Page 133 of He Loves Me Knot

“The wedding’s on Thursday, though.” Quinn shifted in his seat.

“But everyone’s already here, aren’t they? Why wait? If I’ve learned anything on this trip, it’s that everything you’re expecting can change in an instant.” Liddy’s eyes settled on Callum’s.

His jaw tensed.

“I mean . . . I guess we could do the wedding tomorrow night.” An excited look came over Elle’s face. “Q—what do you think?”

“I think that whatever makes you happy is exactly what I want.”

Liddy smiled and set her forehead against Elle’s. “I have an idea of how we might make everyone happy. Including Kat. Just leave everything to me, okay?”

“Uhh. . .” Callum squinted at Quinn.

Quinn just gave a low chuckle, shaking his head.

“I hate to be a bother,” Callum said, clearing his throat. “But are we still going to the airport?”

Elle sniffled again and shook her head. “No. You know what? Forget it. Let’s just leave the dress there, and Liddy can pick it up on her way home. I’ll just tell Quinn’s mom that it didn’t arrive, and she’ll have to accept it. It’s the best way to let her down gently.”

Now who’s the liar?Liddy didn’t dare say anything, though. “Let’s go back to Samara.”

“Perfect.” Callum turned the steering wheel. “All we have to do is cross the damn river. Again.”

ChapterThirty-One

Callum had never been soglad to seeLa Haciendabefore—if only because it meant a chance to get out of the car. His clothes were also still wet, and even though Elle seemed calmer now—and Quinn, by extension—all Callum wanted was to grab his laptop, go to a café, and lose himself in everything he’d missed at work for the past few days. He’d be woefully behind when he returned.

Funny how the desk job he’d once dreaded had become a lifeline.

If anyone had told him when he was still dreaming of playing football that he’d find comfort in the routine he’d carved out now, he wouldn’t have believed them. For a moment today, even, he’d had that spark of nostalgia come hurtling back as he’d run on the sand, skillfully dribbling the ball.

A glimpse into a life he’d forgotten. His family nearby, a land he’d loved as the literal ground beneath his feet, friends laughing . . . and a gorgeous woman watching him with a look that had tempted a passionate kiss from him.

And now that woman headed up the path toward the bungalows, feeling more out of reach with each step she took.

Quinn and Elle had hurried away to find Kat and explain the change in their decision about the wedding. If they were going to pull off the wedding being here tomorrow afternoon, they would need Kat’s help and expertise at this point.

But Quinn’s warning and request that Callum end things with Liddy weighed heavily on him.

This shouldn’t be hard.

But why am I dreading it so much?

He hurried to catch up with Liddy, but as they reached the pool area, he slowed, going rigid. Sergio stood under the safety of their bungalow porch, out of the rain.

Damn.

I guess he didn’t give up so easily after all.

Sergio straightened, his smile at Liddy faltering as his gaze flicked toward Callum. Liddy paused, then checked over her shoulder.

The guilt on her face was clear enough, but why should she feel guilty? He’d told her he didn’t care if she went out with Sergio.

Then why do I want to punch him for still being here?

Liddy still hesitated, and Callum caught up with her. “Looks like your date is still here,” he muttered, a taut smile on his lips.

Liddy didn’t answer. “Hey, Sergio.” She grabbed Callum’s elbow and dragged him under the shelter of the porch. “Can you give me a second? I need to change and talk to Callum.”

---