“I decided I’d chance it when one of my groomsmen told me there appeared to be some sort of hold-up.” He paused. “Is someone going to fill me in?”

Abby glanced at Jordan, shaking her head. “I will,” she said, her voice cracking. “This is up to me.” She took Marcus by the hand and steered him away from the others, but still in earshot of Jordan.

“Marcus, I need you to know that I never meant for any of this to happen. Hold on to that thought, even when it’s really hard.” She paused, taking a breath. “Also, that I really do love you. A part of me always will. You are a wonderful man, and I’ve no doubt you’re going to make someone a wonderful husband.”

Marcus’s shoulders slumped, and his face crumpled. “Someone?”

Jordan hoped he didn’t cry. This must be his worst nightmare. It certainly would be hers.

Abby nodded. “Just not me. I’m so sorry.” She paused and gripped his arm, clearly just about holding it together. “I know this is a terrible time to do this, and I hope one day you can forgive me. But I really do believe this is the best decision for both of us.” She took his hand. “But I can’t marry you when I have feelings for someone else.” Abby dipped her head. “Feelings for Jordan.”

Marcus looked like he’d just been punched. He dropped Abby’s hands, and tangled his fingers in his dark hair. “Jordan? But she’s your bridesmaid.”

He looked at Jordan, disbelief staining his face.

Abby took a deep breath. “She was. But now, she’s something more. I can’t ignore how I feel, and I can’t marry you knowing that. You and I have been friends for so long. I truly never meant to hurt you.”

Marcus shook his head, his face full of disbelief. “You and Jordan? But you’re not gay?”

Abby ignored his comment. Now was not the time for explanations. “I was happy with you. Please believe that. But I was having doubts over the past few months. I should have told you. I know that now.”

Marcus turned to Jordan. “I knew you were too good to be true.”

Jordan gulped. This was so hard. She moved closer to them. “I’m really sorry, Marcus. I never meant for this to happen either.”

Still he stared. “I knew something wasn’t right, but this? You were meant to sort everything out. Make Abby’s worries disappear. If you were a man, I’d punch you.” He clenched and unclenched his fist.

Jordan didn’t move. “And you’d be within your rights.”

“Please don’t,” Abby said, her voice high-pitched.