Page 12 of Burning Your Lies

Her soft giggle spreads life back through me. “Why?”

I hand my phone to her. “So I make sure I spell your name right on my phone.”

She’s hesitating again as she scans my face. Whatever she sees must cast a cloud on her apprehension because she takes my phone and quickly types in her number. “At least I now have one friend in the city.”

“You have no friends?”

My question has a frown etched onto her face. “Not really.”

I force a sad look on my face. “What about family?”

Uncomfortable doesn’t even begin to describe how she feels. Her fingers twist into a knot as she looks away from me. “Dad’s never been around and my mum…” She swallows hard and looks at me again. Her eyes are open windows to her soul and right now she looks heartbroken. “I’m sorry. I’m over sharing again.”

Every word that passes her lips is music to my ears. Unlike Savannah, me and Brynn won’t have anyone interfering with our love story. And if, like Savannah, her ex wants to cause trouble, he will meet the same fate as Elliot Hunter.

“I’m an excellent listener,” I offer.

She shakes her head. “It’s not something I like to talk about.”

Don’t worry, Brynn. By night’s end, I’ll know all about you. Whether or not you want me to know it.

8

Savannah

Hadley’s squeal has allattention on her. She runs towards me with her arms wide open before engulfing me in the tightest hug known to mankind. Once she’s done squeezing me to death, she holds me at arms length and admires me. “You are so perfect! I can’t get over how pretty you look.”

I know she’s exaggerating because my wedding dress is hardly anything special. It was the first white dress I found that was appropriate enough for a court wedding. Regardless, I squeeze her hands. “Thank you.”

Isabelle forces Hadley to let go of me when she pulls me into a gentle hug. “I can’t believe I havetwodaughters now.” She strokes my cheek. “My son is so lucky,” she whispers.

Her gentleness instantly has tears in my eyes. Her presence is only a reminder that my mother isn’t celebrating this milestone with me. “I’m the lucky one. I’m getting a family along with a wonderful husband. Thank you for supporting Hux through all of this.”

Huxley told his family I had suffered from postpartum depression, which was why I got myself hospitalised.

“Why are you making my wife-to-be cry?” Huxley grumbles as he joins us. His arm wraps around my waist and pulls me closer.

“It should bemecrying! My one and only son decided to have a court wedding! Why couldn’t you wait a little longer and plan a real wedding?”

Guilt eats at me. This wedding was only rushed for my sake. I look up at Huxley, wishing I could erase the guilt he feels for denying his mother her dream.

Hadley scoffs. “He’s trapped a woman into marrying him. He wasn’t taking any chances,” she teases.

He rolls his eyes. “Shut up.”

I can’t help but laugh at the childish banter between the siblings. My hand rests on his chest. “Maybe we can plan a nicer reception party. Nothing too big, but nicer than this.”

Huxley peers down at me. “I don’t think we’ve got time for that, sweetheart.” His eyes convey all that his words cannot in their presence.

My hand cups his jaw, letting his facial hair tickle my skin. “We’ll make time. No matter what plans we have, we cannot forget our family.” When he gives a soft smile of approval, I turn back to his mum. “I’m going to need your help. If you’re free, that is.”

Her arms are back around me again. “Thank you.”

“What’s going on here?” Malcom asks wearily. “I see too many tears for such a joyous occasion.”

“Mum was just thanking Savannah for finally stripping Huxley of his virgin status.” That earned her a shove from the groom himself, making her laugh harder.

A melodic giggle steals my attention and a grin breaks out on my face. My legs are already moving towards her. “Ellie!” She runs into my arms and I inhale her sweet scent. “Hi, baby.” Uncaring about my dress, I cradle her in my arms. When I stand, I’m staring at the grey-blue eyes that have haunted me. “Hey.”

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