Page 30 of Kiss the Bride

Hunter: Like what?

I can forgive Jess’ attitude. As Olivia’s oldest friend, Jess supported Liv when I broke her heart. Now, I’ll take first shift and by the time I hand her over to Jess, Elena, and Tess, either Liv will be smiling again—or I’ll die trying.

Jess: It took her a long time to get over you last time. She deserves someone who’ll love her forever.

Truth time? I can’t lie to Jess, because she’ll hold it against me if there is a second chance with Liv. But, the last thing I want to do is have Liv’s friends concerned that I’ll take advantage of her—because I won’t. I decide on playing a straight bat—a cricket term for not playing a shot.

Hunter:Couldn’t agree more

Hunter:I’m here as a friend, looking out for her as long as she needs

Hunter:About to update her parents and my mum. You let everyone else know?

Jess:I’d ask you to kiss her for me, but I think you would.

Hunter: Only if she asks nicely.

Shit. I went too far. I quickly correct.

Hunter: JK

Hunter: I’ll get her to post photos. Just make sure everyone knows she’s not up to talking yet.

Jess: Except to you?

Hunter: I’ve been known to be a good listener.

Time to ignore Jess and respond to the dozen or so messages from Liv’s parents.

Hunter to Liv (Mum): We arrived at resort. Liv still isn’t up to talking. Will post photos.

Liv (Mum):How’s my baby? Rachel

Hunter:Not good

Liv (Mum):People are asking questions. I don’t know what to tell them.

Hunter:The video was pretty clear. There isn’t going to be a wedding, at least not between Liv and Mitch. There isn’t going to be a reconciliation or honeymoon.

Liv (Mum):Please don’t let her do anything reckless.

As much as I don’t want to air shit in public, Olivia’s mother deserves more information than her friends. If I can’t stand by and let Liv break without me being there to help her, I can only imagine how her parents are feeling.

Hunter: I’m here as her friend. I was with her when she saw them. I couldn’t just leave her.

Liv (Mum):The two of you have history.

Yeah, I know that. We have history and I don’t want us to remain history—but her happiness came first. I wanted Olivia Woodgrove to be happy—even if it had meant married to someone else.

Seeing Olivia in her wedding dress had been a well-deserved kick to the guts and while I’d anything to take Olivia’s pain as my own, I can’t. Jess deserved a partial truth. Olivia’s parents deserve the full truth and they can judge me or accept it.

Hunter: I’ll always love your daughter. I promise not to do anything to make this worse.

My fingers hover before pressingsend. Admitting how I feel will probably be used against me. Liv’s parents might even think I set Mitch and Lina up so I can get back with their daughter. I can’t control what they think or how they react, all I can do is be honest.

I would have rather her been happy with Mitchel than sobbing in the bed alone--truth. I loved and love Liv enough to be prepared to watch from the sidelines as she made a life with my friend—truth.

Now, I want her to heal. I’ve loved her for so long, I’m willing to wait and hope that she’ll see me as more than a friend after she’s healed.

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