The wedding organizer waves us over, and I return Whitney’s squeeze, holding her hand tightly in my grip before I join Hunter.

When it’s Whitney’s turn to walk up the aisle as maid of honor, I can’t help but think about the question I told her I’ll be asking soon.

The ring is in the safe at the estate, and as soon as the time is right—after this wedding is finished—I’ll ask the question and slide it on her finger.

Whitney gave up too much by letting Renee Rango bully her, and I’m not going to let anyone steal another minute of our future together. Not again.

Thirty-One

Whitney

Walking down the aisle to Lincoln feels surreal.

Someday soon, if I know him, I’ll be doing this again . . . but for real.

Instead of terrifying me, the thought fills me with strength. I’ve let the world chew me up and spit me out, but now I’m strong enough to fight for what I want—and what I want is this man by my side for the rest of my life.

When I reach the front of the room, I take my place off to the side near Karma.

Everything’s moving smoothly until it’s Asa and Cricket’s turn to walk up the aisle. As soon as they take their first step, Mrs. Havalin bustles into the aisle.

“You’re not waiting long enough. I told you to wait two minutes.”

“Mom,” Hunter says quietly from the front of the room.

“I can’t help it if she doesn’t know how to follow instructions. Did you tell her not to get high before the rehearsal?”

“Mother!” This time, Hunter’s tone snaps like a whip. “Enough.”

Cricket’s face pales, and I grit my teeth. She and Asa stay where they are for another few seconds before moving forward, and I know that Mrs. Havalin and I will need to have words tonight.

Especially when she sees Cricket isn’t carrying anything when she gets to Hunter.

“Where is the bouquet? There was a broach bouquet from my niece’s wedding you’re supposed to be carrying. Did you lose it already, Cricket? I swear, you can’t do anything right.”

The music goes quiet, and everyone shifts awkwardly where they stand.

“Mother, if you—”

Cricket interrupts him. “I didn’t lose it, Mrs. Havalin. I told you I didn’t want to use it.”

“And this is all about you?” Mrs. Havalin asks.

Jackie bristles in the row across from her, her mouth opening like she’s about to rain down hell on Mrs. Havalin.

I step toward Hunter’s mother before she can speak. “If Cricket didn’t want to use it, she doesn’t have to. After all, it’s just a rehearsal bouquet. Not exactly a big deal. Aren’t weddings all about the bride anyway, Mrs. Havalin?”

“Maybe if they’re paying for it.” She narrows her eyes.

Lincoln moves to stand beside me, blocking Hunter, who looks like he’s about to lose his goddamn mind. “The Gables is covering the cost of the wedding and reception, which means the bride can do and have whatever she wants.”