Chapter 4

Something flickered in Mortimer's eyes, a flash of surprise, as if he hadn't expected me to just say yes.

I pressed my lips together and gave a small smile.

"What? Was I not supposed to agree?"

Mortimer's phone rang.

The moment he saw the caller, his whole face softened.

I could hear Felicity's voice on the other end, thick with tears.

He walked off without ending the call.

On the day of the bridal shoot, Evangeline and Alison sat flipping through a thick album, back and forth.

"Patty and I agreed ages ago that I'd be her maid of honor when she got married. I've been waiting for this day."

Alison looked over at me, smiling. I didn't answer.

"From now on you and Mortimer just build a good life together, all right? No more acting out."

Evangeline said it gently, patiently, like she was pleading with me.

"I had a maid-of-honor dress made for Felicity too. She wants to come along."

"Fine."

A clerk carried out a custom gown.

"I really envy Felicity. Mortimer's so devoted to her. He had her dress made a whole year in advance."

Alison said it with open longing.

I looked down at my own dress.

Rented from the studio. Two thousand an hour.

By the time I'd finished my solo shots, Mortimer finally strolled in, late, with Felicity trailing behind him.

"Patricia, I didn't interrupt you and Mortimer, did I?"

Mortimer glanced at me and volunteered the explanation.

"Felicity and I are shooting our wedding photos too."

I nodded.

No crying. No scene.

His gaze settled on me, more searching now.

"Or... maybe I shouldn't shoot mine after all?"

Felicity peeked at me carefully, like a startled little deer.

Evangeline and Alison stepped in front of her at once, watching me warily.

Mortimer soothed her. "It'll be quick. Just wait for me a bit."

Quick it was. Our wedding photos took five minutes.

I changed out of the gown.

I turned and looked at the four of them, all so cozy together, then walked out of the studio without a shred of regret.

Next, the real show could begin.