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“Yeah, but what about you? Aren’t you just a bit regretful you won’t see her walk down the aisle?”
Gail frowned, and he knew he’d chosen the right words.
“All I’m saying is you have a chance to repair something here.”
Gail put down the sandwich in her hand and started putting away the things around her. “I appreciate you coming over and trying, Dean. I know Emilie wishes she’d never signed up for this mess, so I’m glad you’re with her. If you want a relationship, it’s better if you tell her the truth about you and Ava. It was long ago, but you should be the one to tell her, not Ava.”
Dean stilled when a sudden thought struck him. While he wasn’t there, it was the perfect opportunity for Ava to have a one-on-one chat with Emilie. Ava had almost spilled the beans the other day. What was stopping her now? He jerked to his feet and headed for the door. “Are you positive you don’t want to come with me? I’ll drive, even pay for your hotel.”
Gail shook her head. “I would never let you pay for me. Now you better get back to Emilie. Go on.”
Dean frowned, knowing she’d put a cork in their conversation. “Let me just say one thing, and then I’ll get out of your hair.”
Gail sighed but gestured for him to continue.
“This might be a rare opportunity for you two to make amends, and if not, at least you can say you tried everything.”
He waved goodbye and headed to the truck. While he was buckling his seatbelt, he saw movement at the front entryway. Gail watched him, a concerned look on her face. If she even halfway considered coming to the wedding, the trip would’ve been worth it.
The ride back to the resort was a nightmare. Traffic was backed up for miles with an accident leading into Dennisport. Dean’s mind wandered as his truck meandered down the highway at a worm’s pace. Even though he’d spent the day in Danvers, not much had been done. The boat was in working order again, but they’d be backed up on their deliveries. He hated the thought of coming back the next day.
The minutes ticked away, and it was evening before he made it back to the resort. He checked his watch. An hour before the boat ride. Enough time to change and spend time with Emilie. On the way past the lounge, he stopped short when he saw Finn and Emilie standing next to an air hockey table. She laughed at something he said. He pushed the jealous twinge away.
“Hey, you two,” Dean said, stepping up behind Emilie and placing his hands on her shoulders.
She turned. “That took forever. Where have you been?”
The urge to pick her up and kiss her pouty little mouth was strong, but instead he gave her a small side hug, keeping her by his side afterward. “There was an accident in Dennisport, and it was wall-to-wall traffic for a while.”
“These two have been chummy together,” someone said, slipping up behind Dean.
He turned around when he recognized Ava’s voice. She was slinking toward them, a wide smile on her face. Trouble was written all over her expression. He needed to get Emilie away. He tightened his grip around her and headed for the elevators.
“Where are you going?” Ava suppressed a laugh. “Secret-sharing time?”
Dean shot Ava a glare. “We’ll see you all later. We’re going to the room to freshen up.”
Ava grabbed Emilie’s arm before they could escape. “Speaking of secrets, it seems Dean hasn’t told you.”
Emilie glanced from Dean to Ava. “But he did—”
Ava cut Emilie off. “Oh, I’m sure he told you whatever he could to pacify you, but how could someone be so calm after knowing the truth? You don’t feel even a little upset toward me?”
Emilie frowned. “Why would I be upset with you?”
Dean let go of Emilie and moved in front, blocking her view of Ava. Finn pulled Ava in the opposite direction.
Ava peeked over Finn’s shoulder. “It’s best if we clear the air, don’t you think, Dean? It was so long ago anyway. I thought she would’ve found out from one of you two, since it’s in the past.”
Dean took Emilie’s hand and tried to steer her away. “We have to get going.”
Emilie stopped hard, pulling him back to the group. “No, I want to hear what she’s talking about. Ava?”
Ava gave Dean a withering glance. “You should have told her yourself. I gave you an opportunity.”
“Like you said…” Dean gritted his teeth together so tightly he could crack a tooth. “The past is the past.”
Ava laughed maniacally, sending waves of fear through Dean. If only he could’ve arrived ten minutes earlier. “Oh, but you don’t want to start a marriage with secrets. No, let me help you with the truth.”
