“Phoebe!” Krissy bellowed from across the lawn. “Come here, we’re doing the damn flower or whatever toss. We need you. Leave that man alone, you can jump on him later.”

Phoebe cringed at the sound of Krissy’s strident voice.

Jeez that girl was loud.

Sebastian looked away, like he was trying to ignore the whole thing. Which was probably a good idea.

She took a deep breath and grimly walked over to where the women were grouping, keeping her head focused on what was ahead because walking over to Krissy meant passing by Spike, who was still hanging out at the farm and hadn’t left yet (although everyone was secretly wising he would). Why he would stay somewhere where no one really wanted him, she’d never understand. He sat in a chair, a beer in his hand and a frown on his face. Which was fine with Phoebe, because what would that jerk have to be happy about anyway?

She heard laughter and glanced over at Rebel. Trevor whispered in her ear and the two of them dissolved into belly laughs. Phoebe smiled. They were a beautiful couple. Rebel was in a long, silky sheath and Trevor wore a Tom Ford black suit. They reminded Phoebe of an edgier version of Carolyn Bissett and JFK Jr. In the old days their wedding pictures would’ve ended up on the cover of People magazine. Despite the lack of paparazzi, they were still dazzling.

Wedding planned and executed? Check. Happy couple? Check. Check.

Phoebe glanced across the lawn at Krissy and Tiana, her eyes automatically searching for Kati, then reminding herself that Kati wasn’t there.

And her eyes landed on the quiet, sixteen-year-old girl sitting by herself, dressed in baggy sweats and a hood over her head.

Phoebe stood still, her heart breaking off into tiny pieces.

“Phoebe! Phoebe!” Josie ran up, panting with excitement. “Come on, come on,” she grabbed her hand. “Krissy said we’re playing a game and throwing flowers!”

Phoebe followed where Josie led.

Everyone crowded around. Rachel was serving as the DJ, so she started some music and prepared to MC the bouquet toss. The women had all met ahead of time and it had been already agreed that this was for Josie. Only Josie would catch the bouquet, but they’d make it look good, like she’d won it fair and square.

Josie’s cheeks were rosy, her eyes bright. She was bouncing with joy, a whirlwind of energy, her pink dress swirling around her. Phoebe was so happy for the little girl; her eyes were getting wet.

Rebel walked over. “I’ll toss it easy over my shoulder, you nudge Josie in the right direction and make sure she gets it,” she whispered.

Phoebe nodded. Tiana took a position behind Josie and lifted her chin at Phoebe. Phoebe met Krissy’s gaze. She was ready too.

“You ready, big girl?” Krissy asked Josie. “You know I’m going to win, right? Don’t cry or anything when I shove you aside and catch the flowers myself. Cause I’m gonna.”

“I’m going to catch it. Me. I’m going to catch it,” Josie exclaimed.

“I don’t know,” Phoebe said, joining in, “I’m pretty good at this. Remember, I used to plan weddings. I went to weddings all the time and watched people play this game. You two had better watch out.”

“I’m fast,” Josie shot back. “I’ll get it.”

“Oh, I’m going to leave all of you in the dust. I used to run marathons. I’ve got this.” Tiana started doing exaggerated stretches like she was readying for an Olympic sprint. It was pretty funny. They all laughed.

“Hey, you guys ready?” Rebel shouted.

She was standing in front of all of them, farthest across the lawn and towards the front road. The women were all grouped behind her. The men stood to the side, next to Rachel, who was monitoring the music.

Phoebe couldn’t help the snort of laughter that escaped her when she saw all the men were holding big signs that read, “Team Josie.” Too cute.

“Josie, Josie, do you see the signs the men are holding? Look, they’re on your side.”

Josie waved at them. “Yes! I’m ready,” she shouted to them. “I’m going to win!”

The men cheered.

Phoebe chuckled. “She’s ready.”

“Keep your eye on the ball,” Adam shouted.

Rachel started the countdown from the side. “One…”

Josie inexplicably moved forward, breaking from Phoebe’s grasp on her shoulders. Phoebe’s brow furrowed. What was she doing?

“Two…”

“Josie!” Phoebe reached for her.

“Three!”

Rebel swung the bouquet over her shoulder. Josie sped up, running forward to catch the bouquet and tripped over something unseen in the lawn, falling to her hands and knees. The flowers sailed in a perfect arc over the little girl’s head and right into Phoebe’s arms which were already outstretched in an effort to grab Josie.

There was a collective gasp and a moment of silence. Phoebe looked down in horror at the weight of the gorgeous blossoms that had somehow landed directly in her grasp—as if it had been preordained. She jerked her chin up and met Sebastian’s intense gaze from across the lawn. For a moment it seemed as if only the two of them were there. Everyone else melted away and all she could see were Sebastian’s eyes, his lips.

Apprehension coursed through her veins.

And Josie started to cry.