After feeding Charlie and grabbing a quick shower, I dress for work and head to my studio. Even though Todd’s in jail, I still feel like he could jump out at me at any time. He’s made me paranoid, and I hate that! I don’t want to live in fear of him and what crazy thing he might do next.

Thanks to the nifty user guide Jake left for me, I’m able to figure out how to set and turn off the security system in my studio without too much trouble. There’s a control panel right behind the sales counter, along with a panic button, and there’s another control panel in the back, along with another panic button. There are motion detector lights and video surveillance cameras at the back door in the alley, and all kinds of high-tech gizmos throughout the two rooms.

I have no clue what all this cost, and I’m afraid to ask. But I have to admit, it does help me breathe a little easier. Todd won’t be able to sneak in again.

* * *

Saturday morning rolls around before I’m ready. I’d packed my weekend bag the night before, and my dress for the wedding is hanging in a garment bag on the back of my closet door. I tried on the half-dozen dresses I have before deciding on a Wedgewood blue, shin-length satin dress with a high neckline. It has a lacey overlay that makes it a bit more dressy than something I’d normally wear. It’s the best I could come up with on short notice.

I leave out plenty of food and water for Charlie. I know he’ll miss me, but I’ll make it up to him when I get back.

My heartrate picks up when I hear Jamie’s door open and close. Not wanting to appear too eager, I force myself to sit on my sofa and wait. A few moments later, there’s a knock on my door.

After taking a deep breath, I peek out the peephole. It’s Jamie. He’s got Gus with him, as well as an overnight bag and a garment bag.

“Hi,” I say, after opening the door. “What’s in the bag? Will you be wearing a tuxedo?”

“Yes. I’m one of the groomsmen.”

Charlie races into the room to greet Jamie, but he comes to a sudden halt when he gets a look at Gus. Charlie approaches Gus cautiously, and the two of them sniff each other. Gus seems pretty chill about the whole thing, and Charlie seems to take pretty quickly to the dog, purring as he rubs against Gus’s chest.

“My cat likes your dog,” I say.

Jamie smiles. “That’s a good sign. Are you ready to go? Our ride is downstairs.”

“Yes. I’ll just grab my stuff.” I give Charlie one last pat on the head and tell him to be a good boy. Then I bring my bags out into the hallway. Jamie takes them from me so I can lock up.

Jamie insists on carrying his bags and mine, along with holding Gus’s harness. “Lead the way,” he says.

I head downstairs, with Jamie and Gus following behind.

Outside, there’s a black SUV waiting for us at the curb. Our Uber driver gets out of the vehicle when he sees us, and opens the rear passenger door. “Good morning. I’m Keith, your driver.”

“Good morning,” I say, returning the young man’s welcoming smile. “Thanks for the ride.”

“Not a problem.” Keith approaches Jamie. “I’ll stow all this in the back. Can the dog ride in the back?”

“Sure,” Jamie says, leading Gus to the rear of the vehicle.

Once Gus is safely situated in the back, Jamie opens the rear passenger door and climbs in beside me. He reaches for my hand and links our fingers together. “Did you sleep okay last night?”

“Yes.”

“Todd’s still in jail?”

“As far as I know, yes.”

Jamie squeezes my hand gently. “You can relax this weekend and just have a good time, okay? Nothing to worry about.”

I appreciate that he’s trying to put me at ease. I return the squeeze and lean into him as we pull into traffic.

* * *

It’s nearly eleven o’clock when we arrive at Shane’s estate. We stop at both of the security checkpoints, and Jamie talks to the guard through the intercom to gain entrance. Up at the house, there are at least a dozen cars parked around the perimeter of the circular drive. Our driver pulls up to the front entrance to let us out.

There’s a small crowd assembled outside the house, including the groom and the future bride, who are welcoming new arrivals. I recognize Elly and her husband, George. And Lia and Jonah. 

We say hello to Shane and Beth. Elly greets Jamie with a big bear hug, wrapping him in her arms and squeezing tightly. When she releases him, she gives me a bright smile. “Molly, hello, dear!” she says, hugging me as well. “I’m so glad you came,” she whispers in my ear.

Our driver grabs our belongings from the back of the SUV and sets them on the front steps. Gus hops out of the vehicle and races up the steps to greet the bride-to-be.

“I’ll carry up your bags, Molly,” George says, smiling at me. “Come, I’ll show you to your room. It’s right next to Jamie’s.”

* * *

I wondered what the sleeping arrangements would be this weekend. I didn’t know what his family thought of me being here, or what, if any, relationship they thought we had. I find it very interesting that they put me in the suite right next to Jamie’s.

We follow George up the stairs and down a long corridor. George shows me to my room first, and he points out which suite is Jamie’s.

My room is beautiful and spacious. There’s a king-sized bed in the center of the room, against the back wall, a fireplace with a stone hearth, a little sitting area, and a balcony overlooking the rear of the house with a front-row view of Lake Michigan.

I hang up my clothes in the closet and put my toiletries in the bathroom, which resembles a high-end spa, complete with a sunken hot tub that easily seats several people. And this is just one suite out of how many? Good grief.

As I step out of the bathroom, my attention is diverted by a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I say.

The door opens, and Jamie and Gus walk in.

“Getting settled in?” Jamie says.

“Yes. This room is gorgeous.”

Jamie reaches for my hand. “Come downstairs with me. I’d like to introduce you to my parents.”

Oh, dear. I am so not ready for this.

* * *

The house is decorated beautifully. It’s all very tasteful, with lots of candles and fresh flowers. The dining room table, which seats a ridiculous number of people, is decked out with platters filled with every type of finger food imaginable. No one will go hungry this weekend, I’m sure. There’s a beverage bar manned by a barista, with every choice imaginable, including fancy coffees, soft drinks, beer and liquor.

The wedding is scheduled to start at two in the afternoon, so we have plenty of time to wander around and explore before we have to get dressed.

Jamie and I continue through the spacious foyer to the great room, where Jonah is setting up his guitars, and the guys are arranging folding chairs into neat rows.

Jamie catches Jake’s attention. “Where are Mom and Dad?”

“In the back, by the windows.”

Jamie takes my hand and leads me to his parents.

The resemblance between Jamie and his father is easy to see. Calum McIntyre is tall, with a strong build, broad shoulders, and graying brown hair and beard. His brown eyes are so similar to Jamie’s.

His mother, Bridget, reminds me of Lia, petite, although there are definitely strawberry hints in her blonde hair, and maybe some strands of gray. Her eyes are a clear, bright blue, and she has freckles. Now I know where Jamie gets his.

Jamie introduces us, and his parents greet me warmly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Molly,” Bridget says, holding my hand in both of hers. She gives my hand a light squeeze before letting go.

When Jamie’s parents are called away for picture taking, we stand at the glass wall, basking in the warm sunlight streaming through the glass. The view from here is stunning, and it saddens me that he can’t see it.

So I describe it to him, telling him all about this clear, cold, crisp day, about the sky that is a piercing blue, like his mother’s eyes; and the fat, buoyant clouds of pure white that resemble giant cotton balls.

He puts his arm around my shoulders and draws me close. “When you describe things to me, I feel like I can actually see them.”

I lean my head against his arm, reveling in the closeness.

“Are you glad you came?” he says, murmuring close to my ear.

His warm breath ruffles my hair, making me shiver. “Yes.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re here. Will you help me with my tux when it’s time? I’m terrible with ties.”

“Why don’t I believe that?” I say, laughing. “I think you’re good at just about everything you try.”

He chuckles as he reaches for my hand. “No, it’s true. I can’t tie ties. I swear it.”

I link my fingers with his, enjoying the connection. I still don’t believe him, but I’m not going to turn down the opportunity to help him get dressed. “Yes, I’ll help you.”

* * *

We mingle for a while, and Jamie introduces me to a few more people I don’t know. Gina Capelli, the woman catering the reception, her brother Peter Capelli, a restaurateur. Beth’s brother, Tyler. Beth’s friend Gabrielle, who’s organizing the event.

Beth looks radiantly happy today. And it’s nice to see Lia and Jonah again. I’m thrilled when I learn that Jonah’s going to play and sing.

I’m pleasantly surprised to see Beth’s bodyguard, Sam. He’s confined to a wheelchair, his left leg in a cast. And there are bruises on his face, as well as healing cuts. But I’m so glad he’s on the mend.

Jamie introduces me to an older guy named Cooper, who works for Shane. They’re apparently also close friends, and Cooper lives with Shane and Beth. Cooper hovers protectively over Sam, never wandering far from his side, and I think there might be something going on there. I’m a bit surprised at the difference in their ages, but based on the way Sam follows Cooper with his gaze, it seems their admiration is mutual.

About an hour before the ceremony is scheduled to start, Jamie suggests we go upstairs to change. We walk up the curving staircase to the second floor and head toward our rooms.

Stopping at my room, Jamie says, “Why don’t you get dressed and come to my room when you’re ready?”

“Okay.”

There’s something about the act of getting dressed up, knowing that Jamie’s waiting for me, that gives me butterflies. I clean up quickly and change into my undergarments and matching silk stockings. Then I slip my dress over my head and watch it settle into place.

I pull my hair up into a simple twist, apply just a touch of mascara and eye shadow, and slip on my shoes. Then, as my stomach does somersaults, I head next door to Jamie’s room.

“Come in,” he says, when I knock lightly.

The sound of his voice makes my spine tingle. I open the door and step inside, stopping dead in my tracks when I see him standing there in nothing but his black trousers. He’s in the process of removing his white dress shirt from the garment bag. His feet are bare, as is his chest. He’s also not wearing his glasses for a change, and I can’t help wondering if he took them off for my sake.

My God, no man has the right to look that good. It’s just not fair.

His trousers are unbuttoned and hanging low on his hips, and I can see the waistband of his black boxer briefs.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” I start to back out of the room, but he calls me back.

“Wait! Don’t go. Come help me with this shirt. I’m having trouble with all these damn pins.”

I close the door behind me and meet him at the foot of the bed. “Here, let me,” I say, taking the shirt from him and removing all the straight pins that are keeping the starched, white shirt in pristine condition.

I dispose of the pins in the trashcan, then unbutton the shirt and hold it out to him. “Here you go.”

I’m pretty sure he doesn’t need help putting on a shirt. “What else can I help you with?” I say.