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My cheeks flush. “Oh, I don't know about all that.”

CHAPTER 3

Camille

DAY 1: THE MEET & MINGLE

It’s a stunning evening, the sky is fading into orange and yellow, reflecting across the water. There are high-top tables draped in crisp white linens, scattered throughout the lawn, each one featuring a candle and a single white rose in a crystal vase as the centerpiece. It’s timeless and beautiful. Strands of fairy lights hang from the trees, casting a golden glow over the big courtyard. There are over 150 guests in attendance this weekend. A massive crowd ranges from extended family to lifelong friends, plus the tight-knit high school and college circles who have remained close with Ivy and Cooper over the years.

A waiter strolls past, balancing a silver tray with crystal flutes of champagne. I lift a glass from the tray, condensation dripping, and take a long sip, letting the crisp, bubbly zing hit the back of my throat. Setting the glass down on a nearby table, I catch sight of a thick piece of ivory cardstock—the official itinerary for the week.

Day 1: Meet & Mingle (Welcome Cocktails)

Day 2: Rest & Recharge (Free Day / Guest Arrivals)

Day 3: Wine & Wind Down (Vineyard & Bonfire)

Day 4: Boat & Bach (Lake Cruise & Bachelor/Bachelorette Night Out)

Day 5: Practice & Pasta (Rehearsal & Dinner)

Day 6: "I Do" (Wedding Day!)

Day 7: Hugs & Honeymoon (Departures)

Looking at the schedule, it seems tomorrow is our only free day. I plan to spend it lying by the shore with a good book, soaking up the sun and catching a tan. With everything lined up for the rest of the week, I’m going to need every second of that downtime to charge my social battery fully.

“Camille?” A voice in front of me asks. I look up from the cardstock in my hand and see two guys standing before me, smiling—Christian and Alex, football players from high school.

Christian and Alex were always friendly, but they never went out of their way to notice or talk to me when we were younger.

“Hey!” I say, putting down the itinerary on the table next to me. “It's so good to see you guys, thanks for coming.” They both pull me into a tight hug, bringing with them a clean scent of aftershave.

“How long has it been?” Alex asks, stepping back with a wide grin. “Six years?”

“Yeah, six years sounds about right.” I flash them a smile.

Christian eyes me up and down, rubbing a slow hand down his jaw. “You look incredible, Camille! Are you here with anyone?”

“I’m not actually,” I say, sweeping a strand of hair off my neck, exposing my collarbone.

“Well then, maybe I'll be lucky enough to get a dance at the reception,” Christian says with a wink, brushing his fingers through his thick blonde hair.

“Maybe,” I tease, lifting the champagne flute back to my lips. Needing to hide the flush forming on my cheeks.

“Alright, smooth talker, let's go find Ivy and Cooper,” Alex says, giving Christian’s shoulders a firm pat. He turns back to me with a warm smile. “Camille, it was so great seeing you. Can we catch up properly soon?”

“Definitely, I'll be around.”

The second they blend into the crowd, I swallow the rest of my champagne in one go. My heart is beating a little too fast. Trying to ground myself, I look out over the sea of guests, only to freeze. Across the lawn, Drew is staring right at me. He’s standing with my dad and brother, but his body language is completely detached from them. His focus is entirely pinned on me. My chest tightens as a realization hits. Has he been watching me this whole time?

Ivy steps up and raises her glass, capturing the attention of the entire lawn. Cooper smiles down at her, his arm looped securely around her waist.

“I just want to thank every single one of you for taking time out of your lives to fly here from all over the country to join us.” Ivy's voice carries beautifully over the crowd. “On the tables, you’ll find a flyer with an itinerary for the next few days. Please join us for whatever you'd like, but don't feel guilty if you just want to do your own thing, this week is all about enjoying yourselves. Cheers to an amazing week with family, friends, and everlasting love.”

“Cheers!” I echo along with the rest of the guests, lifting my glass as the cocktail hour continues.

For the past hour, I've been participating in polite nods and small talk with distant relatives. The same question is being brought up in every conversation. When will it be your turn, Camille? I have to force out a small laugh and come up with a silly excuse. They mean well, I suppose. I guess weddings make your relationship status a hot topic during casual conversation.