Page 127 of Sapphire Tears

“Mom and Dad? No. It was my decision not to invite them, remember?”

She shrugs. “I know. I was just worried that you might regret it. I mean, they have no problem with you. It’s me they’re embarrassed about.”

I frown. “What they should be embarrassed about is how quickly Dad’s campaign crashed and burned without Adrian’s money backing him up.”

It was the death knell for his political ambitions, and—for the time being, at least—for our relationship. But I know better than anyone that dead things don’t always stay that way. Maybe one day, we’ll figure out a place to coexist.

That day isn’t today, though.

I’ve decided to be okay with that.

“I’m serious, June,” Geneva says. “I know you felt the need to come to my defense, but—”

“Of course I felt the need to come to your defense. You’re my sister, and we spent far too much time when we were younger fighting with each other instead offoreach other. I’m done with that.”

Geneva smiles, and even though she doesn’t say so, I can see how much that means to her.

“Where’s Liliana, by the way?” Geneva asks, looking around as though she’s only just realized that my daughter is missing.

I chuckle. “Where else? She’s with her papa.”

“She’s a real daddy’s girl, isn’t she?”

“Tell me about it,” I grumble. “Only seven months old and she clings to him likehe’sthe one that spent nineteen hours in labor with her.”

Geneva giggles. “He is a pretty amazing father, to be fair.” It’s probably the nicest compliment she has ever given him.

Her relationship with Kolya has come a long way. They’ve transitioned from open hostility to lighthearted teasing. There are still jabs being traded on a daily basis, but the sharpness has been taken out of the words.

Love comes with thorns sometimes, I guess.

I’ve decided to be okay with that, too.

The door opens again and Sara enters. She’s wearing a gown like Genny’s, though in a different shade of champagne that makes her auburn hair glisten.

“Are you not dressed yet?” she exclaims, gaping at me.

Laughing, I pop off the window seat. “Sorry, sorry, don’t yell at me. I’m getting ready now.”

“You better. Doctor’s orders,” she teases. She flashes me a smile and turns to my sister. “Gen, the caterer had some questions about the canapes. I didn’t know what the hell they were talking about, so—”

Geneva is already on her feet and grimacing as she bustles out of the door. “Oh, for the love of God! How hard can it be to remember that the fucking canapes go with the…”

Her voice fades as she disappears down the hall. She acts grumpy, but she’s in her element, and everyone here knows it. The smile on her face when I asked her to plan my wedding was something I’ll never forget.

“Those poor caterers,” Sara says after Geneva is gone. She turns to me. “You okay? Feeling good?”

“Yeah,” I reply. “Well, mostly. I just… Milana should be here. She should’ve been in a dress just like yours, standing next to us.”

Sara smiles fondly and comes over to touch the back of my hand. “You might’ve had to fight Kolya for her,” she laughs. “He’d want her on his side.”

“I’d let him win that one. I just want her here.” I bite my lip. “I thought about—”

“No, June,” Sara interrupts, grabbing my arm and forcing me to remember the promise we’d made to each other a year ago. “We can’t.”

I drop my head. “I know. Yeah, of course. You’re right.”

“Milana’s free now,” she continues. “She’s at peace. It’s time for you to be happy.”

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