Page 7 of Three Grumpy Groomsmen

I don’t know why I announce the location. It’s not like they don’t know. Both Harrison and Ford are from South Carolina, still live there the majority of their time, and Liam knows everything about me.

But I’m starting to feel weird. Hot and slightly dizzy. I sway on my feet and Harrison reaches out and grabs my arms to steady me.

“Whoa there,” he says softly.

His hands are warm, and I lean into his touch.

“I quit my job!” I exclaim.

Ilovemy job as a food stylist on the hit cooking showSouthern Charm. Or I did until I quit my job tomove across the countryfor Brad.

“Shh,” Harrison says, rubbing my arms comfortingly. “There are other jobs.”

It’s such a dumb thing to say a crack of laughter escapes my mouth. It sounds like a wild cackle. “Sure, there are other jobs but not the job Ilove. And yes, there are other fish in the sea and maybe this was meant to be and God only gives us what we can handle and it’s only money, right? Did I miss any other major platitude?”

Harrison winces. “I think you have the big ones covered.”

I feel instantly guilty. He was only trying to help. It’s not his fault Brad’s an asshole. What is Harrison supposed to say to me? I sigh. “Harrison, I’m sorry, I appreciate it?—

“Don’t you apologize, Ivy,” he says firmly with a frown. “This is on Brad. I just wish I could do something. Anything.”

“Hey,” Ford says, nudging Harrison aside. “Look at me, Ivy.”

Harrison’s hands do fall off of me, but he doesn’t really move out of my personal space. Liam is pacing back and forth behind us, his phone to his ear.

“Answer your fucking phone, you piece of shit!” Liam says, confirming for me that he’s trying to reach Brad.

I shift my gaze to Ford.

His hazel eyes are drilling into me with care and concern. I’ve never really noticed his eyes before, but they’re actually very lovely, with flecks of gold in them. Most of all, they’re kind.

“Ivy, take a deep breath with me.” Ford squeezes my hands gently. “In and out. Come on.”

I obey. We breathe in together, my chest and shoulders rising. We breathe out together, Ford’s exhalation a controlled stream, mine a hot, anxious burst of air.

But I do feel better.

“I need to go tell everyone,” he says, his voice calm, controlled. “I’ll be right back.”

“I should tell everyone,” Harrison says, adjusting the knot on his tie. “As one of the best men. And Brad’s former best friend. You stay with Ivy.”

Harrison starts to move toward the door, but I reach out and grab his arm. “Wait.”

His eyebrows raise. “You don’t want to do this yourself. Trust me.”

I shake my head rapidly. “Oh, God, no, I don’t want to announce that Brad is dipping out on our wedding. But I don’t think we should cancel the reception, just the ceremony. Peoplehave traveled from all over to be here. The money is already paid, everything is set up, there’s so much food that would go to waste…just tell them the ceremony is canceled and we’re going straight to the party.”

Maybe it’s the whiskey winding its way through my veins. Maybe it’s being raised by practical parents. Maybe it’s my stubborn pride that is refusing to allow anyone to think I’m lying on the floor sobbing about being a jilted bride.

It’s probably a little of all of the above.

“You’re sure?” Harrison studies me.

“Yes.”

Ford’s arm has slipped around my waist and I realize I’m leaning into him. The support is nice, especially considering these guys are Brad’s oldest friends.

Harrison looks to Liam. “What do you think?”

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