Page 48

"Charlie Astor?" She looks impressed despite herself. "Wow. You’re actually dating your best friend’s brother?"

The comment lands like a slap. Bill shifts uncomfortably beside me, but before either of us can respond, Charlie arrives, his smile disarmingly warm.

"You must be the bride," he says, extending his hand. "Charlie Astor. You've created a beautiful event."

Kiley preens under his attention. "Thank you. It's been a labor of love."

"I can see that. Your attention to detail is remarkable." Charlie's hand finds mine, his fingers intertwining with mine in a gesture that's both possessive and supportive. "Tess was just telling me about your shared history."

Kiley blinks, thrown off balance. "Oh, well, it was a long time ago, so..."

"I have to say, I'm grateful for how things worked out in the past. Otherwise, I might never have had the chance to be with Tess now," Charlie says smoothly.

Charlie leans over and kisses me tenderly on the temple, and I feel a rush of gratitude so intense it nearly brings tears to myeyes. Charlie is handling this social minefield with the skill of a diplomat while Kiley completely crumbles.

"Yes, well," Kiley stammers, clearly not expecting this. "I should get back to greeting guests. Enjoy the reception."

As she flounces away, Bill clears his throat. "I believe I see an old friend I should greet. Excuse me." He gives my arm a gentle squeeze before departing, leaving Charlie and me alone.

"Thank you," I say quietly, turning to face him. "You didn't have to do that."

"Yes, I did." His blue eyes are serious. "Nobody gets to make you feel small."

He adjusts some of my hair that's come loose from my updo, his touch feather-light against my cheek. "Want to bail early? We've made an appearance. My professional duty is officially fulfilled."

The offer is tempting, but something in me resists. "Not yet. I think I need to see this through. To prove to myself that it doesn't hurt anymore."

Charlie studies me for a moment, then nods. "Alright. But if you change your mind, just say the word and we’re out of here."

I smile at him, the knot in my chest loosening slightly.

For the next hour, we navigate the reception with Charlie at my side, his hand rarely leaving the small of my back. He keeps up a steady stream of quiet commentary in my ear—observations about the other guests, gentle teasing about the increasingly drunk best man, whispered compliments about how beautiful I look—that makes it almost impossible to focus on my discomfort.

When Hank approaches us near the dessert table, I say hello and congratulate him. The situation is awkward but after I speak to him, I feel so much better.

Charlie seamlessly shifts the conversation to business, engaging him about his father's company while keeping metucked against his side. I notice how Hank's eyes dart to me occasionally, his expression unreadable, and I wonder what he’s thinking. Not that it really matters anymore…

By the time we make our way toward the exit, my initial anxiety has completely faded away. Charlie pauses at the garden gate, turning to look back at the twinkling lights and elegant crowd.

"You sure you're ready to go? We haven't even had cake."

I follow his gaze to where Hank and Kiley are now dancing, her white dress swirling around them. Eight years ago, that sight would have shattered me. Now, it just feels like watching strangers in a movie—a story that had once included me but no longer does.

"I'm sure," I say, squeezing Charlie's hand. "Besides, I’ve got something for you that’s a lot sweeter than cake."

Charlie's eyes darken slightly and he leans down to whisper in my ear. "Yes, you do, girl."

As we walk to his car, I glance back one final time at the mansion aglow with lights and laughter. Something feels different now—a chapter closing perhaps, or a weight I hadn't realized I was still carrying finally gone. Charlie opens my door, his hand brushing mine as I slide past him.

Whatever happens next with Charlie and me, at least I know now that the past is truly behind me. That feels like enough of a victory for one day.

Chapter 16

Charlie

Ipush the door open with my shoulder, juggling our overnight bags while trying not to look like the effort is making me sweat. Tess trails behind me, her heels dangling from her fingers, bare feet padding silently across the plush hallway carpet.

The lock clicks, the lights flicker on, and we both let out the same exhausted, relieved sigh—like we've been holding our breath all day, waiting for this moment when we could finally relax.