Bursting at the Seams

“Yes ma’am,” I reply quietly. Hanna whips her head around and storms out of the office. After a little talk with Malaki to sort out his payment, I head outside myself. Looking up to the sky and filling my lungs with fresh air, I accept that Hanna is right. It’s time to stop burying my problems and pretending they don’t exist, even when they are clearly poisoning me.

As I walk along the sidewalk, I realize exactly what I’ll do to get this new lease on life. The beauty of my idea is that it’ll potentially win Wren back too. If it doesn’t, at least I’ll have my answer and I can take this time to process losing her too.

Chapter Thirteen

Wren

THE NEXT DAY

Caroline looks like a princess. Adaline, Macey, and I could hardly hold in our tears as we helped her dress for the big day. The dress looks even better on her now that it’s custom fit to her body and accessorized with her veil, tiara, and jewelry. It’s bittersweet for me as I stand back and take in the sight of her. Sweet because I’ve never seen my baby sister look more womanly, beautiful, or happy— and bitter because the dress reminds me of Emanuel.

I shut the thought down. I’m not going to think of him today. I’ve cried enough, thought enough, and felt enough— today isn’t about him. It’s about no one but Caroline.

The wedding is in the countryside at an adorable cottage. The procession leads away from the cottage, and down next to a river. There’s a woman playing a violin softly in the background. I watch with teary eyes as Caroline and Levi exchange their vows. It’s all so perfect, so absolutely perfect. When they are pronounced husband and wife and kiss, everyone cheers, claps, and throws flower petals into the air. They lead the procession away from the marriage arch and to the reception area, which is a massive pavilion-like structure, with each support beam being branches of an old tree. There are string lights, a band, and an open bar. Everyone clears the way for the bride and groom to have their first dance.

Once I find my way to a table while everyone else goes about getting drinks, talking, or dancing, there’s a voice next to me. “Might I have this dance?”

My gaze finds the source of the voice and I can only stare. It’s Emanuel, dressed in a tuxedo with a pocket square the same color as my dress, a shy grin on his face as he holds a hand out to me. “What are you doing here?” I ask, sounding as dumbfounded as I feel.

He shrugs and his grin stretches a little wider. “Caroline invited me, remember?” My mouth hangs open and I try to think of a response. He’s right, she had invited him, but I never thought he would actually come. He has to be invited to countless weddings… Then I see clearly that he’s not here because he’s invited, but to try and talk to me. It annoys me and I long to tell him off, but I won’t dare make a scene on Caroline’s wedding day. “So, wanna dance?”

“Fine,” I mutter and take his hand. “Only one.”

He pulls me to my feet and we joint he others just as the song changes. Of course it’s a slow song. Emanuel’s hand finds my waist and I rest my own on his shoulder. “You look stunning in the dress.”

“Thank the guy who made it. Oh wait,” I grumble, shooting him a look.

He sighs and pulls me closer as we sway to the song. “Listen, I know I shouldn’t be here—”

“You’re right, you shouldn’t. It’s an invasion of my privacy, of my personal life for you to be here,” I snap, though I make sure that my voice is kept low.

“I know. And I promise, I’ll leave after this if you want me to. Saying it over text or call didn’t feel right. I want you to know how sorry I am for the way I acted. I should have been honest and I told myself it was okay not to be, because we didn’t know each other. And stupidly, I thought I was doing what was best for you. I get it now that I’m a massive dumbass and I shouldn’t make decisions on your behalf.”

“I’m glad you’ve had such clarity,” I grumble. “Has everything resolved with your ex?”

“Yes,” he nods. “I can assure you, she won’t be coming back around. If she does, I think Hanna will sue her, herself.” The comment equally surprises, confuses, and humors me. A crease forms between my brows as I study him. He shrugs. “I can explain to you later if you want.”

“We’ll see,” I mutter.

He twirls me and I have to hide the smile that tries to come over my face. Damnit, I am not charmed by him. And even as I try to deny it, I can feel myself swooning a bit over the effort he’s put in. He’s given me the space I’ve asked for and despite the fact he’s essentially crashing my sister’s wedding, I know it isn’t as simple as putting on a tux and driving the hour it takes to get here. Emanuel swallowed pride and put himself in a situation where he could easily be ganged up on and thrown out of the wedding. My eyes fall back to his pocket square. I’m certain he made it himself from the same fabric my dress is made of.