Page 67 of Kiss the Bride

Only a strong, savvy, completely unselfish person could see all that was at stake and make the decision she’d made. And how had he responded? He’d blamed her. Had accused her of using the circumstances to her own benefit. His stomach twisted.

He’d been such a fool.

Just a few days ago, he’d told Evelyn his shoulders were broad enough to carry the load if Brianna and Daniel chose the Captain’s Cottage. He’d meant it at the time. But when push came to shove, he’d failed. Now, he needed to prove there was more to him than the petty side he’d shown at Harbor View.

But he wouldn’t lie to himself. He’d ruined things between him and Evelyn. He’d seen her tears. He knew he’d hurt her. He’d thrown away the one thing that mattered most—her love.

Could he win her back?

He shook his head. He might be the best restoration specialist in the state, but he couldn’t undo this damage. The words he’d spoken in the heat of the moment had burned like acid. He might never earn or deserve Evelyn’s forgiveness. That wouldn’t stop him from spending the rest of his life trying to atone. He’d start right now. For the sake of Heart’s Landing, he’d help salvage Brianna and Daniel’s wedding … wherever it took place. He hurried to his pickup.

Minutes later, he turned off one darkened street onto the equally dark side street that led to the marina. He hit the brakes. The truck rolled to a stop. His hands on the steering wheel, he stared at the spot where he’d expected to see the dim outline of the old Boat Works. Instead, light glowed from the windows of Harbor View. Unable to believe his eyes, he rubbed them and stared again. The one bright spot in the darkened night shone like a beacon. How was that possible? He put the engine in gear and rolled forward. His heart, which he’d been sure was broken beyond repair, beat slowly.

Only a few vehicles sat in Harbor View’s parking lot. Flickering lights from a dozen lanterns illuminated a path that led straight to the main door. He pulled into an empty spot and headed for the entrance. His rain-soaked jeans made swishing noises with every step. He drew a ragged breath, grabbed the doorknob, and stepped inside.

In the lobby, a cluster of lanterns surrounded the Farley skiff, which overflowed with wedding favors. Flameless candles shed light on the guest book that stood open on a small podium outside the barn doors. From there, his gaze followed a white carpet lined with floral arrangements and lanterns. The runner led to the wedding arch. There, flickering tapers stood in tall candelabra. With the soft glow of lantern and candlelight reflecting off the tall glass windows, the effect was stunning and far more romantic than he’d ever dreamed possible.

He gulped. What? Who?

In an instant, he knew. Evelyn. It had to be. She was the only person who’d dare stand up to Curtis or Regina. The only one who could’ve saved Brianna and Daniel’s wedding. Apparently, she’d done exactly that while he’d been off throwing a pity party for one.

Noise in the lobby wrenched his gaze from the scene. Muted laughter and masculine voices drifted from the groom’s dressing area. A soft cough came from somewhere close. Movement drew his eyes to a table where postcards had been arranged like a seating chart. Wearing a purplish dress, Alicia sat at the table. Otherwise, there was no one in sight.

Water dripping from his clothes onto the welcome mat, he eyed Alicia. “Evelyn did all this?” he asked simply.

“Sure did. She put out a call for lanterns and electric candles. Dozens of people responded. It was like a fire brigade there for a while—Daniel’s young friends meeting the cars and bringing the items inside, everyone else placing them all over the building. You should’ve been here.”

That last bit punched him in the gut. “You’re right. I should’ve been.”

Accusation filled the wedding planner’s dark eyes. “You hurt her.” The harsh whisper echoed through the nearly empty lobby. “You need to fix things.”

Ryan gulped. If Alicia only knew how much he wanted to do exactly that. He gave his head a mournful shake. He had to face facts. He didn’t deserve a second chance. “She’ll never forgive me.”

“You won’t know until you try.”

“Right again.” He glanced toward the bride’s dressing area. “Is she in there?”

Alicia’s head tilted in the opposite direction. “Last I saw, she was headed for the kitchen.” When he moved toward the barn doors, the older woman’s voice softened. “Um, Ryan, you might want to clean yourself up a bit first.”

“I’m batting a thousand tonight, aren’t I.” He ran a hand over the T-shirt that rain had plastered to his chest. His shoes squished soggily on the carpet. “If you see her before I do, tell her I’m looking for her, okay?”

“I will. But you don’t have a lot of time. Guests will start to arrive any minute.”

He nodded, reversed direction, and hurried down the back hall to his office. Earlier, he’d hung his wedding attire on a hook behind the door. In his private bath, he traded soggy clothes for a navy suit and a crisp white shirt. Ryan glanced in the mirror and quirked one eye at his reflection. Satisfied that he looked as presentable as possible for a man who had broken the heart of the woman he loved, he went to search for her.

He had a lot of explaining to do.

And after that? After that, he’d dedicate the rest of his life to redeeming himself in the eyes of the woman he’d loved and lost.

Evelyn slipped into the kitchen. She’d been hoping to find a quiet space where she could regroup, but the kitchen was not it. The final prep for the meal service was underway, and the crew was operating at full tilt. Pots rattled. Knives flashed. Cooks and assistants talked constantly. Requests for more carrots, added salt, directions to stir this or taste that created a low buzz liberally peppered with, “Yes, Chef.” Janet must’ve spotted her, for the busy chef appeared at her elbow.

“You look like you’re at the end of your rope.”

She managed a tremulous smile. Thanks to the generosity and quick response of the citizens of Heart’s Landing, preparations in the ballroom were complete. Daniel and his groomsmen were tidying themselves up after dashing into the pouring rain to meet what had to have been a hundred vehicles bearing the finest of Heart’s Landing, who’d loaded every lantern and electric candle they could find into cars and trucks and delivered them to Harbor View. Alicia had stationed herself in the lobby. She’d direct arriving guests and family—friends of the bride to the left, of the groom to the right. Jenny was helping Brianna while Curtis shot photos of the bride in her gown.

Which had finally given Evelyn a moment all to herself. But the second she’d let her guard down, tears had threatened.

“Come with me.” The whispered order carried no farther than her ears.

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