She glanced around the room, making sure there was nothing for Pippa to get into. Thanks to the Fosters’ generosity, the beach house would be Sophie’s home for three weeks while she spruced up the building that would house Bookshop by the Sea. Then she’d move into the space above the shop.
Her belongings were already unpacked and put away. Well, what she had with her. Most of her things were in storage. She was glad to be in Piper’s Cove, after arranging all the pieces from Raleigh, making multiple trips back and forth. Finally, she was ready to pursue her dream.
But she couldn’t think about that right now. First, the rehearsal. The mental checklist for the next two days was long and emotionally exhausting, and she found herself eager to tick all the boxes.
Pippa stared at her with sad brown eyes, her fluffy black tail drooping. Sophie tossed the dog her favorite squeaky toy. “I know, honey, but it’ll only be for a little while. Be a good girl. Play with Bunny.”
Sophie closed the door behind her and made her way through the crowded living room, following a path that took her around the armchair where Aiden was chatting with Dana, one of the bridesmaids. Sophie slipped through the sliding glass door. Time to get this show on the road.
A warm, salty breeze drifted over the deserted beach. Tomorrow white chairs would be aligned in tidy rows, and a gazebo, draped with chiffon and dripping with wisteria, would stand center stage near the shoreline.
She had so many memories in this beach town, most of them good, before her mom fell ill and her dad bailed. They came here every summer, staying in rental homes. She and her siblings played at the shoreline all afternoon, turning browner by the day, while their parents watched from the beach under the shade of an umbrella. Evenings were for riding bikes along the boardwalk. Each night Sophie dropped into her bed with a book, sun-tired and happy. That Jenna had decided to have her wedding here attested to the fond memories attached to this place.
Sophie joined Jenna at the deck railing, placing an arm around her sister’s shoulder. “Everything all right, sweetie?”
Jenna turned to her, eyes shimmering with tears. “I can’t believe I’m getting married tomorrow. Grant’s everything I dreamed of, Soph.”
Sophie’s shoulders released the tension the tears had automatically induced. “I’m so happy for you. He’s a good man.”
“He really is.” Jenna dabbed at her eyes. “And I’m already ruining my makeup.”
Sophie produced a tissue. “You look beautiful. Grant’s a lucky man, too, you know.”
“Thanks. Is Dad keeping away from Seth?”
“Don’t you worry about that. I’ll handle any problems that arise, but I’m sure they’ll both be on their best behavior.” Though Seth’s impromptu toast gave her cause to question that statement.
She squeezed Jenna’s shoulders, noting the fading light. “We should get going before we lose daylight.”
They quickly went over the order of ceremony.
“So after the parents are seated,” Jenna said, “the harpist will strike up ‘A Thousand Years,’ and Dana and Erik will walk down the aisle, followed by—”
“Wait. I—I thought you wanted the groomsmen waiting up front with Grant and Pastor Dave. The bridesmaids were going to walk down the aisle alone.”
“No, I told you, didn’t I? We changed it a couple weeks ago. Dana and Sarah were worried about walking alone on the sand. They want strong arms to hang on to.”
Sophie imagined her arm curled around Aiden’s, tucked close into his side. Deep breaths. “Oh. Sure. Of course. Whatever you want, honey.” They talked through the remaining order, working out minor details.
“Okay,” Jenna said finally. “I think we’re all set.”
“I’ll go get the others.”
Fifteen minutes later Pastor Dave and Grant stood near the shoreline as twilight encroached. The wedding party gathered on the deck, watching the ushers pretend to seat the Fosters.
Sophie felt a twin twinge and searched the group for her brother. Sure enough, across the deck her dad had cornered Seth. Jaw knotted, her brother stared toward the water.
Daggonit, Dad. Now is not the time.
Sophie made her way over and touched her father’s arm. “Dad, we’ll need you over here with Jenna. It’ll be your turn soon.”
Seth gave her a grateful look as she led their dad to the steps where Jenna waited. Seth had been vocal about his disapproval of Dad’s participation in the ceremony, but this was Jenna’s day. He’d promised to behave, but if their dad kept trying to engage him, things could go sideways in a hurry.
Things could not go sideways.
“All right,” Sophie called over the chatter. “Here we go. Everyone get in order of the procession.”
Everyone shifted, moving into place. Sophie kicked off her sandals. For the wedding they’d wear little wisps of decorative lace, extending from their second toes to their ankles, but tonight they were barefooting it.
Aiden appeared at her side, offering his arm and a crooked smile. “I see you’re still taking care of everyone.”
Sophie bristled, remembering that last argument seven years ago. He’d been too immature to understand her family obligations.
“Well, I am the maid of honor after all.”
“I didn’t mean anything by—”
“Here we go, everyone.” Sophie tapped the button on her phone, and the beginning strains of “A Thousand Years” flowed from the speaker.
The couples strolled down the aisle two by two. And then it was Sophie and Aiden’s turn.
She reluctantly took his arm, trying to imagine that her right side was numb and that she didn’t feel the warmth of his body or smell his subtle piney scent.
Aiden kept his gaze forward. “What I said before—I didn’t mean it as an insult.”
She kept a smile on her face. “Sounded like one.”
“Listen . . . Maybe we should start over.”
“Like before you arrived or before you left?” What was wrong with her? She was supposed to be smoothing things over. Keeping the peace. He just raised her hackles. Their strife seemed discordant with the harmonic music and festive atmosphere.
He sighed. “Okay, maybe I should start with an apology then.”
“That’s not necessary. Let’s just get through this, Aiden.”
It had been her motto for the last seven years. Through Aiden’s abrupt departure, her father’s abandonment, and her mother’s long illness and death eight months ago.
But now her mom was gone, Seth was self-sustaining, and her sister was getting married. Sophie was finally, finally, on the verge of having her own life. Nothing was going to ruin it. Certainly not Aiden Maddox.
“All I meant was that you took care of your family when they needed you. You should be proud of that.”
“I don’t need your approval.”
He gave a wry chuckle. “What do you need from me, Sophie?”
“I don’t need anything from you.” This was taking forever. She glanced behind her, making sure Jenna and their dad were ready. “Can we speed this up a little?”
“Eager to be rid of me?”
She held her tongue. She’d been dreading this little reunion ever since Grant slid that engagement ring on Jenna’s finger. Even though Aiden moved to Charleston shortly after he graduated, he remained close to Grant.