“I don’t see him,” I whispered. “Are you sure?”
“Forty degrees to your left.”
I followed her line of sight and felt my chest tighten.
Asher Brooks was standing in the corner in one of his perfectly tailored suits, looking polished enough to pass for aguest, a cousin, or a rich family friend. No one else in the room seemed to think he didn’t belong there.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
I didn’t give him a chance to get near the guests. I stormed over and moved right in front of him.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I hissed. “You’re not on the goddamn guest list.”
“Watch your language, Katie.” He smirked. “There’s a pastor sitting at that table.”
“You’re still not on the guest list.” I pointed to the door. “Leave now before I call security.”
“I paid him to take a fifteen-minute walk.” He shrugged. “I’ll be out of here long before that.”
“So, you’re here to ruin another one of my weddings? I think the last three should be enough for a lifetime…”
“You do know that someone pays me for this service, right?” He moved closer. “I’m not showing up because I enjoy shattering someone’s special day.”
“Then walk away and don’t mess up this one.”
“Your groom already did that by cheating during his bachelor party—twice,” he said, holding out his phone. “I’m saving you from having to make a big announcement…”
I glanced at his screen as a grainy black-and-white video played. It was hard to see faces, but I could make out a guy bending a girl over on a dance floor.
“A dirty dance at a bachelor party?” I shrugged. “You can’t be serious.”
“Keep watching.”
The dance continued for a few more seconds, and then the video cut to a crystal-clear view of the groom bouncing a woman on his lap near a pool.
I handed the phone back without saying a word.
“Do I get the ‘thank you’ now or later?” he asked.
“Never.” I rolled my eyes.
I looked across the room just in time to see Janie glance down at her phone, freeze, and replay the exact video Asher had just shown me.
Janie shoved her phone at the maid of honor with shaking hands.
The maid of honor watched the video for all of three seconds before her face twisted in disgust. Then she spun toward the stage, marched straight up the steps, and yanked the microphone out of the best man’s hand.
“The wedding is off,” she said, her voice cracking through the speakers. “Blake cheated on Janie at his bachelor party, and she just found out. If any of you need proof, check your phones.”
A heavy gasp filled the room, and Janie shot to her feet so fast her chair tipped backward. She gathered the front of her dress in both fists and stormed out, her veil trailing behind her like smoke. Blake stumbled after her, calling her name.
Within seconds, the bridesmaids and groomsmen followed, and the remaining guests stared at their phones in shock.
I remained still, frozen in place.
There was nothing I could do about this one—absolutely nothing I could say to salvage vows that didn’t deserve to be taken.
Sighing, I looked over at Asher.
