Chapter 9

A minor setback did nothing to hinder the wedding's progress. If anything, it only fueled Caelan's passion. During his vows, he tearfully swore he would never let me down.

As for Dashiell...

Someone had already called the cops. While I was reciting my vows, he was being shoved into a wailing police cruiser. By now, he's probably already had his dinner.

After seeing off all the guests, I collapsed into a chair, utterly exhausted. But the commotion outside forced me to summon what little energy I had left.

Dashiell's parents wanted to see me.

"Juniper, please forgive Dashiell. The boy just loves you too much, that's why he acted this way..."

Dashiell's mother sobbed, pleading his case. Unfortunately, I'd heard this speech no less than a hundred times before. I was immune to it by now.

Every time Dashiell screwed up, every time he got cold feet, his mother would beg for mercy on his behalf, just like this.