“Did you sleep on the plane? I was out like a light before we even hit the runway,” Elizabeth said, cozying up beside me with her Hermes bag in the crook of her arm, her matching rolling case beside her. I’d barely noticed her walking with me, I’d been so eager to escape the loud voices of the plane and the keyed-up tourists in baggage claim.

“No. I wish I could have slept,” I smiled. “I tried to read but couldn’t. People were talking and the lights were so bright… plus I was too excited about this weekend.” I added. A total lie. But over the years, I’d grown accustomed to lying to Asher’s parents, as well as my own. Elizabeth Beake knew as much about me as I wanted her to—she saw the side of me that enjoyed people-pleasing, the strong side that kept my woes to myself…

“Well, at least that makes one of us,” Elizabeth grumbled, turning back to look for her daughter Bri, as well as Mara and Rosalee.

Moments later, Rosalee came whooshing through the revolving doors of the airport with her shabby suitcase, followed by Bri and Mara with their massive cases and bags. I envied Rosalee in that moment. I wished I had packed light too; I could have saved some money on the luggage fees. God knows I needed to save money…

Bri and Mara had spent most of the flight in the center aisle, ignoring each other and buried in their phones. Rosalee had a window seat—courtesy of being the guest of honor, of course—but she’d left the shade down for the entire ride, leaning her head against the window, possibly sleeping.

Mara had already called for our ride after landing and she stepped forward, curly blond waves bouncing, and held up her hand at a peachy orange Focus.

The driver was friendly and popped out of his seat, running around the cheesy, bright vehicle to collect our bags. Elizabeth and Bri, mother and daughter, slid into the backseat together. First at everything as usual. Mara glanced at me, raising her eyebrows. It couldn’t be more obvious that she didn’t like me. She certainly didn’t trust me… perhaps because she was Rosalee’s best friend, and she didn’t trust my role in Asher’s life.

“Go ahead, Rosalee,” I said, ushering the bride-to-be into the car next to her future sister-in-law, despite Bri’s flicker of irritation.

The Beakes’ were comfortable with me, they knew me. So, I could understand why they gravitated toward me instead of Asher’s future wife, Rosalee. But I didn’t want them hanging all over me this weekend. It was important for Rosalee to trust me since I was her future husband’s best friend, after all.

“Oh. Thanks.” Rosalee looked lost, still clutching her suitcase even though the others had loaded theirs into the trunk.