Wedding Promises. Jennifer Faye

we should probably—’ Dan started, but Angela interrupted him.

      ‘Oh, no, Dan, do stay. I mean, now we’re all going to be family I’m sure we’re all just dying to hear exactly how you met our Laurel and how you came to be together. Such a surprise—don’t you agree, Linda?’

      ‘A total shock,’ Linda said flatly. ‘But then, we’re rather used to those from Dan.’

      ‘So, how did you two meet?’

      Laurel glanced up at Dan at her father’s words, hoping he might have a suitable story prepared. Why had she wasted so much time hiding from him in the bathroom when they could have been preparing for this exact question?

      ‘Well...’ Dan said.

      Laurel held her breath, waiting for the lie.

      But before he could start to tell it the main door to the bar flew open and there stood Melissa, resplendent in the forest-green gown her stylist had finally got her to agree to, after twenty-two other dresses had been deemed unsuitable. Riley was half hidden behind her, his tux making far less of an impact even with his all-American good looks.

      ‘Friends! My fiancé and I are just so delighted to welcome you all here to celebrate our wedding.’ Melissa beamed around the room and Riley stepped out of her shadow, looking awkward in his dinner jacket, and gave a little wave. ‘I hope you all have just the best time—’ She cut off abruptly, her sideways smile replaced by a sudden scowl as her gaze fell on Laurel and Dan.

      Oh, dear.

      Laurel made to move away from Dan’s side—just enough to give them plausible deniability until Melissa had finished her public announcements. But Dan’s arm tightened around her waist, holding her close, and when she looked up at him his eyes were locked with Melissa’s.

      He wanted this. Wanted the conflict and the declaration and Melissa’s wrath. But why? Just to see her reaction?

      Laurel couldn’t help but feel she was missing half the story, here, and she really didn’t like it.

      ‘What the hell is going on here?’ Melissa demanded, still staring at them, her hands on her hips.