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She sits and crosses her legs. “No, it’s just my sisters. It’s always something. I mean, I love them and wouldn’t change having them for the life of me, but sometimes…”
I sit next to her, stretching my legs out in front of me. “I wouldn’t know. But I can tell you, having no one sucks too. It’s my sole responsibility to get my parents to mend their relationship with my grandma. It might be easier, or maybe I’d feel less responsible for making it happen if I had some siblings.”
“I know. That’s why it’s not like I wish I didn’t have them. It’s just hard in a big family. This is supposed to be my time. I guess I thought they’d push their issues aside. The whole reason I allowed the grandmas to make the dresses was because I know Chevelle doesn’t have all the money in the world. And I’m not sure what dress Posey thought would make her look like she has an hourglass figure when she’s very pregnant.” She picks up a pebble and throws it over the ledge.
I place my hand on her knee. “You guys are lucky to have one another. But they’re extra lucky to have you.”
She smiles and rests her head on my shoulder for the briefest second as though it’s a reprieve for her.
“You can keep it there longer if you’d like.”
So she does, and I take the opportunity to kiss the top of her head. Her shampoo smells like pears and honey.
“They have a point,” she says. “But I’m not sure what we’re going to do about it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Us not staying together. I definitely shouldn’t be charging you. Do you think they know?”
“Well, we could say we don’t want to live together until we’re married. That we’re being a little old-fashioned and keeping separate residences until we’re husband and wife.”
She sighs, and I feel the weight of the world in that sigh. “It’s hard lying to them.”
“I’m sorry.” I frown.
She lifts her head and looks at me. “Stop apologizing. I agreed to this. I’m in this.”
“But your business hasn’t improved yet.” I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear.
“It will. I never would’ve gotten time to do what you’ve done so far. It’ll all pay off, it just takes time. And once I’m not planning a wedding, I’ll come up with some more promotions and things to get me back on track.”
“Still. I can’t thank you enough. I’ll never be able to properly repay you.” I wish I could write her a check, but Mandi would never accept that.
“Stop acting like what you’re doing isn’t enough. We made a deal. And every time I see your mom and your grandma talking, it makes me happy.” She stares off into the sky for a moment. “Want to know something?”
“Anything you’ll tell me,” I say, wishing we could stay here all night.
“It’s a truth,” she says as though it’s a warning.
“Okay.”
“Truth is, I probably would’ve agreed to this fake marriage without you helping the inn in return. If you haven’t noticed, I’m kind of a sucker for family and relationships. Even my own dad I gave numerous chances before slowly giving up on our relationship.”
“Truth?” I ask.
She nods. “Yeah.”
“I never would’ve allowed you to do it without getting anything in return.”
She turns her head and smiles at me. “I know.”
We stare out at the sky, shoulder to shoulder.
I pull out my phone. “Turn around.” We both turn so our backs are toward the cliff, and I hold up my phone. “Now smile.”
She leans in close, her cheek on mine, and I snap a picture.
“For the new Instagram account,” I say.
