I’m so lost in my thoughts that the hour-long ceremony passes in a blur, and before I know it, Saanvi and Liam are kissing and everyone’s cheering as they head back down the aisle. The bridal party follows, and we take our places for the receiving line.

Sabrina nudges me when I stand too close to her. “Back off, would you?” She’s been shitty with me all morning, and I’ve ignored her. I do the same now. I wish we could both let go of the past, but she’ll probably always hate me for what happened with Heath.

The next fifteen minutes are a blur of greetings and handshakes as everyone makes their way through the receiving line. I wait and wait for Carter to come through, but he doesn’t. I spot him across the church vestibule, talking to Liam’s dad. He looks somber, and when I catch his eye, he nods solemnly and gives me a subdued smile before following the rest of the guests out of the church.

I try not to read too much into that, but I can’t help it, and all through the pictures, I analyze that half-smile from a hundred different angles. Is he still mad at me? Does he want to talk? Or is he just biding his time until the weekend is over and he can get away from this mess?

Valarie claps her hands. “Okay, everyone! I need the bridal party to go out front. The limo will take you to the reception while the bride and groom finish pictures.”

I go to my sister and pull her into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

Saanvi squeezes me tightly. “Not as happy as I am for you. Good things are happening between you and Carter. He’s the one for you. I know it.”

My eyes burn with the tears that have been threatening all day. I hurt Carter, and if I’d been honest with myself, I would’ve realized I was pushing him away because I was scared. Because I knew he’d be able to hurt me more than anyone else. In my desperate attempt to save my heart, I broke his.

And he showed up anyway.

He’s playing the good boyfriend, even though I’ve proven to be a shitty friend.

When Saanvi pulls back, she cocks her head to the side and smiles at me. “Don’t get in your own way, okay?”

“I’m afraid it might be too late for that,” I whisper, and to my dismay, a tear slips free.

She squeezes my wrist. “We’ll talk. As soon as all the formal stuff is done, we’ll sneak away in the limo and talk it out.”

“No. Absolutely not.” I shake my head. “Saanvi, it’s your wedding day. I’m fine.”

She sweeps away my hot tears. “You’re my sister, and I want to be there when you need me.”

I kiss her cheek. “You always have been. I’ll see you at the reception.”

Liam and Saanvi follow the photographer for more pictures, and I head outside with the rest of the bridal party. I’m the last to pile into the limo and have to take the only open seat—beside Sabrina. She pulls away from me and sneers.