Molly grabs Brayden’s arm and backs away. “You know where to find us if you need anything,” she says before pulling Brayden back to the kitchen with her and leaving us alone.

“Thank you,” I tell Carter. “You’re stunning too.”

He laughs, but I wasn’t making a joke. Carter in a suit is a sight to see. His broad shoulders fill it out perfectly, and there’s something about seeing him like this that makes me want to wrap his tie around my hand and drag him down to kiss me.

“The pictures went okay?” he asks.

I nod. “Yeah. They were easy.” I press a hand to my stomach. I haven’t eaten all day, and the champagne I had in the car is starting to go to my head. “Are you okay?”

He looks out the long bank of windows that face the lake and nods. “I will be.”

Between me and a chance with Carter is a gaping hole where my courage should be. If I want him, I’m going to have to find it. “We should talk.”

I almost expect him to evade, but he pulls me into his arms and presses a kiss to the top of my head. “I’d like that.”

I don’t get to say more, because Valarie appears. “Teagan, could you get the bridal party to take their seats, please? The bride and groom will be arriving soon.”

“Later,” Carter says, scanning my face.

I nod and force myself to take a deep breath. I haven’t lost him. “Later.”

“If I could have your attention, please?” I use both hands to hold the microphone, trying to hide my trembling. We’ve made it through dinner and to the part of the evening I’ve been dreading since Saanvi asked me to be her maid of honor—my speech. As everyone turns their attention to me, I remember why I hated my public speaking class so much.

“I’m Teagan, Saanvi’s big sister. Public speaking has never been my thing, but I couldn’t be more honored to be able to stand by her side while she begins her life with a man who makes her so happy.” I smile, the words coming easily now. “Liam, you’ve married a woman who’s always believed in happily-ever-after and who deserves one of her own more than anyone I know. Please keep sweeping her off her feet. Keep making her smile like she’s smiling today. And Saanvi, don’t be afraid to tell him if you need something. I remember when you were three years old and insisted on tying your shoes yourself. You’d make such a mess of the strings that no one could get them unknotted. It’s okay to ask for help, and as you go through life, if there are times that your marriage is a little tougher than others, it’s okay to tell this guy what you need. He’s promised me that he’ll do everything in his power to give it to you, and I believe him.”

Sabrina stands up and reaches for the mic. I clear my throat and discreetly turn away to finish my speech. “I consider myself lucky to be able to say—”

Sabrina grabs the mic out of my hand. “I’m sorry, everyone, but I have to add something.”

Saanvi and I look at each other, but my sister laughs softly, so I take a step back to let Sabrina say her piece. Unlike me, she likes this stuff.

“I want you to know how lucky you are,” Sabrina says, swaying slightly as she smiles at Saanvi. “You two deserve each other. And you know who else deserves each other? Carter and Teagan.”

I feel the blood drain from my face. What is she doing?

Sabrina turns her smile on me now, but it isn’t a happy smile. It’s the expression of a woman gone mad. “It took me some time to realize it, Teagan, but you two deserve each other, and I’m glad you’re together. After all, you’re both cheaters.”

Everyone gasps, and I feel my dinner surge in my stomach. “Sabrina, stop.”

“I’ve walked around all this time with your dirty little secret.” She points a pink, manicured nail at me but addresses the crowd. “She slept with Rich while she was with Heath. Did you know that?”

Another wave of gasps ripples through the room. While no one in Jackson Harbor knew about Heath before this week, nearly everyone in this room does.

“Sabrina,” Saanvi says from her seat. “Please, stop this.”

“Oh, you guys didn’t know?” Sabrina asks, squeaking. “It was crazy. I walked in on them one morning. She was with Rich in Heath’s bed.” She shrugs. “You can’t blame Rich. He’s always been clear about how he feels about her, but Teagan did just enough to lead him on so he could never get over her, even while keeping Heath to herself.”

Liam pushes out of his chair. “That’s enough.” He reaches for the mic, but Sabrina scrambles away before he can take it.

Tags: Lexi Ryan Boys of Jackson Harbor Romance
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