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Damon patted Grayson’s back. “Areyouokay? Two of your groomsmen are out, and your best man is missing.”
Grayson took a deep breath then shook his head. “Emerson’s fine.”
“What happened to him?”
“He and one of Rita’s cousins locked themselves in a closet. I didn’t ask for more details — I didn’t want them. But the good news is all of the guests are accounted for now. Nobody is missing anymore.”
“How are you feeling about Mateo and Javier—”
“I can’t think about either of them right now. It’s my wedding day, and the only thing that matters is my beautiful bride.”
Rita gave him a sad smile. “I still think we should find a way to honor Mateo at the ceremony.”
“It isn’t the time.” Grayson cleared his throat and blinked a few times. “I can’t deal with that right now. We’ll honor him at his memorial service.”
“If you’re sure that’s what you want.”
“Yes, it is.” He turned back to Ariana and Damon. “We’re going to have the ceremony at four, behind the barn — the backdrop of the woods will be perfect for the pictures. We’re going to run through the practice in about an hour so I don’t see Rita in her dress before she walks down the aisle.”
“We’ll be there.” Ari hugged Rita. “If there’s anything we can do, just let us know.”
Rita gave her a genuinely grateful smile. “You two have already gone far and above anything we could’ve asked.”
“And we’d do it all again,” Damon said.
Ariana wrapped an arm around his waist. “We certainly would.”
ChapterThirty-Three
Bella leaned back and closed her eyes, allowing the warmth of the sun and the melody of the harp to soothe her frayed nerves. The music took an upbeat turn, and a hushed whisper ran through the small audience.
She opened her eyes just in time to see Rita coming around the barn. Her oldest sister was gorgeous in her off-the-shoulder scoop-neck dress. The sequins glittered in the sunlight, but they paled in comparison to the bride’s beaming grin.
Two seats over, her dad muttered. He wouldn’t even be here if Mom hadn’t insisted they come. In his mind, his oldest daughter was still married to her psychotic first husband. He believed in wives obeying their husbands no matter what — apparently even if they were repeat cheaters and serial killers. He was more than hot and bothered by the fact that his Margarita wasn’t waiting for Boone while he served his life sentence. With no chance of parole.
Complete insanity.
Rita deserved to be happy — she’d put up with Dad for her entire childhood and then Boone directly after that. Now she finally had someone who adored her. Grayson loved her almost as much as Bella did.
Rita made her way down the aisle. She winked at Bella as she passed her row.
Dad continued his grumbling. At least Rita didn’t have to listen to him, though his expression spoke volumes. But it wasn’t like Rita didn’t know how he felt.
Everyone in the family knew what he thought about everything. He was of the belief that everyone was entitled to his opinions, and he shared them liberally — regardless of whether anyone wanted to hear them.
Grayson’s entire face lit up when he took Rita’s hands in his at the altar where he’d been waiting for her arrival. The whole scene was so beautiful, Bella could hardly stand it. The bride and groom were as gorgeous as could be, and so were the members of the wedding party. They were all beaming, full of joy for the happy couple.
Emerson and Damon stood with one of Grayson’s friends who was standing in for Javier. Even though they were older and Bella wasn’t quite out of college, she couldn’t help wondering if either Emerson or the friend were single.
Bella dug her phone from her purse and snapped a few pictures. Her mom nudged her so hard, the phone nearly flew out of her hands.
“What?”
Mom gave her a knowing look. “Be respectful.”
“How is this disrespectful?”
“Quiet,” Dad snapped.
