Seth gave her a grateful look as she led their dad to the steps where Jenna waited. Seth had been vocal about his disapproval of Dad’s participation in the ceremony, but this was Jenna’s day. He’d promised to behave, but if their dad kept trying to engage him, things could go sideways in a hurry.

Things could not go sideways.

“All right,” Sophie called over the chatter. “Here we go. Everyone get in order of the procession.”

Everyone shifted, moving into place. Sophie kicked off her sandals. For the wedding they’d wear little wisps of decorative lace, extending from their second toes to their ankles, but tonight they were barefooting it.

Aiden appeared at her side, offering his arm and a crooked smile. “I see you’re still taking care of everyone.”

Sophie bristled, remembering that last argument seven years ago. He’d been too immature to understand her family obligations.

“Well, I am the maid of honor after all.”

“I didn’t mean anything by—”

“Here we go, everyone.” Sophie tapped the button on her phone, and the beginning strains of “A Thousand Years” flowed from the speaker.

The couples strolled down the aisle two by two. And then it was Sophie and Aiden’s turn.

She reluctantly took his arm, trying to imagine that her right side was numb and that she didn’t feel the warmth of his body or smell his subtle piney scent.

Aiden kept his gaze forward. “What I said before—I didn’t mean it as an insult.”

She kept a smile on her face. “Sounded like one.”

“Listen . . . Maybe we should start over.”

“Like before you arrived or before you left?” What was wrong with her? She was supposed to be smoothing things over. Keeping the peace. He just raised her hackles. Their strife seemed discordant with the harmonic music and festive atmosphere.

He sighed. “Okay, maybe I should start with an apology then.”

“That’s not necessary. Let’s just get through this, Aiden.”

It had been her motto for the last seven years. Through Aiden’s abrupt departure, her father’s abandonment, and her mother’s long illness and death eight months ago.

But now her mom was gone, Seth was self-sustaining, and her sister was getting married. Sophie was finally, finally, on the verge of having her own life. Nothing was going to ruin it. Certainly not Aiden Maddox.

“All I meant was that you took care of your family when they needed you. You should be proud of that.”

“I don’t need your approval.”

He gave a wry chuckle. “What do you need from me, Sophie?”

“I don’t need anything from you.” This was taking forever. She glanced behind her, making sure Jenna and their dad were ready. “Can we speed this up a little?”

“Eager to be rid of me?”