Jordan didn’t break their gaze as she waited for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, Abby began to shake her head.

Jordan’s stomach hit the floor.

This wasn’t how this was supposed to go.

Abby was supposed to fall into her arms.

“I never expected this to happen, either.” Abby’s words came out as a whisper. “But I made the car drive around the block three times, because I knew if it stopped, I was going to have to go through with it. Either that, or break Marcus’s heart. Neither of those options were appealing. I didn’t want to get out of the car. I’d just decided I wouldn’t go through with the wedding. Then you appeared, and my heart boomed. I’ve tried to ignore my feelings too, but I can’t anymore.”

It was all Jordan could do not to collapse on the spot.

A trickle of hope slid down her spine, but she wasn’t going to embrace it just yet.

Abby dropped her hands. “I’m sorry for telling you not to come. I couldn’t face you, without the truth about how I felt leaking out. But you’re right. I shouldn’t marry someone else if my heart tells me not to.” She glanced over at Gloria, who was dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “My mum was just telling me the same thing. That I should be with someone I truly love, not someone I think I should love.”

Jordan held her breath.

“I’m so glad you came back and took a chance. You were brave. You’ve made me brave in return.” Abby fixed Jordan with her gaze. She took a deep breath before she continued. “I love you, too. I’m sorry I never told you before. I’m sorry we got this far before I said anything.” Abby glanced down at herself, before bringing her face back level with Jordan. “But here I am, standing in a wedding dress, declaring love for someone I’m not going to marry.” She shook her head, before lifting her gaze, staring directly into Jordan’s eyes. “Not yet, anyway.”

Jordan’s heart soared.

For a few brief moments, everything was perfect.

“Abby!” Marcus’s voice rang out through the air.

They both stepped back, turning to where Marcus was running down the path of the church towards where the mini congregation were stood: Gloria, Karen, the driver, Heidi, Delta, Taran, Abby and Jordan. His best man, Philip, was right behind.

Marcus was dressed in a sharp blue suit and pink tie. He looked from Abby to Jordan and back. “What’s going on? Why is Jordan not wearing her dress?” He couldn’t seem to make sense of the picture, no matter how hard he tried.

“What are you doing here? It’s bad luck to see each other before the wedding!” Even Abby looked confused by her own statement.