“I’m fit as a fiddle,” Fiona replies. Since they’ve been in town, she and Tom have worked at the pub almost every day, Tom pulling taps and Fiona in the kitchen. They said it’s like old times. “What can I get you?”

I read her the order, then clip the paper to the little metal stand so she can reference it if she needs to before turning to leave.

But then I turn back to her. “Fiona?”

“Yes, dear.”

I want to ask some questions about Keegan. I want to ask what he was like as a child and so much more.

But at the end of the day, it’s none of my business.

So, I shake my head. “It’s nothing. I’ll be back in a few.”

Fiona waves me off, and I return to the bar. I’ve just approached a table to take their order, when I hear my name being called from across the room.

The hair on the back of my neck stands on end.

No.

My fears are realized when I turn around and see my mother standing by the bar. And next to her is Troy’s mother.

Both glare daggers at me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as I approach them.

“We’re here to collect you,” Mom replies. “Get your things. Let’s go.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

I see Keegan approach out of the corner of my eye, but I hold my hand up to stop him. He has no idea the wrath these women would rain down on him if he dared to interrupt.

“Oh, yes you are,” Mom says. “You’re coming home. You’ve had your little vacation. Now it’s time for you to get back to your life. You need to ask Troy to take you back and make things right, Izzy.”

“No.”

“He’ll forgive you,” Lita insists. “My son isn’t unreasonable. Just explain to him that you got nervous, and that you’re better now. He’ll be fine.”

“Absolutely not.”

I turn to walk away, but my mother grabs my arm and spins me back around.

“That’s exactly what you’ll do. You’re finished embarrassing this family. We will plan a new wedding, and you’ll marry Troy.”

I shake my head. “I didn’t plan the first wedding. I didn’t even pick out my dress. I hated that thing. In fact, until I walked out of that wedding, I’d never done what I wanted a day in my life.”

“So, what? You’re just going to leave? Your father will unfreeze your assets and move a million dollars into your account tonight. You’ll have your lifestyle back. You and Troy can move into the beautiful home he’s having built.”

“I don’t want any money. I’m making my own money. And I don’t care about the lifestyle. I certainly don’t want Troy.”