As she walked into the suite, her cell phone rang. For an instant, she thought of Chase, imagined hearing him call her angel. Instead she recognized her brother’s number and ignored the disappointment she had no right to feel.
“Hey, sis, it’s me.”
“Michael...it’s great to hear from you.” She knew Michael and Pia had returned to Houston, knew her brother had been updated on everything that had happened. “How are you doing? Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s great. I’ve...umm...got wonderful news, sis. Pia and I... We’re getting married.”
Her heart squeezed. She tried not to think of Chase. “That’s wonderful, Mikey! I’m so glad for you. For both of you.”
“We don’t want to wait. If you can make it, we’re getting married a week from Saturday. I know it’s short notice, and we wouldn’t think of doing it unless you can be there, but—”
“Are you kidding? Of course I can be there! My big brother is getting married. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
She could feel his smile over the phone. “Okay, then. I’ll text you all the info.”
“Michael, I’m really happy for you. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
“Thanks, sis, I’ll do that. I’ll see you soon.” The call ended, and she turned to see Shana watching her.
“Michael’s getting married next weekend.”
“Wow, that’s great!”
Able to see through her happiness to the pain underneath, Shana walked over and hugged her. “I know you’re hurting right now, but in time things will get better.”
Harper nodded. In time, she’d accept the way things were and get on with her life. It didn’t make losing Chase any easier. It didn’t make her miss him any less.
Her stomach knotted.The wedding.Michael was a Garrett now. Surely his brothers would be invited to the wedding, including Chase. It was hard enough when she didn’t have to see him.
Dear God, how would she manage to get through it with him right there?
Chapter Forty-Four
Wearing a white dinner jacket that matched the one worn by the groom, Chase stood next to Michael, acting as his best man. Above the altar in the small chapel where the marriage ceremony was being held, Madonna and child watched over them through a brilliant stained-glass window.
In a long white lace gown, Pia held on to Michael’s hand while her maid of honor, Christy Riggs, held a bridal bouquet of white and pink roses.
Chase did his best to concentrate on the minister’s words, but his gaze kept straying to the beautiful woman sitting in the front pew of the chapel. She was wearing a pale blue dress that hugged her curves and stopped just above her knees. A pair of sky-high heels showed off her gorgeous legs.
He hadn’t seen Harper since the shoot-out. Honoring her request not to call, he hadn’t spoken to her, though he had finally given in and left her a message at the front desk of the Houston St. Regis, where the out-of-town guests were staying.
He had asked Harper to call him, but after rereading her note for what seemed the hundredth time, he hadn’t really expected to hear from her. She didn’t want to see him because she was Knox Winston’s daughter. Because her father was a criminal.
Chase didn’t give a flying fuck.
She couldn’t avoid him forever. She would be at the wedding and later at the reception. Considering the plans he’d made, Chase thought her avoidance might actually work in his favor.
Or maybe not.
The gray-haired minister droned on, bringing him back to the moment. As his brother and Pia repeated their vows, Chase couldn’t keep his eyes off Harper. She sat like a pale marble statue, her hands folded tensely in her lap. She hadn’t looked his way—not once—and for the first time his confidence wavered.
What if he was wrong and Harper didn’t love him?
What if he asked her to marry him and she said no?
He had talked to Michael, told him his plan and asked his permission. He and Pia had both been wildly enthusiastic. Both were convinced Harper loved him.
Still, he was taking a risk. If things went wrong... If Harper turned him down...
