Page 132 of He Loves Me Knot

Fuck, no.

Elle might not know what was going on, but Callum shifted in his seat, giving Liddy a worried glance.

“Cal . . .”

They were still gliding forward in the water.

Seconds ticked by, lengthening in her ears with her pulse.

Liddy set her hand on his shoulder.

Hit the ground. Hit the ground.

Then a bump, and the front tires hit land again.

She breathed out, her heart rate slowing.

“Did we . . . float?” Liddy asked, meeting Callum’s eyes.

“Float?” Elle’s jaw dropped open.

Callum cringed. “Just for a second. But I have to warn you—this isn’t the only river we have to cross on the coastal road.”

“Oh my God.” Elle squeezed her eyes shut. “I don’t even want to wear that damn dress. It’s long-sleeved and fluffy, and I just didn’t want to hurt Quinn’s mom’s feelings, but I hate it.” She huffed, her knuckles white. “Are we going to die trying to get a dress I don’t even want to wear?”

Seriously?

They were on land now and Callum pulled the car to safety, then stopped it. Turning around, he arched a brow at Liddy.

We’ve been killing ourselves over a dress Elle doesn’t even want?

If it hadn’t been so damn ironic, she might just have cried. A smile played at Liddy’s lips, and then she threw her head back and laughed. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Her laughter seemed to be contagious because Elle started laughing, wiping her nose tearfully. “I don’t—I don’t know why it took me so long to say anything.” She met Quinn’s eyes. “I don’t want to wear that dress, Q. I don’t.”

Quinn smiled, a tenderness in his gaze that Liddy only hoped someone would look at her with someday. “Then don’t wear it.”

Hallelujah.A tight feeling choked Liddy’s throat. Maybe it had taken Elle a bit too long to come around and admit it, but . . .I was right.And Liddy had finally broken through to her sister, too. Maybe it had been her speech while Callum and Quinn had been outside of the car, and maybe it had been the emotional river crossing—but either way,thank God.

Then Elle squeezed Quinn’s hands, turning in the seat toward Liddy. “I’m sorry. I’ve been a jerk to you. And Callum. And you’re right. The Four Seasons is beautiful but not what I wanted. I want to get married on the beach we picked. Even if there’s no music and the food isn’t from a Michelin-starred restaurant.”

No need to make Elle eat humble pie.

“Does anyone really feel full after eating at those places, anyway? They give these unsatisfying, tiny portions,” Liddy said, snickering. “I swear the last time you and Quinn took me to one of those places, I went home and ordered a pizza because I was still hungry.”

“It’s true.” Elle dug in her purse for a tissue.

“And, the fact is, you’re already married. You may as well do whatever you want. It’s not like the countess can raise an objection to you two being married during the ceremony.”

“She wouldn’t anyway,” Quinn said wryly. “She loves Elle.”

“I’m sorry I was so mad. I’m sorry. You’re right about everything, Lid, and you’re the only one who even tried to tell me.”

Liddy sniffled. “I wish I could hug you right now.”

Elle laughed lightly. “There’s just one problem.” Elle swiped through her phone. “This rain seems like it doesn’t want to let up. The forecast for the next few days is awful, including the morning of the wedding.” She held up the weather app she’d opened. “See? Kat showed me this yesterday.”

Liddy took the phone and swiped through the app. “There’s a window tomorrow evening that doesn’t look too bad.”

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