before me. My wedding dress felt heavy. Bryce, my fiancé,

before rushed past the entrance,

he yelled, her voi

the doorway, his

rd, grabbing Bryc

e a mistake, some horr

fondness spreading across his

d," he began, turning to me.

"I just found out. When Kelli and I

He's back in the country now. A single mom, you know how

ruggled to

s hand. They look

anaged, my voice

yce said, his tone attempting sincerity. "I

're all here anyway... maybe we can take a picture? You and

ing, pulled out her

lder, pulling me into the frame

y're family. I just need to make things right, pretend for a while. For the boy. He's innocent in all this. He

ct little family, turned a

Nolan Carter's number. He'd been a shadow in my life

ol

rong?" His voice

mbling out. "The wedding's off. I se

in the middle of a board meeting in Tokyo, just about to sign a rath

ight. Stupid idea. Fo

ang up. Stay right where you are. I'll be there before

hun

ol stucco wall of the c

tated voice cut through

Jayden's hand, Kelli on his other

nce. He lowered his voice. "What are you

" I said, my voice fl

ike that, Emily. I told you, I jus

nd I did. I understood he

my arm. "Then go home. Don't make

ious, Bryce. I'm waiting for s

rning you. This little act? It's

d up what looked suspiciously like a marriage certificate. "Here, you and Bryce can hold this and take a

my hand. I didn't take it.

it up, her voice thick with tears. "Oh, I'm so sorry

ized how petty you could be. If you can't accept K

," I

ement seemed

lady you're sorry she's sad, sw

lady! She's trying to steal my da

omeone mutter, "Wow, some people have no shame,

I are not together anymore. You don't have to w