes Brooke, and Julian looks surprised for a moment, before relaxing.
Julian : And you, have you thought about all this?
Brooke : I... Yeah, a little.
Before any of them can say anything else, the music starts, announcing the start of the ceremony. Julian glances at the guests who are taking their seats and tilts his head.
Julian : See you later?
Brooke : See you later.
As Brooke takes her place next to Peyton, she feels a strange tranquility. The ceremony is beautiful, full of tenderness and emotion. Jake and Peyton exchange heartfelt vows, and Brooke feels a pang of longing. Seeing two people promise each other eternal love stirs her, and she can't help but think of Julian.
As the ceremony ends and the guests head to the reception venue, Peyton comes to Brooke, beaming with happiness.
Peyton : So, did you talk to your cowboy?
Brooke : Just a little. Don't get your hopes up.
Peyton : Did you see the way he was looking at you? Don't tell me it's nothing.
Brooke pretends to ignore his remark, but deep down, she knows Peyton is right.
After the ceremony, everyone heads to the illuminated garden for dinner. Peyton and Jake break into a romantic dance to applause, and a joyful atmosphere hangs in the air. The guests chat, laugh, and Brooke watches all this, a little apart.
Julian : So, are you hiding here by yourself?
Julian's voice surprises her. Brooke turns around and sees him, a glass in his hand, staring at her with that serious yet intriguing look.
Brooke : I'm not hiding. I'm observing, that's different.
Julian : In that case, allow me to accompany you for this... observation.
Brooke takes the glass that Julian hands her with a smile, and they clink glasses in silence, their eyes meeting. He comes a little closer, and she feels her heart racing.
Julian : Tell me, Brooke, why did you come so far for Peyton's wedding? It's quite a trip.
Brooke : Because she's my best friend. She would have done the same thing for me.
Julian : It's obvious that you two are close. It's rare, that kind of friendship.
Brooke : And you? Do you have close friends like that here?
Julian : Friends, yes, but... it's different. We've all known each other forever, so it becomes more of a habit than a true friendship. It's hard to reinvent yourself in a small town like Houston.
Brooke : So, are you bored here?
Julian : Maybe that's why I'm interested in New Yorkers.
Brooke : Should I be flattered?
Julian : I would say yes.
Brooke doesn't answer right away, destabilized by the intensity of his eyes. Finally, she looks away and takes a sip of her drink to hide her confusion.
Brooke : So, what exactly do you do here, in Houston, to occupy your days?
Julian : I work on the family ranch, I do a little bit of everything: horses, construction, sometimes even a little business. Nothing too exciting, not like you in your big city.
Brooke : New York is less exciting than we think, you know. We're always running, but in the end, it's often to avoid thinking.
Julian : Avoid thinking about what, Brooke?
Brooke : A... I don't know, the things we're running from, maybe.
Julian : Are you running from something here?
Brooke : Not that I know of. And what could you be running from?
Julian : I have a feeling you'll figure me out before I figure you out.
Brooke : Does that scare you?
Julian : Maybe a little.
A romantic song starts, and the couples start dancing around them. Julian holds out his hand to Brooke with a smirk.
Julian : Dance with me.
Brooke hesitates for a moment, then slips her hand into his. They find themselves in the middle of the others, and Julian places his hand on Brooke's waist, pulling her against him. The warmth of his hand makes her shiver, and she is suddenly aware of every movement, every beat of his heart.
Julian : You dance well.
Brooke : Thanks... but you do all the work.
They turn slowly, and their eyes meet, this time with no escape. The world around them seems to fade away little by little, and Brooke feels trapped in this proximity.
Julian : I don't know what's happening to me, Brooke.
Brooke : Me neither.
He leans in slightly, his lips almost brushing hers. Brooke feels her heart beating so hard she's afraid he'll hear it. Yet she doesn't move, waiting, suspended in that moment.
Julian : Tell me to stop, if you want me to.
Brooke remains motionless, unable to speak, and after a moment of silence, Julian kisses her gently, this time more intensely than the day before. Their bodies come closer, and Brooke abandons herself completely to this kiss, forgetting everything else. When they finally separate, he looks at her, out of breath, his gaze burning with a thousand questions.
Julian : Stay here a little longer. So that... I can really get to know you.
Brooke : What if I stayed? What would you do with me?
Julian : I'll show you that Texas has nothing to envy New York.
Brooke laughs, a little nervously, and he takes her hand again, squeezing it gently, as if to make sure he's really here.
Julian : So, promise me you won't disappear right away. I still have a lot to show you here...