Page 5 of The Mistletoe Promise

"The wedding's over," I snarl, I can’t go out there, I’m not marrying him. Not ever. "I'm not going back out there. I can't see mom again either."

"You won't have to," Cherry promises me. "How about we get you changed and then we'll go from there?"

I nod, the tears tumble down my face and my knees buckle. Within seconds, Cherry has her arms around me and we cry.

It takes a few minutes for me to get under control but when I do, Cherry and I change out of our dresses, clean our faces, and are ready to face the world. The moment we exit the room, I come face to face with my two brothers—Jaxon and Kieran—along with my dad, each of them wearing the same angry expression.

"You okay, sis?" Jaxon asks, pulling me into his arms. I sink into his embrace. I’m a lucky girl having a family that loves me.

"Yeah, Cherry and I spoke, and I'm going to go on my honeymoon without him. The flight leaves tomorrow, so it gives me time to pack and get ready." I look up at Jaxon. "Are you busy?"

He shakes his head. "No, why what do you need?"

She glances between Jaxon and Kieran. "Someone or some people to come with me?"

I hear dad laugh. "I'll book the flights and make sure there's room for them at the hotel." That has both of my brothers smiling brightly. All three of us are close and having them around will help. "Boys, go with your sister, ensure that neither your mom nor that fucking prick Aaron gets near her."

Jax and Kieran have matching smirks. "They won't, come on Amanda, we'll even watch shitty movies with you."

Damn, they’re the best.

“Call me if you need me,”Cherry says softly as we hug once again. “I’ll be with you whenever you need me.”

“Love you,” I whisper, tears threatening to fall once again.

Her arms convulse around me. “I love you too, go, spend time with your brothers. And Amanda,” she says as we pull apart. “You’re the most amazing woman ever, don’t let what those two fuckers did, ever make you doubt that.”

I nod, trying to believe Cherry's words. With a final hug, I turn to my brothers. "Let's go."

We make our way out of the church through a side door, avoiding the chaos that must be unfolding in the main hall. As we step into the sunlight, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. I'm not married to a cheater. I'm not trapped in a lie. I'm free.

THREE

AMANDA

Three months later

I sigh as I sit back in the seat. I hate flying but it’s a necessary evil. In the past three months things have been tough, but I’m finally getting back to normal. I still have people giving me sympathetic glances—that’s going to happen when your fiancé cheated on you with your mom—but I know that I’m better off without either of them.

I spent a week in Fiji with my brothers and my dad and Cherry flew in a few days after and spent the rest of the week with us. It was exactly what I needed, being surrounded by the people that love me. I couldn’t ask for a better family.

Right now, I’m heading to the Maldives where my dad and Cherry are spending their honeymoon. My dad rented out a villa for him and Cherry while Jaxon, Kieran, and I are staying nearby at an amazing resort. I’m excited, I’m going to enjoy the relaxation, sun, sea, and sand, before I start looking for a job.

A looming shadow falls over me, causing me to startle and quickly look to my right. My heart races as I'm shocked to seeFrankie Caldwell standing there, a sly smirk playing on his lips. His dark eyes gleam with mischief as he looks down at me. "Amanda," he says in a low, smooth voice that sends chills down my spine.

God that man is sexy as hell, he’s in his late thirties and looks good for his age. The only downside to it, he’s married to my best friend’s mom. From what Cherry says, they’re in the midst of a divorce, but he’s still married, technically.

I swallow hard, trying to calm my racing heart. "Frankie," I manage to reply, my voice sounding breathier than I intended. "What are you doing here?"

He chuckles, a deep, rich sound that makes my stomach flutter. "I could ask you the same thing, Amanda. Mind if I sit?" Without waiting for an answer, he slides into the seat next to me, his muscular thigh brushing against mine.

I shift slightly, trying to put some distance between us, but the airplane seats are too cramped. "I'm headed to the Maldives," I explain, keeping my voice as neutral as possible. "Family vacation."

Frankie raises an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "What a coincidence. So am I. Cherry invited me."

My mind races. He’ll be vacationing with us?

My eyes widen in surprise. "Cherry invited you?" I repeat, my voice barely above a whisper. I know that he attended her wedding to my dad, but I didn’t realize that they were close.

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