Page 65 of The Holiday Honeymoon Switch
“Why did you come looking for him? Is it because you found out how rich he is?”
“What?No, of course not. He only told me about his company yesterday.”
“He said that when I asked him, but honestly, it just seems like way too much of a coincidence. He sold his company and suddenly, he had the right status for you so you came knocking. Aiden’s such a great guy—he doesn’t deserve that kind of treatment.”
Holly struggles to get her bearings in the conversation, reminds herself that Alexa is just prickly, and a protective older sister. But still, her abrupt accusations are jarring. “I know he’s a great guy. I think so, too.”
“One more thing.” Alexa tilts her head. “You two have become really close this week. But…apparently not close enough for you to tell him about this?”
She takes out her phone, taps twice, and turns the screen toward Holly. Holly’s heart plummets when she sees what it is: theNew York Timeswedding announcement from a few months before, heralding her holiday nuptials to Matthew Carter.
“That…wedding didn’t happen,” Holly manages.
“Clearly. I made a few calls to some friends in the city. It was supposed to be last week.”
“We broke things off.”
“And then you just conveniently came here to seek out an old high school friend so you could switch out one rich husband for another?”
“I—I—” Holly stammers. “That’s not it at all. I had no idea Aiden would be here in Krimbo!”
“Your best friend just coincidentally rented a place from him and gave it to you?”
Holly is blinking back tears now. “Yes,” she says. “It was a coincidence. I swear. I wouldn’t do that.” But she can see how bad it looks—and it looks even worse when Aiden comes into the kitchen to see her squared off against his sister.
“What’s going on in here?” he says. “Alexa, seriously, you made Holly cry? On Christmas? You really need to cool it.”
Alexa has her hands on her hips, staring Holly down, daring her to tell the truth. Holly knows she has no other choice, that if she doesn’t try to explain things, Alexa will just give her version anyway.
“It wasn’t her fault. There’s something I should tell you, Aiden.”
He looks even more alarmed now. “What is it? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I just…haven’t been totally honest with you about why I came here alone for Christmas. I was engaged to be married. My wedding was supposed to be”—she closes her eyes briefly—“just over a week ago. But my fiancé broke things off the night before our wedding, and I came herebecause I was in shock. Because I needed to take some time on my own.”
“You were supposed to get married last week?”
She can’t blame him for looking so surprised, so horrified. It feels like they’ve talked about so much over the past few days—but she realizes as she spills out the truth how inaccurate that is. She kept so much from him.
“I’m sorry to do this on Christmas,” Alexa says. “But Aiden, I’m just trying to protect you. You know that.”
Aiden doesn’t look at Alexa, just keeps staring at Holly, his face the picture of shocked dismay.
“I’m sorry, Aiden,” Holly says. “Everything with us—” She glances at Alexa, who does not make a move to leave the kitchen and give them any privacy. “It happened fast, and it feels so right, and I didn’t want to ruin it. But I have. By not telling you, I have ruined everything.”
Aiden presses his palms to his eyes. “I don’t know what to say. I think I just need a minute.” He looks dazed as he heads for the back door without even bothering to get a jacket. The door slams and he’s gone.
Holly stands in the silent kitchen, staring at the closed door. Then she turns to Alexa.
“I’m going to go,” Holly says. Alexa says nothing in response. Holly turns and rushes out of the kitchen, barely stopping to get her coat and handbag as Aiden’s family looks on, stunned.
19
Ivy
December 25
Kauai, Hawaii
