Everyone’s head turned.
Blue snickered as he rubbed her back.
“Anna?” Silas asked, sitting up straight. “You’re pregnant?”
Lemon’s eyes glistened.
Anna nodded, forcing a smile. “With twins.” Before anyone could react, she shot to her feet and took off.
Everyone looked at Blue. “She’s going to the bathroom to throw up.”
It was chaos after that. Lemon took off to help Anna. The rest of us lined up to give Blue congratulatory hugs.
When it was my turn I whispered in his ear, “Congrats, Dad.”
“Thanks,” he said. “Maybe you can give us some pointers.”
A few minutes later Anna and Lemon returned. Lemon hugged Blue so tight. Once we were seated, and the waitress brought a basket of bread for her, Anna glanced over at me. “Sorry to steal your thunder. We were going to wait to tell everyone after you were on your honeymoon.”
I laughed. “Don’t apologize. This is the best wedding present ever.”
She smiled. “Thanks, friend.”
“I think we need a picture to capture the moment.” I reached into my purse.
But when I pulled the phone out of my bag, there was a text that would change my life forever.
Mom: Just got the news that Trevor is out of jail. I’m so sorry, Tally girl.
twenty-one
It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy; it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others.
— JANE AUSTEN
“Whooo.” I fanned my armpits, fighting back tears. My friends thought it was just my phone call with Madden. I’d called him five times since Ashton and I got engaged. I thought he should hear the news from me. He’d finally decided to return the call two hours before the wedding, calling me a name I didn’t know was in his vocabulary. Madden would be okay. Eventually. But Mom knew the truth about my tears.
Mom caught my eye and gave me a practiced smile as if to set the example. I nodded, blinking. The last thing I needed was to streak my mascara right before I walked down the aisle.
I fanned my face. “Does anyone know if Ford’s back yet?”
“Yes, he got here about fifteen minutes ago,” Anna said.
Knowing the person who was officiating had finally arrived should’ve eased my nerves. But the acid that had been trying to eat my stomach lining ever since Mom told me about Trevor, was burning as hot as ever.
Ford had flown to New York the day before, momentarily ditching beach week to film a segment for the Nocturnal Report with Nate Midnight Show. It would air tonight after everyone was asleep. Well,Iwouldn’t be asleep.
I giggled at the thought. Then I sniffed.
“He’ll be okay,” Anna said, referring to Madden. “He’ll move on. Blue and I are already working on finding him the perfect woman.”
“Yeah. I hope so. He deserves someone really great.”
Brooklyn wagged her head. “I can’t believe you’re letting Ford officiate.”
Ashton was usually the family officiator. “I think Ash is trying to make up for the whole Spy fiasco,” I said. “If anything, it should be a good memory.”
“Blue is happy not to do it.” Anna straightened the back of my dress. “The idea was making him really nervous.”
