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So much will be lost with this outcome.

The sadness cuts deep into my heart.

My mom watches as the Montgomerys walk away before she says, “Vinny, does all of this have something to do with Emma?”

I keep my eyes down. I can’t do this with her yet. I barely know how to explain it to myself.

“Vinny?” It’s Sandy. She stands in front of me, clutching a clipboard. “I’m sorry,” she says quietly. “I was just wondering if you had an update for your guests.”

I stare at her, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone hold office supplies with that much anxiety.

“Everyone is still waiting inside the barn.”

I glance toward the main building then shift my eyes around the courtyard.

The flowers.

The food.

The champagne.

The cake that Emma and I picked out.

The photographer we paid thousands of dollars to document the happiest day of our lives.

“What do you want me to tell everyone?”

I glance back at the bridal house, where Emma and Juliet are hopefully finding some way to still be best friends, even though, moments ago, I told Juliet that a part of me has always loved Emma.

My gaze shifts to Sandy. “We’re not getting married today.” The words come out quietly.

“Okay.” Sandy’s trying not to react, but her eyes widen slightly. “I will let the guests know that they are free to leave.”

“And make sure they know it wasn’t⁠—”

I stop.

Wasn’t what?

Juliet’s fault?

Mine?

Emma’s?

I don’t even know how to finish that sentence, because assigning blame isn’t going to change anything. None of us have been honest with each other—or ourselves—for years.

She nods, sensing whatever I couldn’t say. “I’ll take care of it.” Then she’s gone.

My mom’s hand gently rests on my knee. “I’m proud of you.”

Traces of bitterness slip into my laugh. “For ruining Juliet’s life?”

“For being honest before you made a promise you weren’t sure you could make.”

I look at my mom. “Doesn’t feel like something to be proud of.”

“Probably won’t for a while.”