Page 78 of The Love Hoax

I say, “There must be a better word than beautiful.”

Anna smiles at me. “Then we could apply that word to you.”

“Thank you,” I reply, touched by the kind words.

“It’s not only the delightful dress. It’s the love in your eyes whenever you look at Adam. You glow. It matches how my son looks at you, Ronna.”

I can’t suppress the blush to my cheeks.

Could Anna be right about Adam’s feelings? A mother always knows.

The thought makes my heart flutter.

“Are you ready?” Anna asks, taking hold ofmy elbow.

“Ready?”

“Family photos and then we’ll get lined up for the procession.”

“Um, I didn’t realize I’d be in the pictures.”

Anna laughs. “Well of course you are, honey. You’re a member of this family.”

She leads the way toward the exit and out onto the lawn. All the Demetriuses are there, including Adam.

I cross my arms against the late October chill.

“You’ll warm up in a jiffy,” Anna says. “The Colorado sun is strong.”

I feel Adam’s eyes on me and sure enough, I’m warmer.

This devilishly handsome man in a perfectly cut tuxedo is smiling at me.

A photographer with two assistants hovering close by directs the group where to stand and how to pose. Steph and Brad are in the middle, Brad’s family on one side, the Demetriuses on the other. I find myself snug between Anna and Adam, whose hand is set firmly on my waist.

The thought of me being front and center in the wedding album makes me cringe inside. Somehow it feels more egregious than taking on the maid of honor role. What I’m doing is wrong. But I’m in too deep at this point. No going back now. Hopefully, someday Steph and Brad will forgive me.

Adam leans in, whispering in my ear, his breath tickling my cheek. “You’re gorgeous.”

I feel heat building inside me once more. It isn’t the strong Colorado sun.

“I found a quiet spot behind the lodge,” Adam says barely above a whisper, his voice smooth as silk. “Meet me there after the ceremony. We need to talk.”

Goosebumps line my arms. “I’ll be there.”

When the photo shoot ends, those walking down the aisle take their places inside. Guests begin filling the chairs.

Brad and his parents wait anxiously ahead of Brad’stwo brothers and twin little girls toting baskets of rose petals. Then Adam and Anna, me, and finally Steph and Ari.

Once everyone settles, the musical quartet strikes up and Brad and his parents make their way slowly down the aisle. Brad takes his place beneath the flowered pergola. Then the girls march down, tossing pink petals from their baskets onto the white aisle runner.

From behind, I see Anna squeeze Adam’s hand. The simple, loving gesture makes me wish I was truly a member of this wonderful family.

As I watch mother and son take a step forward, I sense a flurry of activity behind me. Probably late-arriving guests.

But something is off. I know those voices.

With a pit in my stomach, I turn around, my jaw dropping.