I look down at my lap. “I guess I haven’t spoken to her. Maybe I’m making too much of this. I only spent a few days with her.”
“You’re making excuses again. You’re talking yourself out of it.”
“Holy shit! You’re right.” I look over at Brook, and she’s smiling.
She turns serious and touches the side of my arm. “Talk to her. Tell her how you feel. Find out what she thinks instead of guessing. You might be surprised.”
I shake my head. “It’s too late. She’s seeing that other male.”
“Is that the reality, or is that the fear talking? You won’t know until you actually go and find out.”
I’m nodding before she’s even finished. “You’re right. I think you might be onto something.” I look over at her properly. “I’m adding intuitive and smart to the list of attributes. You’re a find, Brook. I wish things could be different.”
She smiles, soft around the edges.
I narrow my eyes at her. “Why are you single? I hear Mistveil is crawling with unmated males. That you guys are at a ratio of fifteen to one, or something crazy like that.”
She shrugs, looking out the windshield instead of at me. “I guess I haven’t found the right male yet.”
“Really?” I lift a brow. “Might be worth taking a closer look at that. Take some of your own advice about making excuses and running scared.”
“I’m not scared of commitment.” She gives a small laugh, higher than the rest of them, and her smile doesn’t quite make it all the way up to her eyes.
“You should still give it some thought. It’s ultimately for you to decide. You have an island full of males and yet you’re interested in someone who is miles away and unavailable.”
She nods. “I didn’t realize you were unavailable.”
“Or maybe you did, but you’ve been lying to yourself.” I hold up my hands. “Either way, only you will know for sure. Should we head in?” I offer. “Let’s forget all the bullshit, and just enjoy the night.”
“That sounds great.”
“Wait right there.” I’m already pushing my door open. I jog around the hood and pull hers open before she can do it herself. “I’m glad you came, Brook.”
“Me, too.” She takes my arm. “And if you need me to make her a little jealous, I won’t mind at all.” She winks at me.
“I doubt that will be necessary.” I laugh. We head to the chapel where Flint and Ridge are standing, greeting the first of the guests.
44
Carla
Cath gives her sister one last squeeze and disappears inside the chapel; the big door swings shut behind her, cutting off the murmur of voices from within.
Then it’s just the two of us on the stone step.
“Okay,” I say. “It’s time to put your veil on.”
“I’m so excited.” Robyn gives a little bounce. I’m shocked at how relaxed she is.
She bows her head, and I lift the comb into the pinned crown of her hair, working it in the way Yvette showed me earlier, until it holds. I arrange the fall of it over her shoulders and step back to check my work. The lace catches the light. She looks like she stepped out of a bridal magazine.
“That’s perfect,” I tell her, and hand over the simple bouquet of white roses.
Robyn wraps both hands around the stems and pulls in a slow breath through her nose.
“Are you ready?” I ask.
She looks up at me, and her eyes are clear and steady and shining all at once.
