I step closer, trying to catch her eyes. “Sweetheart—”
But she’s already turning, grabbing the leftover rolls off the counter and wrapping them up like it’s the most urgent task in the world. Her shoulders are stiff, her movements clipped.
I want to push, to make her stop and look at me, but something in the set of her jaw warns me off.
So I swallow down the guilt and set the last bowl in the dishwasher before shutting it softly.
The space around us is heavy. I hate it.
Tomorrow’s our rehearsal; the next day, she’ll be my wife. And here I am, already screwing up.
By the time the kitchen’s clean, Megan’s already grabbing her purse. Normally she stays, cuddling up on the couch with me until way too late.
“I’m gonna go,” she says, brushing her hair behind her ear.
I nod with a lump in my throat that won’t go away. “You wanna talk it out first?”
“No.” She shakes her head, and then she’s gone before I can say more. The cabin feels too quiet with just me in it, like it’s mocking me for opening my big mouth.
I head back out to my truck and grab the garment bag of groomsmen shirts that I picked up on the way home. I toss the bag on the couch then shoot off a group text.
Me: Got the shirts. Pick up tonight or I can bring them to rehearsal tomorrow.
Responses roll in quickly.
Jesse: Busy tonight, tomorrow’s better.
Wes: Same.
Cody: Be there in 10.
Figures.
A knock comes right on cue. I open the door to Cody balancing Emma on his hip.
“Karissa needed us out anyway,” he says, stepping inside. “Emma has her wanting to rip her hair out.” He laughs.
I chuckle, but it dies quickly. He notices, of course. Cody notices everything.
“What’s with the funeral face?” he asks, and steps further into the house. “Whoa, and what is this? Barbie’s Dreamhouse?”
“Don’t get me started.” I grunt.
He laughs hard and sets Emma down. “Dude, you’re in for it.”
“Whatever, man.” I pick up the shirt and shove it at him.
“For a guy getting married in two days, you seem pretty pissed off.”
I scrub a hand down my jaw. “Yeah, well, I…said something dumb.”
“Shocker,” Cody deadpans.
I glare at him.
“Alright. So what was it?”
“Just mentioned mom’s stew, and next thing I know, she’s upset and leaving early.”
