Page 93 of A Promise For Tomorrow

Mik turns her head and directs her attention to us. Her designer shades mask what she is currently thinking—which could be a problem. Liam shoots me the eyes, letting me know she’s onto us. When Mel reaches me, she pulls me in close for a hug.

“Hey, you! I thought you guys weren’t coming until tomorrow night?” I ask anxiously.

“We were, but then Mik got a text from Liam who offered forour whole family to fly down on his private jet. Holy crap, Maddy. I felt like a Kardashian,” she gushes.

Irrational, ugly anger hits me like a ton of bricks. Why would Liam do that, knowing we are dealing with so much around here?

Liam joins us at the same time Mik does. “Does this guy fly everyone around on his private jet or just us?” She juts her thumb out at him.

“Hey now, lass. I just wanted to make Madison smile, so I thought bringing her family in a day early would help her.”

“Why would she be upset? Her best friend is getting married…” She starts to tick off each point on her fingers. “They have been drinking and partying all week… She’sclearlygotten some sun…And herboyfriendis here with her,” she presses, moving that hand to her hip.

Liam scrubs a hand down his face as if he is at a loss. Mik can be a lot, but we love her. I raise an eyebrow at him, indicating he should answer her—because I sure as hell am not.

“We had a little argument this week that is now resolved, but it stirred up some old emotions.” He smirks, seemingly satisfied with his proper response.

“Mhm,” is all Mik responds with.

“Hey, Mel. Can you get us a drink? If you ask for two mojitos for your sister and the bride-to-be, I’ll give you mine.” Lexi winks at her. Mel is quick to oblige, jogging up the patio stairs towards the bar.

Teens.I roll my eyes and silently thank her.

“Let’s just have a nice evening, please? Diego isn’t here and I’m not sure when he’ll be back. I really would rather not get into it right now. Hey, maybe you’ll even find yourself a man while you’re here.” As I say that, Kieran and Colin look our way. Either of those two would get a kick out of my sister.

“Did you break up?” Her hand reaches out to clasp the sleeve of my bathrobe.

“No. If anything we are better than ever. Things just kinda, sorta, hit the fan and now we are dealing with the consequences of that. That’s all I can say. I really don’t want Dad finding out.”

“Fuck, Mad. Okay, is there anything I can do to help?”

“No. Not really. Maybe if you can try and keep Dad from questioning where Diego is, that would help. Mom doesn’t even know about Diego. I think she still believes I’m single after breaking up with Killian. Dad—well, you heard him that night. He’s given us his blessing, but he told Diego that he’d end him if I got caught up with the law.”

“So are you saying he’s been arrested?” she asks cheekily.

“We are working on it.” That will have to placate her for now.

The nightof the rehearsal dinner is here. Diego’s yacht has been transformed into a candle-lit, intimate space that radiates the love the pair share. Lexi and Conor’s family have arrived. Most are gallivanting around and chatting at the bar. Others are dancing on the plexiglass dance floor we had installed over the pool.

It reminds me of my wedding night, which triggers a wave of anxiety within me.

I haven’t spoken to Diego since the night he was taken in. Liam has offered to ask Lindsay to arrange another call, but I know what that means for him. Whether he is willing to or not, I can’t put him in that position for my own selfish needs.

A waitress comes by with a tray of champagne. I claim one, guzzling it down to soothe my nerves before collecting another one. The waitress’ eyes widen, but she doesn’t acknowledge my off-hinge behavior.

Lexi joins Conor front and center for a dance. The crowd surrounds them, admiring their love for one another. Liamcomes up behind me and presses both of his palms to my shoulders.

“I’m happy for them. Those two are the perfect couple.”

“They really are,” I sigh.

“Sorry about earlier. I wasn’t aware you hadn’t told your family about Diego. I should have asked you first if it was okay to have them here a day early.”

I angle my body to face his direction while still watching my bestie dance with her man. “It’s fine. I was upset at first, but honestly, having my sisters here is exactly what I needed. So, thank you. I was a bitch earlier and shouldn’t have reacted the way I did.”

He presses a kiss to the top of my hair. “Anything for you, Mad. I just want this all to go away so you can be happy like them.” He nods his head to the swaying couple.

“Any updates?” I clear my throat.

---