Page 90 of Whisper of Surrender (Whisper Lake 2)

CHAPTER 28

When Ali first brought up the idea of having her reception on the pier, two days after she got married and inviting the entire town, Jess thought she was crazy. But as she looked around and saw everyone celebrating, laughing, dancing, and drinking, she realized her bestie was brilliant.

The festive atmosphere was contagious and Jess was determined to enjoy herself, even if a certain person was driving her crazy because he kept staring at her.

Which you only know because you keep checking to see if he is, the voice in her head pointed out.

And you’re disappointed when he isn’t,that same voice added.

She wouldn’t say disappointed. It was more like irritated.

Mostly at herself.

The last two days Ethan had been calling, texting, and had even stopped by the shop. She’d ignored all of his attempts. She’d even hid in the back when he stopped by the shop and made Amelia lie and say that she wasn’t there.

She was avoiding him.

She told herself that it was because she needed a fresh start, but she was just scared. What if he didn’t love her, but he didn’t want to leave things how they were. Ethan was a standup guy. Her biggest fear was for him to ask her to talk and him start off by saying, “I’m sorry I led you on.”

At least as long she avoided that conversation she could hold on to the hope that he actually had been in love with her. She wasn’t sure she could face a reality where what she had with Ethan really hadn’t been love.

“Jess!” Ali waved her over from across the pier. “We’re ready for pictures!”

Jess put her pity party on hold and set her drink down as she joined her friend.

“Thanks again for wearing the dress,” Ali said as Jess reached her.

Ali had texted her this morning and asked if Jess could wear her Dirty Dancing dress because she wanted to take bridal party pictures tonight. She’d asked if she could just wear the dress that she’d worn for the wedding, but Ali said since she had a different dress for the reception she wanted Jess to have a different one too. Since it was her one and only bridezilla moment, Jess had agreed.

“No problem.” Jess started to look for the photographer when the music stopped and a familiar voice came on over the speakers.

“Can I have everyone’s attention?” Ethan stood at the end of the pier where they’d cleared a space for the dance floor.

She turned to her friend to see if she knew what was going on. Ali didn’t look at all confused as to why Ethan had a microphone in his hand and was asking for everyone’s attention instead of just joining them for pictures.

“Are we doing a group picture?”

“No.”

“Are we supposed to do another toast?” She and Ethan had given a toast at the private reception a few nights ago. Hers had gotten more laughs than his, but he’d definitely beat her in the sentimental department.

“No.” Ali shook her head.

“Then what’s he doing?”

Ali shrugged, the universal I-have-no-idea gesture. But Jess knew that she absolutely had an idea.

“So, first off I want to say a huge congratulations to Kade and Ali.”

Applause erupted from everyone gathered on the pier.

When the cheering started to subside, Ethan continued, “When I told them what I wanted to do tonight, they didn’t hesitate in giving me the okay. So thank you, both.”

The crowd around them all clapped as they looked between Kade and Ali.

Jess smiled, and spoke through her teeth as she asked, “Ali? What is going on?”

“You’ll see.”

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