“Tell Sierra I’m sorry. Tell your parents thanks for everything.”
“Crane—”
“Thanks for being my brother.”
Kai’s voice cracks as he curses, but I have to end the call.
“I love you all, man. Don’t come looking for me; just understand if I could come back, I would. I’ll pay you back for the card one day. Make me proud, brother. I love you.”
TWENTY-THREE
SIERRA
FIVE YEARS LATER
“Ithink I prefer the lilac.”
Kiki frowns, holding up the two dresses on either side of me.
“You suit either, but I’m thinking of the color scheme. Cornflower blue is beautiful, too.”
I shrug with a smile, knowing how indecisive my best friend can be.
“It’s your wedding day, babe.”
Kiki grins, holding the lilac dress beneath my chin.
“Lilac it is. Maybe you could get lilac highlights in your hair?—”
“I don’t think the school would be overly pleased with that,” I laugh, taking the dress from her.
The material is like silk, but the price isn’t reflective of it.
“Do you want me to try it on?”
Kiki claps her hands together as I head into the changing room, stripping off my worn jeans and sneakers. The rose on my hip winks at me, a constant reminder of the man who left me behind.
An ache forms in my chest, but I push it back, refusing to give that fucker the time of day.
Crane Michaels.
“What time is Declan picking you up?” Kiki calls, and I frown, digging in my jeans pocket for my phone.
Declan Hale, who’d have thought it?
“In an hour.”
Kiki gasps when I come out of the room, giving her a twirl.
“Oh, Sierra.” Kiki clamps a hand to her mouth, her dark hair shimmering beneath the spotlights. “You’re the most beautiful bridesmaid in the world. I hope Greg doesn’t prefer you.”
I roll my eyes.
“Greg only has eyes for you, Kiki. His bride.”
Kiki nods, putting her hands into a prayer motion as she stares at me.
“How the fuck am I getting married?”
