Page 49 of Kiss the Bride

Hunter:I’m a big boy. I can look after myself.

Mum Clem: I know you always felt guilty about breaking up. Guilty about hurting her and disappointing us.

Hunter: Ancient history.

Mum Clem:Don’t let her use you as her rebound. You deserve better.

Mum Clem: You both do.

Mum Clem: You are both young and have time.

Mum Clem: I know you still love her.

Hunter: Thx

And even though my parents want me to call them by their first name at work and with clients, I can’t help one final text.

Hunter: Love you mummy

Mum Clem:Love you to the moon and back

I run a cursory glance through other message threads. Most of our friends are now covering their asses by telling me who knew what and when—apparently,everyone in Sydneyknew about Mitch’s screwing around, andeveryonethought Olivia knew and wanted to get married so badly she let it slide. That fact Mitch was screwing Lina seemed to come as a surprise—but only because of Pete. No one thought he’d do that to a friend.

Only Olivia’s bridesmaids claimed innocence. Neither Jess nor Tash wanted to believe the rumors and weren’t about to hurt their friend by telling her.

Fair enough. But the hardest texts to read are those with Olivia’s mum who seems to be reliving her pain, hurting for the daughter she can’t help heal, and also terrified I’ll take advantage.

Liv (Mum):How is she?

Hunter: Seemed better today. Left her bed and sat outside for a while.

I sent the text hours ago, careful to call itLiv’s bed, and remained silent about my sleeping arrangements. I’m not going to lie, but the truth will only make her worry.

Liv (Mum):How long are you staying with her? I thought I’d come up.

I check the time—the latest text was only sent fifteen minutes ago while I was mid-thread with Liv’s father. Two divorced parents still in sync when it comes to their daughter—one day, Liv will smile at the thought. I quickly reply before I overthink a response.

Hunter: As long as she needs or wants. Come on up, you can have the spare room and I’ll take the couch or go home.

Liv (Mum):I worry about her.

Hunter: She’ll be fine.

Liv (Mum):Please don’t take advantage of the situation.

Hunter: Seems to be a general concern.

Liv (Mum): Tell me why I shouldn’t worry.

I take my time before answering. We shared enough glances at the wedding rehearsal for me to guess that Mrs Woodgrove knows my secret. Lying to her now won’t help me get her trust in a year when Liv and I could be back together.

Hunter: Because you know me. You’ve watched me grow up. You know me better than most of my friends and without the parental blinkers of my folks.

Hunter: Because I love her too much to take advantage of her. Or do anything to hurt her.

Liv (Mum):Thank you.

Liv (Mum):That must have been almost as difficult to tell me as it was to watch them together.

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