I guess I got what I wanted, a proper fight before we got married. Only, I don’t like it one bit. Our argument only makes me more nervous about getting married.

We definitely have some major issues to discuss before we exchange vows. No one will stop me from spending time with my family, not even my husband.

I’m in the restaurant when my parents come for breakfast. I’ve also ordered for everyone.

They both look so happy and relaxed. It warms my heart to see them holding hands. Spending the night at the hotel was clearly good for them.

Unfortunately Heather called earlier to say she won’t be able to join us as she had to take over an emergency shift. She promised to come and see me at the house later.

Before sitting down, Dad scans the room for Winston. “Is he running late?”

I allow both of them to settle down before I tell them. “Mom, Dad, Winston is not having breakfast with us this morning.”

“Has he had breakfast already?” Mom’s face falls. She has really taken to him.

“No, he had to fly back to New York early this morning. He has meetings to attend...urgent meetings.” I hate lying to them, but if they knew the truth they would be suspicious. Anybody would if they found out my fiancé left me in the middle of the night.

Whatever is going on between me and Winston, is between us and I don’t want to get my family involved, especially since our argument had something to do with them.

“That’s a shame.” Dad smooths out his napkin on his lap. “But I guess he’s a rather busy man.”

“He is.” I turn my attention to my glass of pineapple juice. “But it’s fine. He doesn’t have to be here for us to enjoy breakfast together.”

“But I have to tell you, honey”—Mom’s face breaks into a smile that lights up her eyes—“I’m glad he gifted us a night at this hotel. Our room was breathtaking. I’ve never stayed in a luxury hotel before, and I hope it won’t be the last time.”

“Mother, I don’t think we should take advantage.”

“Take advantage of what, darling?” She frowns at me.

“Winston’s generosity. We’re not even married yet and he has given us so much already.”

Mom places a hand on her chest. “He didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he looked like he was actually enjoying it. Why should we deny him the satisfaction?”

I clench my jaw. “We should at least be married first before we take on any more gifts.”

“Have you heard?” Mom’s face lights up as she changes the subject. “Everyone is talking about you and Winston all over town. At church on Sunday, your name was on everyone’s lips.”

“Mom, I didn’t really want anyone to know I’m in town. You didn’t tell them, did you?”

When Mom chews her bacon in silence, avoiding my eyes, I know the answer. “I’m so proud of you,” she says finally. “I couldn’t help myself.”

Dad clears his throat. “Your mom was not able to keep quiet the entire time at church. She told everyone who would listen that you will be marrying a famous person.”

“I asked you not to tell anyone.” I massage my temples. “I’m not interested in being the talk of town.”

Mom’s face crumples. “Sweetheart, I don’t understand why you’re upset by it. These are people you grew up with. They’re like family. They want to be involved in your happiness.”

“And some of them were asking for money,” Dad cuts in.

Mom throws him a deadly look. “Steve, don’t be like that.”

Blood drains from my face. “They’ve been asking you for money?”

Dad nods and Mom lays her hand on mine. “You have a generous fiancé. If he eventually wants to sponsor the whole town, why not? Don’t stand in the way of good deeds.” Her eyes start dancing. “I cannot believe a billionaire will become part of our community.”

“He won’t be a part of this community, Mom. After the wedding, we’ll be living in New York.”

Mom withdraws her hand and her face grows tight. “You mean you won’t get a place here?”

“No.” Even if I weren’t marrying Winston, I don’t see myself spending the rest of my life in Misty Cove. But if I tell her that, it would break her heart. “Our jobs are in New York.”

“But you told us you don’t have a job anymore.”

“Not at this moment. But I’m looking for one...in New York.”

“And why did you say he let you go again?” my father asks, raising his cup of coffee to his lips.

I clear my throat. “He felt that as his fiancée or wife, it would be a conflict of interest if I continue to work for him.”

“I guess it makes sense,” Dad says and continues to eat.

“It does. And I’ve already started sending out applications for a new job.”

“You’re a smart girl. You’ll find one in no time.” Dad squeezes my hand. His calloused hand is warm to the touch.

“Darling,” Mom says, cutting through my thoughts. “The billions aside, you made the right choice with Winston. He’s a lovely man.”

“Thank you.” Let’s hope he’ll also make a good husband.

I’m relieved when we move on to other topics while enjoying the rest of our delicious breakfast.

Being with them makes me realize how much I missed home. This small town is part of who I am. Even after I get married to Winston, I can see myself returning here often to be with my family and showing my kids the town I grew up in. On second thought, maybe I should convince Winston to buy a cottage in town, so me and the kids can come here for the holidays.

“Are you sure you’re happy with him?” my father asks, eyeing me over the rim of his coffee cup. “We want you to be happy.”

I give him an assuring nod. “I’m in love with him, Dad.”

“Just because you’re in love doesn’t mean you’re happy. There are people who are in love, but they make each other miserable.”

“Yes, sweetheart, love is not everything. But I could see last night that you’re happy together. I saw the way you looked at each other.” There’s no way Mom will let the opportunity to have Winston as her son-in-law pass her by.

We finish breakfast, and on the way home I ask Dad if he’s sure about taking Winston’s money for his business. He tells me Winston is the answer to his prayers and that God works in mysterious ways. I don’t have the strength to pursue the topic, so I keep my mouth shut.

Inside my childhood bedroom, I sit on the bed, observing my belongings. This room had always been my oasis, a place for me to recharge, my hiding place when life was unkind. The entire house in fact. Each time I crossed the threshold and breathed in the ever-present scents of vinegar—Mom’s favorite cleaner—and Dad’s Old Spice cologne, I felt instantly better.

A knock on my door brings me back from memory lane. The door cracks open before I ask the person to enter.

Heather appears in the doorway, wearing one of her many miniskirts and a tight tank top. Her long, curly, brown hair is wrapped in two French braids, as it has been since childhood.

“Welcome home, sis.” Her face is bright with joy at seeing me. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to breakfast. I had to cover for someone from midnight till six.”

“I’m surprised you’re still standing. You must be exhausted.” I pull her into the room and into my arms, holding her a little longer than necessary.

“I had to come and see you,” she says when we break apart. “Mom can’t stop gushing about your gorgeous fiancé. He must be something.”

“He is.” I curl my hands in my lap. “I think Mom and Dad think they hit the jackpot.”

We both laugh. “That’s exactly how it sounded when I spoke to them.”

Silence falls between us and then Heather asks me a question I’ve been dreading for days. “Why didn’t you tell me about him?”

“I’m sorry. I was afraid you might not approve.” I cringe. “I was sleeping with my boss. I didn’t want you or anyone to think I was sleeping my way to the top.”

Heather touches my arm and shakes her head. “I know you, Jenna. You’re not that kind of person. For you to do what you did, you must have been really drawn to him.” She pauses. “Now I want you to tell me the truth, okay?”

I know what she will ask before the words leave her lips. I have already rehearsed the answer on my way home.

“Is he the one? Is he really the one?”

“I wouldn’t be marrying him if he weren’t the one.”

“Sweetie, he’s a billionaire. It’s easy for him to sweep any girl off their feet, to make them fall in love with him. Money is sexy.”

“I didn’t fall in love with him because of his money.” My voice is sharper than I intended.

“I know.” She touches my arm gently. “I didn’t mean for it to come out that way. What I mean is, if he were someone else, someone with a different job and a different life, would you still be drawn to him?”

“Yes, I’d be drawn to him.”

“That’s good because I don’t want you to end up the way I did. Married for only a month.” She laughs.

After high school graduation, Heather celebrated with a trip to Vegas with one of her best friends. When she returned three days later, she was married to someone she had known for a night. Our parents were horrified and immediately relieved when the marriage was annulled thirty days later. It turned out the guy had also realized he’d made a mistake. The scandal had followed Heather for quite a while, though. But like everything else, it eventually died.

“By the way, just so you know, as I was arriving here, I saw Rob’s car outside. Before he could get out of the car, Dad went out to meet him.”

“Oh no, what was he doing here?”

“According to Dad, he wanted to talk to you. He’s been telling everyone around town that he wants you back.”

My heart sinks. “I don’t want him back. He cheated on me with his ex-girlfriend.”

“True. I don’t think he deserves you.”

“Is he still outside?”

“No, Dad sent him away.” Heather stifles a giggle. “With the help of his rifle.”

“Oh my God, no.” I find myself giggling as well.

“As he was chasing him away, I heard him tell Rob that you have moved on and he should do the same.”

“Of course he did.” I can’t help smiling.

I lean into my sister again, feeling content. As much as I want to tell her about my doubts concerning my upcoming wedding, I choose not to. I want to enjoy this moment with my sister before the storm of wedding planning hits.