Page 141 of Gold Rush

“Morning!” I infuse my voice with enthusiasm when we reach the patio.

“Nice day, huh?” Flynn’s tone is cheerful, too, but his smooth face doesn’t match his voice. When he’s genuinely upbeat, his eyes crinkle, and he tends to talk with his hands.

“Beautiful out,” Knox agrees. “Especially down by the water.”

Flynn says nothing.

“See you guys inside,” Knox adds, continuing toward a set of doors that lead indoors.

I’m glad he’s gone. I’m not sure what to say now that we’re alone. “Did you sleep okay?”

“Great,” he answers in the same tone.

“Good.”

“Rory!” Scarlett walks out on the patio, wearing her signature red lipstick with a cream-colored sweater and silk pants. “Morning! We’ve been looking for you. We want to get a few photos of the cousins before everyone else arrives.” She smiles at Flynn. “Good morning, Flynn.”

“Hey, Scarlett,” he replies. “Anything I can help with?”

“No, just enjoy yourself. Food is almost out, if you’re hungry.”

He nods. “Thanks.”

Scarlett’s waiting expectantly, so I follow her inside to line up for photos in the front hall. Lili beams and hugs me, looking far more awake and refreshed than I feel. Wren and Bash eye me with concern I ignore, taking Dylan from a yawning Collins and carrying him over to look at the paintings on the wall. We’re waiting on Kit, who ran out to grab Dylan’s favorite stuffie from the car. By the time he gets back and our parents are happy with the photos, all the brunch guests have arrived, and the house is full of people. Despite all the socializing at the rehearsal dinner and wedding, there are still dozens of people I haven’t spoken to.

After the brunch buffet has been cleared, Lili and Charlie stand up and thank everyone for coming. Scarlett and Crew go next, followed by Bash and Kit. There were speeches last night, but these are more informal. Jokes about Lili being a duchess now and that marrying a doctor means fewer trips to the emergency room. Wren jumps up, too, saying how glad she is Lili wound up in England and it made her transition to university overseas much easier. Then it’s my turn. Wren catches my eye silently, gauging if I want to say anything.

I leave my spot beside Mom, walking to the front of the room.

I spent hours writing my maid-of-honor speech. But this doesn’t have to be long, just heartfelt.

“Yesterday, we all got to witness a wedding, and today, we get to see the beginning of a marriage. Lili, I’m so happy for you. Charlie, welcome to the family. Wishing you guys a lifetime of laughter, adventures, and safe trips across the Atlantic to visit us all. And … since we’re all here, celebrating love … I thought I’d share … Flynn and I are no longer dating.”

Silence.

I suck in a deep breath, then add, “We’re engaged.”

42

“Why are you mad?”

My grip is so tight on the steering wheel that I’m concerned I might snap whatever circular material is beneath the leather. “I’m not mad.”

Rory eyes my white knuckles. “You seem mad.”

“Well, you sprang an engagement on me.”

“Sprang an engagement on you? You—that—this entire thing was your idea, Flynn. I’m following the plan!”

“The plan was not for you to announce our fake engagement before I even fake proposed! And, yes, I heard how fucking ridiculous that sentence sounded. But it’s not the least bit believable that I asked you to marry me in a generic hotel room with no ring. Why the fuck would you decide to tell everyone that without even discussing it with me?”

“It was the perfect time. My whole family was there. We were just at a romantic wedding. It’s totally understandable that we’d be swept up in the moment, and have you forgotten how this is going to end? As soon as your dad gives you the money, we’re going to break up. It wasn’t supposed to be a perfect proposal!”

“I haven’t forgotten.”

“Good!”

“Great.” My hold on the wheel tightens to the point of pain.