“I don’t know. Shane is,” I falter, grasping to find the correct way to word what I’m thinking. “He’s a lot like Dad, I think.”
Sienna winces. “That’s foul. But not untrue. And it’s not the first time that thought has crossed my mind.”
My laugh is empty. “It’s not great. It’s also not uncommon, you know? For people to seek out partners similar to their parents. Especially parents who’ve hurt them.”
“Klein is nothing like Dad,” Sienna points out. Her beautiful face is streaked with tears. Thank goodness the makeup artist hadn’t started on her yet, or she’d resemble a clown.
“True. But Shane is, and, well, you know how that story goes.”
Sienna wipes her face with the backs of her hands. “This is so messed up. It’s my wedding day. Mywedding day. It was supposed to be perfect.”
“It still can be.” Locating tissues across the room, I pick them up and deliver them to her.
She plucks two from the box and looks at me gratefully. “I don’t think so. I’m—” She takes a deep breath and gathers herself, pulling strength from somewhere deep inside. “I don’t want to marry a man like Dad.”
“Sienna, I didn’t mean to dissuade you. Do whatever you want. Whatever you think will make you happy.”
“That’s the thing. I don’t believe Shane is that person.” Her words exit her mouth with hesitation. “He was great when we started dating, but after a while it felt false, like awrong note played on an instrument.” Words trip from her mouth, faster now. “I felt stupid for dating him, Paisley. Because he was your ex. If I was going to be so audacious as to date him, I had to keep dating him.”
“Doubling down on a bad decision is never the right choice.”
Her hand flips into the air. “Now she tells me.”
Sticking my feet out, I cross my legs at the ankles. “So, the wedding isn’t happening?”
Sienna winds her engagement ring around her finger. “No.” Her voice is a mix of many emotions, but dominated by shock.
“It’s all going to be okay. Just keep that in mind.”
Sienna groans suddenly. “I don’t want to tell Dad.”
Tapping my nose, I say, “Not it.”
“What do you think Mom will say?”
“Who knows? She might not even notice. The hearts in her eyes probably block her vision.”
A smile attempts to find its way onto Sienna’s face. “This day is going to get worse before it gets better.”
“For you,” I point out. “For me, this day can only get better from here.”
“Thanks,” she deadpans.
“Look at it this way,” I sing, fighting my desire to finger brush her bangs over her forehead. “Untrained bangs are a vibe. “
CHAPTER 43
Paisley
“Dearly beloved,we are gathered here today to join, er...”
“Robyn Royce and Ben Patel,” I stage-whisper from my place beside my mom.
The reverend nods in short, annoyed head movements. He does not find the switcheroo amusing.
My dad’s grandmother, who’s almost deaf, says loudly in her creaky voice, “Who’s getting married? I’m confused. What the hell is going on?”
Behind me, Sienna laughs her happy laugh. She’s sad too, under all the layers, but right now she’s happy for our mom. Happy someone got to use this beautiful wedding she planned.
