Chapter 58

Adam

From my seat in the first row, I scan the gathering of guests, trying desperately to locate Evie. My mind is everywhere but here.

Mom nudges my arm.

"I, Brad, take you, Stephanie, as my lawfully wedded wife to love and cherish . . ."

I tune out once more.

Evie was right behind me and Mom but she didn't walk down the aisle. I don't know if it was on Steph's request or Evie's own volition, but either way, it must have been terribly embarrassing for her being outed in front of my entire family.

I was as shocked as everyone else when Evie's sons showed up. Then the wedding procession came to a screeching halt, the music stopping, Brad hurrying down the aisle in the wrong direction. I wanted to explain to everyone that the whole charade was my fault, the product of my unending stupidity. But everything happened so quickly. There was no time to manage the situation.

I thought I accounted for every scenario. Except for the one where Evie's sons crash the wedding.

My mother has given me the evil eye twice since taking our seats, my dad offering a fleeting frown of disappointment before realigning his features to their usual good-natured form. I've never felt this level of tension from my family.

I shift my body, trying to see behind me. No Evie.

How did things go south so quickly? Wasn't it yesterday we were all dancing together, gleefully?

I can't spot Evie's sons either, though they shouldn't be hard to miss. As much as I understand they are no longer children, seeing two jock-like guys, both taller and broader than myself, it hits home that Evie is the mother of grown men.

Now Steph and Brad are kissing, everyone cheering on the newlyweds. Somehow, I missed Steph's vows. I was preoccupied. At least Steph is mostly back to herself. Her low-simmer-stress, deeply-in-love-with-Brad self.

Mom pulls me to my feet, and along with the others, I clap as the happy couple makes their way back down the aisle and into the lodge.

"Excuse me, Mom."

Anna sets her hands on her hips. "Where are you going?"

"There's something I need to do."

"If that something is going to create more havoc at this wedding, then don't do it."

I swallow back my retort. She's right. "Message received."

I wait for the others to go inside where the tables are set for an elaborate luncheon. Then, I take the trail behind the building.

Please be there.

Zane would say I'm being delusional. He would be right.

Because Evie is not waiting for me.

I desperately want to declare my love to her, to beg her forgiveness for dragging her into my reckless scheme. To beseech her to stay with me. To let me shower her with love.

I slump against the back wall of the lodge and put my face in my hands.

Evie is gone.