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And why, in God’s name, did I wear these ridiculous shoes on the most important day of my life?

I laugh, pause on the stairs, pull them off. And let out a long, relieved sigh.

“Because they’re gorgeous, and I needed to be gorgeous today.”

I felt gorgeous when I saw the light and love in Collin’s eyes as I walked toward him.

A perfect day. Our perfect day.

I flex my aching toes, lay a hand on my belly.

All three of us.

I can’t wait to tell Corry, to share the news with my closest friend. I’m going to be a mom!

But today, I’m a bride, and that’s enough.

More than enough once I change my shoes!

At the top of the stairs, I turn a circle and think of all the plans Collin and I have for the manor. He’s updated some of it, a lot of it really, but we’ll do more.

And we’ll need a nursery. Absolutely not the one used by his ancestors. Too far away from our bedroom, and we want our baby close.

Plus, that room makes me sad, just so sad.

We’ll fill the house with happiness, and children, and art and music. Love, most of all love.

Collin’s been denied love for far too long.

To think his grandmother, his own and only grandparent, refused to come to the wedding. And his mother, so distant, so empty somehow, didn’t come.

Too damn weak to stand up to Patricia.

Thank God he’s had Deuce and Corry and Ace and Paula—and little Trey and Anna. All the Doyles, hisrealfamily. And now I’ll make a home, make a family for Collin, with Collin. And I’ll fill all the empty spaces he grew up with.

In the bedroom, I put my sparkling wedding shoes away, consider other choices.

“Well, the hell with shoes. Barefoot Bride suits me better anyway.”

Almost giddy, I roll down my stockings, discard them, then rush out to join the party.

A woman in black waits at the top of the stairs.

A strange dress for a wedding—almost like a bride herself, but one in mourning.

I feel the hair at the back of my neck stand up as she stares at me.

But I’m the hostess here now, so smile at her.

“Oh, hi. Are you looking for a powder room?”

“I look for you. The seventh bride.”

“Pretty sure I’m Collin’s first. Johanna Poole.” I extend my hand.

She doesn’t take it, but grips my left, and so hard! She yanks my ring from my finger.

“What the hell’s wrong with you?” Fury rises as I try to take back what’s mine. “Who are you?”