I do my best to mask my true thoughts, nodding when my mother offers to fasten the necklace into place.
A choker.There’s never been a more appropriate name for a piece of jewelry that will literally feel like it’s trying to rob me of my last damn breath. It’s no better than a collar. I’m sure that was Bradley’s intent.
What follows is a whirlwind of makeup artists buzzing around the three of us while stylists coax our hair into beautiful arrangements. Mine is a low bun at the back of my head, softly curling tendrils framing my face. With my hair and makeup done, I hardly recognize myself.
I startle when Sage appears at my side, lost in the torment of all my thoughts. “Shit, did I scare you?”
I exhale. “No. Just thinking.”
She nods, her eyes moving over every one of my features. “It’s time to put the dress on.”
Shit, shit, shit. I draw in a ragged breath.
“Noah?” Sage takes a step to the side, then gently touches my arm, turning me to face her. I stare into her concerned blue eyes, my whole world crashing in on me. She draws me close, touching her forehead to mine. “What’s wrong?”
My heart gallops like a horse seeing its chance at escape, thundering under my rib cage. I swallow hard, shaking my head. “Don’t,” I whisper, the word barely audible.
Pearly white teeth clenched together, she eases back. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I do.”
“Because”—her voice hitches, blinking rapidly as we lock eyes—“if you don’t want to marry Bradley…”
“Sage, please don’t finish that thought. I’m begging you.”
“Noah—” Her voice cracks.
“Trust me.” There’s hesitation in her features, but she nods. Squeezing my eyes shut, I let her help me into the gown and do up the buttons until I’m the perfect picture of the woman Bradley wants walking down the aisle to him.
I swallow hard. In a year, it’ll all be over. And my life will be mine again. I can do this.
RHETT
19
My foot tapsagainst the floor, knee bouncing to the beat of my racing pulse. Every part of my body vibrates with anticipation and unease, making it fucking impossible to sit still.
The decision to come to Noah’s wedding is suffocating me, and there isn’t a goddamn thing I can do to soothe the regret burning through my lungs.
Never should have come. Should stand up, walk out the door, and never look back. But I can’t. I need to see it for myself.
The only girl I ever loved is marrying someone else and witnessing it with my own eyes is the only way my hope might finally die.
Scanning the arriving guests, the realization hits—sitting here is like pouring acid on an open wound. Fuck.Turns out I’m a masochist because no matter how much this hurts, I’m not going anywhere.
Bringing a hand to my Adam’s apple, my fingers slip beneath the collar of my dress shirt before finding my tie. The scrap of knotted silk feels like a noose, cutting off my air. I tug it side to side, loosening it a fraction, but it does sweet fuck all to help. Grief sits heavy and patient right under my sternum, waiting to crack me wide open. Have I lost her for good?
Hell comes in many forms, and as fate would have it, an over-the-top wedding venue is mine.
A voice in my head screams,It’s not too late to bolt!but I ignore it. I’ve spent days staring at the invitation, bouncing back and forth on my decision.
Then Kade called—right before I was set to drop Grandma Jo at the airport. A brief exchange. A few words that locked this choice into place. Words that ricocheted around my skull the entire flight here.Something about this Bradley guy rubs me the wrong way. Can’t put my finger on it, Rhett. But my instincts are never far wrong.
Kade is a lot of things, but I’d trust him with my life. If he thinks something is off, I’d be willing to bet he’s spot fucking on with his assessment.
Beside me, Grandma Jo shifts in her seat. The pearls at her throat catch the light as she turns just enough tostudy my face. “You keep clenchin’ your jaw like that, you’re gonna split a molar.”
“I’m fine.” My retort comes out automatically, polished by years of use.
