I swallow.
Then swallow again.
And wish Sabrina was here. “I heard Chandler was driving and Theo took the fall for him,” I whisper.
Emma’s lips part.
Mr. Monroe’s face twists.
“But like I said, I’m sure I heard wrong. Other people would’ve known. It’s not like they were the only two people there.”
“Chandler wasn’t there,” Emma says slowly. “He told me he wasn’t even there.”
AndTheo doesn’t lie.
Not about stuff like this.
He owns it.
He owns itwhen he breaks the rules.
“Em, Theo wants you to be happy,” I say, desperation creeping into my voice. “That’s all he wants. For you to get the wedding of your dreams to the man of your dreams. Not to rehash history. He’sgladhe went to jail. He said it’s the best thing that ever happened to him. It doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t. I’m sorry. It’s stress. I’ve been so worried I’d screw something up or not fix the right thing, and—”
“Laney,” she whispers, “it’s okay.”
It doesn’t feel okay.
It feels like I’ve just crushed her favorite kitten.
She touches her dad’s elbow. “You should go have a seat. It’s almost time.”
He looks between us, then nods and hugs her tight. “So beautiful,” I hear him say. “You look just like your mama.”
There’s no fuss over her walking herself down the aisle. Mr. Monroe isn’t the type to put himself in front of what his kids want.
And he’s pretty quiet most of the time.
I think he’d prefer tonothave the attention on him.
And when he’s gone, Emma forces a smile at me. “Thank you,” she whispers.
“Em—”
“No, Laney, I mean it. Thank you. Foreverything. I asked the most awful thing I could ever ask of anyone, and you didn’t even hesitate. I know how much you’re putting into making sure everything happens the way I want it to, and that’s—that’s so much more than I deserve or should expect of anyone. I didn’t want to be a bridezilla—”
“Emma Monroe, you are not a bridezilla.”
“But I made everyone come here to Hawaii for this stupid fantasy I had about the perfect wedding—”
“Youinvitedeveryone, andthey chose to comebecausewe all adore you.”
“And everything’s falling apart.”
I crush her in a steady hug, knowing I can’t fix everything.
Not even close.
“Do you want to get married to Chandler today?” I ask her.
