Chapter 45 Gunshots!

• Eve
• I walked slowly down the aisle, the soft click of my heels against the polished marble the only sound besides the gentle swell of music from the string quartet in the corner. My fingers tightened around the bouquet of white roses and lilies, their scent sweet and almost overwhelming, as I drew in a deep breath to steady myself.
• The backup dress was simpler than the first—sleek satin with subtle lace overlays, no train, but still elegant and white. Mia had pulled it from the garment bag in the closet like a magician, muttering the whole time about always being prepared. “I wasn’t your personal assistant for nothing,” she’d said, zipping me up with quick, efficient hands while I stood numb, watching the ruined original gown get bundled away. She’d been more ready for this day than I had, and the thought made me want to laugh and cry at the same time.