She had so many memories in this beach town, most of them good, before her mom fell ill and her dad bailed. They came here every summer, staying in rental homes. She and her siblings played at the shoreline all afternoon, turning browner by the day, while their parents watched from the beach under the shade of an umbrella. Evenings were for riding bikes along the boardwalk. Each night Sophie dropped into her bed with a book, sun-tired and happy. That Jenna had decided to have her wedding here attested to the fond memories attached to this place.

Sophie joined Jenna at the deck railing, placing an arm around her sister’s shoulder. “Everything all right, sweetie?”

Jenna turned to her, eyes shimmering with tears. “I can’t believe I’m getting married tomorrow. Grant’s everything I dreamed of, Soph.”

Sophie’s shoulders released the tension the tears had automatically induced. “I’m so happy for you. He’s a good man.”

“He really is.” Jenna dabbed at her eyes. “And I’m already ruining my makeup.”

Sophie produced a tissue. “You look beautiful. Grant’s a lucky man, too, you know.”

“Thanks. Is Dad keeping away from Seth?”

“Don’t you worry about that. I’ll handle any problems that arise, but I’m sure they’ll both be on their best behavior.” Though Seth’s impromptu toast gave her cause to question that statement.

She squeezed Jenna’s shoulders, noting the fading light. “We should get going before we lose daylight.”

They quickly went over the order of ceremony.

“So after the parents are seated,” Jenna said, “the harpist will strike up ‘A Thousand Years,’ and Dana and Erik will walk down the aisle, followed by—”

“Wait. I—I thought you wanted the groomsmen waiting up front with Grant and Pastor Dave. The bridesmaids were going to walk down the aisle alone.”

“No, I told you, didn’t I? We changed it a couple weeks ago. Dana and Sarah were worried about walking alone on the sand. They want strong arms to hang on to.”

Sophie imagined her arm curled around Aiden’s, tucked close into his side. Deep breaths. “Oh. Sure. Of course. Whatever you want, honey.” They talked through the remaining order, working out minor details.

“Okay,” Jenna said finally. “I think we’re all set.”

“I’ll go get the others.”

Fifteen minutes later Pastor Dave and Grant stood near the shoreline as twilight encroached. The wedding party gathered on the deck, watching the ushers pretend to seat the Fosters.

Sophie felt a twin twinge and searched the group for her brother. Sure enough, across the deck her dad had cornered Seth. Jaw knotted, her brother stared toward the water.

Daggonit, Dad. Now is not the time.

Sophie made her way over and touched her father’s arm. “Dad, we’ll need you over here with Jenna. It’ll be your turn soon.”