The Promise (Wolfe Creek Duet #2)

29

THEA

I snap a picture of Cassie’s mom helping her get into her dress. Then another of her father hugging her. I’m trying my hardest not to cry—I don’t want to ruin my makeup. It’s both beautiful and a little heartbreaking. I’ll never have this.

Pushing the thought aside, I take more photos of them.

When they leave, I take a seat next to her. “You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”

“You have to say that,” Cassie says, smiling at me.

“I don’t have to and you really are.” I hand her a glass of champagne. “To you and Anthony, I wish you a lifetime of happiness, success, laughter, love, and great sex.” We clink our glasses together as we laugh.

We set our drinks down and Cass takes my hands in hers. “I can’t thank Damian enough for his gift. It made today so much easier. You’re a lucky girl.”

In many ways, I can’t argue with her. I have three amazing boyfriends who take such good care of me. My photography business is thriving. Our new event business is off to a promising start. Yet, a dark cloud hangs over my happiness, making it hard to feel it.

Cole is the darkest part of the storm. I don’t know if I’ll survive him. Then there’s Adrian. He’s an unpredictable force to be reckoned with. Two days ago I let him fuck me and I haven’t told anyone. I liked it. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t replayed it in my head so many times since.

Finally, there’s me. I feel like I’m the eye of the storm. I appear blissfully calm to anyone near the center, but the winds and destruction are raging around me. I’m threatening to tear apart everything in my path.

“I’m very lucky,” I agree with Cassie. This is her day—she doesn’t need me bringing her down.

Cass looks at her phone. “We still have ten minutes until I walk. I’m so freaking nervous. Distract me, please,” she begs. “Is there anything else going on with you know who?” We’re alone, but I appreciate her discretion.

There is something, although I was going to wait to tell her until after the wedding. Looking into her big brown eyes, I give in.

“I found something.” Her eyes get wide with anticipation. “I’m not proud of it. But after I came home from the kidnapping, Damian pretty much gutted Cole’s room of any clues or evidence. So, I went searching for it yesterday. He was running errands and I went through his things.” I expect her to chastise me for some reason.

Instead, she waits patiently for me to continue with a proud grin on her face.

“I found some paperwork in one of his drawers. It was medical paperwork from ten years ago. Cole had been institutionalized, I guess. I didn’t have time to read the whole thing. Adrian interrupted me. But he was diagnosed with Acute Stress Disorder.” I try to recall the exact wording on the document. “Something about him threatening himself and others with a gun. I don’t know what to make of it.”

Cassie takes a sip of her champagne. “So they knew he was crazy before he went off the rails with you?”

I nod. “Yeah. They knew.” The revelation was too much for me to process in the moment. Honestly, it’s still too much. “I don’t want to make excuses for them, although I don’t think it was malicious. Cole seemed fine to everyone until he wasn’t.”

The door squeaks open. “We need the maid of honor,” a member of the staff announces. I smile in acknowledgement.

Cass and I stand—I give her a long hug. “You’re getting married! Let’s do this.” I pull her in once more before walking off.

Following the woman who came to get me, she positions me at the opening in the ten foot tall hedges we had put in to keep the guests from seeing the bride.

I take in the view of the ceremony. The chairs are all filled. Despite their backs to me, I find Sutton, Damian, and Wes instantly. I smile, knowing how far we’ve come since we first started dating. I was absolutely terrified of anyone seeing me with all of them. I was terrified of the gossip. Those worries have vanished. I’m so proud to be seen with them.

Pink and orange streak across the dusky blue sky as the sun sets. A magnificent arch covered in white and blush roses is directly in front of me. To each side of the arch, there are bridesmaids and groomsmen. Anthony stands next to the officiant, waving to the seated guests.

I’m nudged, signaling my turn to walk. Taking a deep breath, I square my shoulders and head down the aisle.

Heads turn in my direction, but I focus only on walking. I’m scared I’ll trip in these heels. I make it to the end and give Anthony a wink.

Looking out over the guests, I lock eyes with Damian. I already know what he’s thinking. He’s wondering how quickly he can get this dress off of me tonight. My gaze shifts. Wes is echoing a similar look, but I know he wants to tear the dress off of me. Then I meet Sutton’s stare. Well, he’s wondering if he can get away with fucking me during the wedding without anyone knowing. I’m about to giggle at the racy thoughts going through my head when I spot two faces I never thought I’d see here.

My parents are sitting three rows behind the guys. I’m frozen. What are they doing here?

I don’t have time to think about that. The music cues up and Cassie’s ready to make her entrance. Inhaling, I will myself to calm down and to put a smile on my face.

Focusing on how beautiful Cass looks helps. Her father is by her side, looking over every so often, mostly happy, but also maybe sad that he’s officially giving his little girl away. The beads on her dress catch the light of strung up bulbs, making her look ethereal. She only has eyes for Anthony and when I look at him, I see a tear roll down his cheek.

They join hands and the officiant performs the ceremony. It’s perfect. Still, I’m tempted to look back at the intruders. I don’t. I force myself to keep my eyes trained on Cass and Anthony. They deserve my full attention.

But as soon as they say I do and walk back down the aisle, my willpower leaves. I loop my arm through the best man’s and let him lead me off of the altar. Looking over, I see my parents standing, practically emotionless. I haven’t seen or heard from them in months and not a sign of happiness at my presence. Why did they come here?

Once we’re behind the hedge, a man with a tray comes over. I take the last glass of champagne and down half of it. I’m going to need it.

I’m about to make my way through the mingling guests when my mother’s face pops around the corner of the hedge.

“Thea!” she says surprised, as if she didn’t seek me out. Her short dark hair is pulled back tightly and she’s wearing a form fitting black cocktail dress.

Grabbing her arm, I pull her behind the wall of greenery. “What are you doing here?”

Her brows furrow, making an expression as if I’ve offended her. I’m the one who should be offended. She’s treated me horribly this year. Although, if I’m being honest, really my whole life. This year just takes the cake as the worst.

My mother digs through her clutch, pulling out an invitation. No, this isn’t right. I helped Cass with the invitations and my parents weren’t on the guest list.

“See? I was invited. I thought you were making a peace offering.”

I laugh in disbelief. “A peace offering? Why the hell would I do that? Do you think I want either of you back in my life after this summer?” I don’t give her a chance to answer. “I don’t. I thought I made that clear. But just so we’re on the same page. I’m. Done.” I’m pointing in her face as I say those final words. It feels so good.

My father peers around the hedge. Silent and ready to leave. “And you.” I turn my finger to him. There’s so much I can say. “You’re a shitty dad.” It’s pointless to go on a rant with him—he’ll tune me out.

I’m about to tell them to leave when Damian, Wes, and Sutton appear. They gather around me, confused by my anger.

“Is everything okay, princess?” Damian’s hand finds my lower back.

Sutton laces his fingers in mine while Wes gives me a peck on the cheek.

I’m suddenly very aware of how this looks and while I may not care what the people of Willow Hill think about my relationship, I’m not ready for my mother’s judgment.

“You both need to go,” I insist, hoping to head off her commentary.

She takes in the four of us carefully. I see the slight crinkling around her eyes and the pursing of her lips. I wonder what thinly veiled insult she’s going to hurl at us.

“Thea, really? Sleeping your way around town? That isn’t how I raised you.” I almost want to applaud her. For the first time, Kendra Griffin says exactly what’s on her mind. It even pulls a smirk from me.

I feel Damian try to take a step forward, but I put a hand out to stop him. “Oh mom, sleeping around is so much better than getting slept around on. You should try it sometime.”

Her jaw drops, it’s wholeheartedly satisfying. I’m about to tell her once again to leave. However, she’s not finished.

“This is probably why you have a cop sniffing around, asking about you. Running with the wrong crowd is going to get you in trouble, Thea, just like it did when you were fifteen.” My cheeks heat at the revelation that Detective Williams has talked to my parents, but also because she’s throwing my past in my face. My past that was the result of her bad parenting.

A flash of sparkling white jumps in front of me. “What’s the problem here?” Cassie demands to know.

I snatch the invitation from my mother’s hand, giving it to Cass. “She got an invite, somehow.” Turning it over in her hand, she looks just as confused as me.

“This isn’t even the same calligraphy style we used on the other envelopes. This didn’t come from me,” she insists. I know it didn’t. Cassie wouldn’t have invited them here, not after how they’ve acted. We exchange a quick look. I think we both know who’s behind this.

Then we both realize that we’ve put ourselves in a difficult position by admitting this invitation didn’t come from Cassie. Damian, Wes, and Sutton are all ears behind me.

“We can do this quietly, or I can have you both escorted out very dramatically.” She crosses her arms and stares down my parents. They choose not to make a scene and leave peacefully. Cassie turns to me, careful to not make eye contact with the guys. “I’m so sorry. My mom must have sent this to them, thinking they were invited. Say you’ll forgive me.” It’s all very convincing.

I pull Cass into a hug. “Of course. It’s not your fault.” Then I whisper so only she can hear, “Thank you so much.”

Tipping the rest of the champagne down my throat, I let her drag me off for photos, leaving the guys—and hopefully any suspicion—behind.

SUTTON

I’ve never been a fan of weddings. Too many people. And it’s a reminder of my parent’s failed marriage. Although, seeing Thea dressed up is making it easier to be here. I wish I didn’t have to use this cane, otherwise I’d ask her to dance.

Her fitted, cream-colored dress is making it hard to look at anything else. The straps hanging off her shoulders give the illusion that she’s been ravaged, paired with her hair falling in loose waves down her back, only adds to the effect. All I can think about is grabbing her hand and dragging her to that little house that’s across the property to have my way with her.

I down the rest of my drink instead, hoping it’ll dull the growing need.

Thea’s finally making her way to us after getting Cassie settled at the head table. She throws herself into her seat clumsily. “Weddings are exhausting,” she mutters, tipping her head back. “Remind me to never have one.” She immediately starts giggling. “Not like I can,” she sputters out. That makes her laugh even harder.

“Are you okay, blue eyes?”

She turns to Wes and pinches his cheek playfully. “Of course, brown eyes. Never better.”

I glance at each of my brothers doubtfully. This isn’t like Thea… well, except when she’s drinking. She did get pretty silly on Halloween.

“How much have you had to drink?” I ask, leaning in close so only she can hear me.

Pulling away, she says loudly, “I’ve had one glass of champagne, thank you very much. Are you trying to say I can’t handle my al-co-hol?” Thea draws out each syllable unevenly. Yeah, she’s had more than one drink, but she’s usually not dishonest about it.

The open bar’s been calling my name, but now I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I’m both worried about Thea and also about Damian catching on that I’m not doing the best job of keeping her grounded.

Looking over at my older brother, I mention, “She must have skipped lunch or something. I’ve got this.” He nods, the concern on his face lessening. As much as I want a drink, I tell myself that I can go without tonight. Something deep down gnaws at me, but I stifle it. I can have a drink when we get home. Only a few hours, I tell myself as I glance at the time on my phone.

For the next hour, I force Thea to eat the food on her plate as she becomes increasingly disoriented. Thankfully, Cassie isn’t asking much of her. That is until she grabs the mic and announces that it’s time for the maid of honor’s speech. My heart rate picks up. She’s not in any shape to give a speech.

Before I can do anything, a bridesmaid puts the mic in her hand and she’s trying to stand up, holding onto the table for balance.

Fuck, this is going to end badly. I want to stand and stop what’s about to happen, but Thea’s talking before I can.

“Cassss… my sweet, sweet girl. We’ve been besties for what, like a decade now?” My gaze lands on Cassie, who can tell something’s going on as Thea slurs her words. “I remember when you first met Anthony. You told me he fuc—” The mic cuts off before she can finish. The damage has been done, though.

Confused, she shakes the mic, then loses her balance. Thea bears her weight down on the lip of the table and the whole thing tips toward her. Wes jumps up, catching it before it hits the ground. Although, the centerpiece and everyone’s dishes slide to the floor.

I pull Thea back down to her seat. She slowly turns to look at me. “I don’t feel so good.”

Cassie’s heading toward us with Anthony by her side.

“Is she okay?” She feels Thea’s head with the back of her hand. “She was fine. I was just talking to her an hour ago. What happened?”

Nearly everyone is staring at us. Damian stands, he and Wes throw Thea’s arms around their shoulders.

“She said she only had one drink,” I tell Cassie.

“She did, just the one right after the ceremony. I was with her the whole time after that. She didn’t drink anything else.” Her brows knit in confusion as she looks at Thea.

I shrug. “Do you know if she ate?”

Cassie shakes her head. “That’s probably it. Let me know how she is tonight and first thing in the morning. Call me if she’s not okay. I’ll come.” She’s gripping my arm tightly as she says it.

I tell her I’ll keep her updated and follow my brothers to where we’re parked.

Thea sits between Wes and I in the back seat. She’s mumbling the whole way home. We take turns checking her pulse and forcing her to drink water. There’s a few moments where I get worried enough to ask Damian if we should go to the hospital.

But by the time we get home, Thea is able to hold herself up a little better and we take it as a good sign. Damian promises to have our personal doctor at the ready in case she takes a turn for the worse.

Once she’s feeling better, she’s going to get a lecture from all of us and I’m sure Cassie will have some words as well. I immediately feel bad. I can’t talk, I’ve been drinking more than normal. Who am I to say anything to her? Besides, I’m sure she’s going to beat herself up plenty when she wakes up tomorrow.

It’s not every day that you cause a scene at your best friend’s wedding.