Pretend it didn’t happen?
I laughed, the sound bitter in the quiet night.
That was going to be impossible.
Every time I looked at her, I’d remember. Every time she smiled, I’d think about how that smile had been directed at me once, warm and real and full of possibility. Every time we were in the same room, I’d be hyperaware of exactly where she was, what she was doing, who she was talking to.
I’d spend the next eight weeks wanting something I’d agreed to pretend never existed.
But I’d do it. For her. For them. For the family that had saved me when I had nothing.
Even if it killed me.
Even if every moment near her was torture.
Even if pretending was the hardest thing I’d ever done.
At least I’d get to be near her. At least I’d get that much.
I stood finally, walking back to my truck, trying not to think about how her hand had felt in mine. How right it had felt, even for those few seconds.
Eight weeks.
I could survive eight weeks.
I had to.
I got in my truck and drove home, and with every mile, I tried to convince myself that pretending was possible.
That I could look at her and not want her.
That I could be near her and not remember.
That I could survive this with my heart intact.
But as I pulled into my empty driveway and sat in the dark, staring at my grandparents’ house full of ghosts and memories, I knew the truth.
This was going to destroy me.
And there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it. Because deep down, this was the kind of pain I was familiar with and a part of me was starting to crave it already.
Chapter 9
LEIGH
I’d been to exactly two wedding planning meetings in my life, both as the photographer hired after most decisions were already made. So when Delaney texted asking me to come to the first official planning session, I had no idea what to expect.
I definitely didn’t expect an ambush.
The farmhouse was warm and welcoming when I arrived Monday morning, the kind of place that immediately made you want to kick off your shoes and stay awhile. Through the windows, I could see the pond in the distance, and my photographer’s brain was already cataloging shots and angles. It was a beautiful place to have a wedding ceremony even if it didn’t have so much significance to the couple.
“Leigh!” Delaney opened the door before I could knock, pulling me into a quick hug. “Come in, come in. Everyone’s already here.”
Everyone turned out to be more people than I’d anticipated. Because it literally was everyone. The dining room table was covered in magazines, fabric swatches, and what looked like seventeen different shades of white. Blake was already seated, her pink hair bright against the neutral tones scattered across the table. Reece sat beside her, and Billie was pouring coffee from a carafe.
And then there were the men.
Trace stood by the window, looking slightly overwhelmed by all the wedding paraphernalia. Booker leaned against the doorframe with the expression of someone who’d rather be anywhere else. Xander and Gage were debating something about parking logistics.
