Page 15 of Beyond Reach

He wasn’t going to let it go, but she could be just as stubborn. “Look, forget it, okay? I’m sorry. I handled everything poorly. You could cut me some slack since all of a sudden my parents were gone, and I felt like this little kid, who couldn’t take care of herself. Even if I was an adult at the time, it meant nothing. I was attached to them.”

“But there’s something else, isn’t there?”

Her mouth fell open.

“Your eyes are shifting around as you speak. That tells me you’re keeping another secret.”

“Don’t pull that psychology bullcrap on me. I don’t need it. And you’re marrying my cousin. From what I hear, you love her more than anything, so what I did or do shouldn’t matter.”

“Chanda.” He touched her arm. She jerked away. He reached for her again.

“I said now!” came the coordinator’s shout.

They both jumped and turned toward the sanctuary. Garner held his elbow out to Chanda. She hesitated, not wanting to touch him. If she refused, everyone would notice and ask why. She set light fingers on his arm and drifted into the sanctuary.

The organist played the wedding march. Down the long aisle, her family stood watching them enter. The minister waited at the altar, holding a bible. For a split second, Chanda lost reality. Everything seemed true, like she was marrying Garner. Then she spotted the smirk on Lanae’s face and the raised eyebrows on Marcella’s. Reality flooded her mind, making her feel sick.

She stumbled a bit, but Garner’s quick reflexes and easy strength steadied her. They continued down the aisle, and when they reached the minister, Marcella bumped Chanda aside.

“Okay, I can take over right here,” Marcella told her. “I can stand next to my husband.”

Her aunt clapped her hands and cooed. “Doesn’t that sound lovely, baby? ‘Husband.’”

Chanda swallowed sickness. She turned to leave. “If that’s all you need me for, I have some things I have to take care of.”

“You can’t leave.” Marcella hobbled over to Chanda, wincing with each bit of pressure she placed on her ankle. The woman refused to learn. “We might have to do the walk-in over again. You don’t want to ruin my wedding, do you? Or do you? Is there something you want to tell me?”

Chanda rolled her eyes. “Please stop with the dramatics. I can’t deal with it.”

“I’m not being dramatic.” Her cousin placed hands on her hips, which caused her to wobble since she was unstable on her feet. “I’m just saying you’ve been less than enthusiastic since you got here. I’m starting to wonder if you’re happy for me. Maybe you still have feelings for Garner. I…I…get the feeling you’re going to try to sabotage my wedding.”

With this announcement, Marcella burst into tears. Her shoulders shook, and she sobbed with such sincerity, Chanda couldn’t believe it was an act. Her chest tightened. Never mind that she had no such plans. She’d never in her life acted against Marcella. The accusation held no weight whatsoever.

Aunt Hope leaped forward to take Marcella into her arms. Uncle Bill hovered around the two of them and glared at Chanda. He balled his fists at his sides, and she stumbled back a step, for a second scared her uncle would attack her.

The coordinator fanned her face, looking awkward and impatient. No doubt she didn’t like this emotional display interfering with her schedule. The minister muttered something Chanda couldn’t make out, and Lanae covered a snort of amusement. Some supportive friend she was.

Garner’s parents, whom Chanda hadn’t spoken much to beyond a simple greeting, remained in their seat on the opposite side of the church. The couple was normally reserved and quiet. Chanda had to admit she didn’t speak more to them because she wasn’t sure how they had taken her leaving Garner and if they hated her. She couldn’t tell what they thought of Marcella’s accusation.

Chanda didn’t look at Garner to see if he believed Marcella. Instead, she turned to her seat and gathered up her purse to tuck onto her shoulder. “If that’s what you think, Marcella, despite the fact that I’ve never come against you in any way, then maybe I shouldn’t be your maid of honor. Maybe I should just go back home now.”

She started down the aisle, and behind her Marcella wailed even louder. Family gathered around Marcella, encouraging her to be strong.

“It’s just pre-wedding jitters, baby, that’s all,” Aunt Hope told Marcella.

Chanda didn’t wait to hear Marcella’s response. She banged the door to the street open and stepped out of the church. As she climbed into the rental car, relief flooded her system. She could escape this mess and return home.

She smiled and pressed on the gas, then slammed on the brakes. Uncle Bill stepped out in front of the car.

Chapter 7

“Uncle Bill, what are you doing?” Chanda jumped out of the car and ran around to the front. “I could have killed you. Oh God, you’re going to give me a heart attack.”

Her uncle snarled and grabbed her wrist. “What was that smile for?”

“What smile? What are you talking about? Ouch, let me go. You’re hurting me.”

His hold tightened. He was strong for an older man, and she cried out. Anger and fear choked off words as she struggled to get away.

---