up in it.”
“Few people do.” I swallow back a fresh wave of guilt for keeping this from everyone. “Not outside Dovlano, anyway. I’m so sorry, Bree. I should have told you. I know you never would have trusted me with Brian if you’d known, and—”
“Hush, Izzy.” She drags me into her arms and hugs me tighter than I deserve. All this love, all this familial affection, it’s so much more than I can accept without guilt. “Oh, honey. I can’t believe you’ve been carrying all this around with you.”
I do feel lighter, but my heart is unbearably heavy. There’s nothing Bree can say or do to fix how I hurt my family. Hurt Bradley, for that matter. So much destruction and sadness, all at my hands.
But breathing the baby-powder scent of my sister’s hair, I feel loved. Forgiven, even though I have no right to absolution. This unconditional affection, it’s the rarest possible gift.
It’s exactly what Bradley offered, if only I could accept.
“Come on.” Bree draws back, wiping her eyes. “We’ve got a private suite for the facials. Let’s get settled with some tea, and you can tell me all about it. Or if you don’t feel like talking, we can do that. Just know I’m here for you, okay?”
I nod and feel a tear slip down my cheek. Could it be this simple? Forgiveness from my sister, even knowing what I’ve done, who I am, what I’ve hidden. There’s no way I could deserve this.
“Okay.” I swallow back more tears and grip Bree’s hand tighter. “All right, let’s go.”
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The minister closes the book he’s holding. “You may kiss the bride.”
It takes every ounce of strength I possess to hold tight to my bridesmaid bouquet and not look at Bradley. Not to see him in the fourth row with his sister and his well-fitted suit and wonder about what could have been. What was never meant to be between us.
I know I can’t have him, but that doesn’t stop my masochistic heart from letting my gaze skim past him as Jon and Blanka stride together down the aisle. They’re glowing as they make their way through the double doors and out into the bright, winter afternoon under a sky pregnant with unfallen snow. I’m glad they had their wedding here at the resort. I’ll carry these memories with me when I fly home in a few days.
Everyone’s clapping as the rest of the bridal party moves toward the exit. Bree leads the way, then stops in the coat check line, smiling as our brothers spill behind her and gather with their wives. Only James seems distracted, slipping his phone out of his pocket and scowling.
“Put that away!” Bree punches him in the arm. “It’s a wedding, not a board meeting.”
James frowns and slips the phone back in his pocket. “I’m ensuring there’s no need to be concerned.”
Something passes between them then, a conversation they have just with their eyes. It’s the sort of sibling telepathy I’ve envied between the Bracelyns. Even though it doesn’t include me, I can’t help savoring these final moments of hovering on the fringes of their connection.
Bree turns to Austin. “Do you think we should check on Brian? Real quick, before the reception starts.”
Austin smiles and slips an arm around her waist. “Sure. He’s fine, but I know you’ll feel better if you see for yourself.”
She lets him steer her toward the door, and I glance at my watch, surprised to see we have thirty minutes until the reception begins. Jon and Blanka wanted time for photos before we all show up clamoring for cocktails and dinner. Perhaps I should take Bree’s lead and see how Kevin is doing with Dante.
As I start for the door, Lily touches my arm. “Great jacket.” She lifts a hand to brush the sleeve of my fitted black trench coat. “Is this one we picked out together?”
I can’t help smiling in spite of everything. “I found this by myself.” I adjust the belt at my waist, absurdly proud of how well it fits. “I remembered what you said about dressing to enhance my curves.”
“Great choice.” Lily grins and leans closer. “You look like a sexy assassin. Like the perfect blend of classy and ‘c’mere, Doc Bradley, and fuck me silly.’ Where is he, anyway?”
I take a fortifying gulp of fresh air as we step out into the crisp December afternoon. “I’m not sure. He was sitting toward the middle with his sister.”
“Ah.” That’s