Page 144 of The Bridges I've Burned

If I left now, I’d miss one of the most important days of my brother’s life.

But if I didn’t, my presence would most likely ruin it.

Fuck.

“Okay,” I agreed. “I’ll go tonight.”

“I’ll book your flight and hotel.” Silence filled the air. “You’re doing the right thing,” he assured me.

Then, why does it feel so wrong?

“Are you going to tell them?”

He knew me so well.

“No,” I answered, turning my back on the people I loved. “If I do, they’ll just try and change my mind. I’ll go through with the rehearsal and then slip out after.”

“And Elena?”

I opened my mouth, but before I could ask, he said, “Hendrix told me.”

Fucking nark.

“I don’t know,” I answered, thinking of those frantic moments in the parlor when I’d asked her to go away with me. I’d been so hopeful. So sure it was the right thing. But the look in her eyes gave me doubt, and now, I couldn’t help but wonder. “Things between us right now are…tense. Maybe leaving is the best thing I can do for her.”

“Leaving is never the best choice, kid. Believe me.”

We talked for a few more minutes, going over logistics, and he gave me a few pointers on talking to the press. Then, we hung up.

When I headed back into the main room, I found Elena with my brother and Marin.

Macon greeted me with a lazy smile. “There you are.”

“Sorry, had to take a call from my manager.”

“Were they able to offer any help on our situation outside?”

I went to stand next to her, but kept my hands to my sides.

Not an hour ago, I’d been inside her, and now, I wasn’t even sure if she’d welcome my touch.

“Uh, not really,” I lied. “He just said to keep ignoring them.”

They both nodded, and I could see Marin trying to hide the worry in her eyes.

Before I could say anything more, the blonde dictator announced it was time to start with the rehearsal part of the evening.

Everyone headed out to the lawn, and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw Marin and Macon take it all in—from the twinkling lights to the beautiful arch that framed the bay.

It was going to be a beautiful wedding.

I’d make sure of it.

The wedding party headed toward the front while the close relatives took seats to watch.

The next several minutes were spent going over the order of events. There was a lot of pointing, and by the time it was all over, everyone seemed to know what to do.

“Okay, let’s do a run-through!” Molly shouted, and we all scattered across the lawn until she was happy with our positions.

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