Disappointment settled on her, heavy and consuming. She reminded herself she only had to get through the wedding today, and then she could have a good sulk for the couple of days her parents were up at Whistler for their second honeymoon. They would be home Christmas Eve morning, and then the whole family would be together. A slightly bigger family, now that Dena and Micah were a thing.

So just today, and then her tasteful breakdown. After Christmas, she would head back to Seattle and pick up the pieces of her broken and discouraged heart. At least she had a good life there. Friends, a routine, her work. Plus she wasn’t used to seeing Toby all the time there, so maybe she would miss him less.

Her mother breezed into her bedroom. “I’ve changed my mind.”

Reggie looked at her. “About marrying Dad? I think it’s kind of late for that. You two seem like a couple to me.”

Her mother laughed. “No, about you and Dena being bridesmaids. I want you in the ceremony.”

Reggie groaned. “Mom, it’s too late. The wedding is tonight. We don’t have dresses and—”

Her mother shook her head. “I’ve already talked to Dena. She has a beautiful dark blue dress that would be perfect, and you have one that’s practically the same color.”

Reggie was about to say she didn’t have anything like that in her closet, only she remembered that she did. Not at home, but here.

“No,” she breathed. “No, Mom. No. You can’t make me wear that.”

“Why not? I’m sure it still fits, and it’s a very classic style.”

“But it’s my prom dress.”

“What does that matter? Reggie, no one’s seen it since you were in high school.”

“I’m not worried that they’ve seen it. I’m worried it’s out of style and not appropriate for a grown woman. I was seventeen when I wore that.”

Her mother patted her arm. “Try it on. I’m sure it’s going to look beautiful on you.”

No. She couldn’t. It was just too... She held in a groan as she realized Toby was coming to the wedding, and he would see the dress. What if he assumed she was wearing it to get him to think about the past and how they’d been together? Because telling him he was in love with her wasn’t enough? It was all so humiliating.

“Mom, please. I beg you. Don’t make me wear my prom dress.”

“It’s going to be perfect. You’ll see.”