“And?”
“And nothing. We're not in high school anymore. We're different people.” But Dani's hand went to her hair again, smoothing strands that didn't need smoothing. “He asked about the inn. Said he'd heard we were doing events now. Wanted to know if we'd consider partnerships with local restaurants.”
“That's good business thinking.”
“That's what I said. Very professional.” Dani paused. “He's coming to the wedding.”
Kate nearly dropped the centerpiece she was holding. “What?”
“The bride's family loves his restaurant. They invited him weeks ago, apparently. He just mentioned it when I was leaving. Very casual. Very... Ryan.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t notice his name on the table place settings.”
Kate studied her sister. Dani was trying so hard to appear unaffected, but there was color in her cheeks that had nothing to do with the morning's work.
“Tell me you didn’t notice that.”
“I might have seen his name. Although, it could have been a different Ryan Caine. Besides, why wouldn't it be okay? It's been ten years. We're adults. I've lived in New York, dated plenty of people. He's stayed here, built his restaurant. We're completely different now.”
Tom appeared before Kate could respond. “Marcy’s here with extra champagne flutes. Also, Dani, why do you look like you've seen a ghost?”
“She ran into Ryan Caine, although I’m not sure if it was an accident,” James supplied helpfully.
“Ryan, the one who got away, Caine? Ryan, who wrote you that song senior year, Caine?”
“He didn't write me a song,” Dani protested.
“He absolutely did. He played it at the talent show. Everyone cried.”
“Ancient history,” Dani said firmly. “Now, can we please focus on this wedding? The florist is here.”
By four o'clock, the ceremony space had been transformed into a garden. Roses and greenery created an aisle, sage fabric draped artfully between posts, everything elegant but unfussy. Kate stood at the back, watching guests take their seats, when she spotted him.
Ryan Caine sat in the last row and watched Dani move around the yard. Gone was the lanky boy who'd played guitar at bonfires. This Ryan wore a well-fitted navy suit, his dark hair shorter and neater, his shoulders broader. He moved with the confidence of someone who'd found his place in the world.
And he was looking for someone. Kate knew exactly who.
“Is that Ryan?” Tom appeared beside her. “Damn. He grew up well.”
“Don't let Dani hear you say that.”
“Let Dani hear what?” Dani materialized, then froze. She was wearing a simple sundress, professional but pretty, and the way Ryan's face changed when he saw her told Kate everything she needed to know about his feelings.
“I should check on the caterers,” Dani said, but Tom caught her arm.
“The caterers are fine. The wedding's about to start. Just... be here. Be present.”
The music began, saving Dani from responding. The bride appeared in a simple silk dress, her face radiant. The groom waited at the arbor, already emotional. As they began their vows, Kate found herself really listening for the first time in all the weddings they'd hosted.
“I promise to choose you every morning,” the bride said, her voice clear and certain. “Even when you leave wet towels on the floor. Even when you try to reorganize my bookshelves. Even when we're old and can't remember why we walked into a room.”
“I promise to love you through every season,” the groom replied. “Through blizzards that trap us indoors and heat waves that make us cranky. Through family dinners and work stress and Sunday mornings when all we want is silence and coffee together.”
Kate watched them, these two people making promises about forever, and something shifted inside her chest. She'd never imagined marriage for herself, had never pictured standing at an altar making those kinds of promises. The inn had been her commitment, her forever.
But standing here, watching this couple in their forties, both on second tries, both choosing hope despite previous hurt, she could suddenly see it. Not the wedding itself, she'd never cared about parties and dresses. But the marriage. The daily choosing. The building of something together.
She glanced at Dani, who was definitely not looking at Ryan, and thought about second chances, about people who wait, about the difference between running away and coming home.
