You will not fistfight your cousin at your sister’s wedding.

The garter toss was next. Eric full-on dove under Ava’s skirt.

“Like he searchin’ for gold up there or what?” a guy Cherisse didn’t recognize commented as Eric finally emerged from beneath Ava’s skirts with the frilly band.

Eric tossed the garter, and for a minute, she thought it would land right on one of Eric’s cousins, except a hand reached up, swiping it from the air. Keiran’s grin was triumphant as he waved the garter around. His smile was too infectious. She couldn’t help her goofy grin, even knowing her emotions were all up in the air now.

“Alright, people, we have a special guest performance. Calling Keiran King to the stage.”

What the fuck? Cherisse’s smile faltered as she watched Keiran heading for the stage.

“What’s that boy doing now?” her mother asked.

Cherisse wanted to know the same thing. Keiran had the mic in his hand and was speaking to the band. He’d told her he didn’t sing in public ever. Was that a lie too? He turned back to the now-curious crowd, and no, he hadn’t lied about that. She was certain. His hand gripped the mic for dear life, and he looked ready to throw up. Oh no.

“This one is for someone special. I’m really sorry for subjecting everyone to this, but it’s gotta be done.” Keiran queued the band and launched into the worst rendition of “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago that Cherisse had ever heard.

“Dear Lord.” Remi slipped next to Cherisse. “Please make it stop.”

It was a train wreck. Keiran couldn’t carry a note to save his life.

“Seriously, Cherisse. Make him stop.” Remi pushed her towards the stage, and she winced as Keiran croaked out a line. Okay, she needed to end this for all their ears.

“Stop. Please,” she begged. “Get down here. Now.” She tugged on his shirt as he handed the mic back to Akash.

“This band is no way connected with that. Just an FYI,” Akash declared, and everyone laughed.

“What the hell was that?” Cherisse demanded. “If you were trying to guilt me into forgiving you, you should’ve just lip-synced. Jesus, my poor ears.”

“I wasn’t trying to guilt you. I just...” He shuddered. “God, I think I’m gonna puke. How do people just sing in front of others with no fear? How?”

He truly looked a shaky mess. “I’m sure they’re still scared when they do, but they do it anyways. C’mon.” She grabbed his arm, leading him away from the curious onlookers up to the deck space that would be utilized for dancing later.

The decorator had strung up fairy lights that added a romantic flair. She leaned against the railing, arms folded.

“I didn’t know how else to show you I’m serious. I never wanted to hurt you, and I was wrong to keep the plan for the video from you, and I should have eventually told you about Sean.”