Sebastian bent, hooked pinkies, thumb-stamped it. Leo grinned, satisfied.
I watched them, a little dazed. In France, Sebastian visited often, always with gifts for Leo, taking him to the park, teaching him to bike. He never asked about Leo's dad, never pried into my past. He was just there, close enough to lean on, no strings.
"You look off." Sebastian's voice snapped me back. He eyed me, brow creased. "Something wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Every time you say nothing, it's something." He leaned back, arms crossed, relaxed, but his eyes drilled. "Need help?"
"No."
"Olivia." His voice softened. "I think at Sophie's wedding, every lady gets an escort, right?"
I blinked.
"You going alone with Leo? It'll wear you out." He continued. "Plus, you'll need a dance partner. Mind if I tag along?"
"I—"
"Mom, let Uncle Seb come!" Leo yanked my sleeve. "He can play with me, so you can help Aunt Sophie!"
I met Leo's eager eyes, then Sebastian's. He smiled, gentle, so gentle it twisted guilt in me—because I said yes not for him, but for a distraction from Ezio.
"Okay," I said. "Thanks."
Leo whooped, leaped into Sebastian's arms. Sebastian hoisted him overhead, making him giggle. Watching, I cracked a real smile, first in ages.
Sophie's wedding was in a small chapel. Sunlight streamed through stained-glass windows, splashing rainbow spots on the floor.
I wore a pale lavender gown, hair pinned up with a pearl clip from Sophie. She stood before me in white, bouquet in hand, took a deep breath.
"Olivia, I'm nervous."
"Don't be." I adjusted her veil. "Just walk to him."
"How do I look? The veil?"
"Relax, you're gorgeous, hon."
She smiled, hooked my arm. Music swelled, and we stepped toward the altar. Glass-tinted light danced on her dress, my skirt, guests' faces.
I focused ahead, on the waiting groom. Sophie's hand trembled on my arm; I patted it. Then my peripheral caught something—in the aisle shadow, by a pillar.
Dark suit, tie neat. He lounged against the pillar, hands pocketed, casual, but his eyes pinned me.
My step faltered.
Sophie noticed, whispered, "Olivia?"
"Nothing." I yanked my gaze forward, kept walking.
But my heart hammered. What was he doing here?
Sophie glanced, lips curved. "Olivia, someone's watching you."
"Shut it."
"Corner guy, eyes like daggers."
