Page 53 of Mountain Dreams

Maddie shrugged. “Not really.”

“What about canceling the church, reception hall, and florist?” said Liz.

“I haven’t done that yet.” Maddie suddenly felt overwhelmed.

“We can do it for you,” Debbie offered.

“Thanks, but I should probably do it myself.” Maddie hadn’t mailed the invitations, but she had sent save-the-date postcards. The thought of contacting everyone and telling them the wedding was off was daunting. She could only imagine the barrage of questions from well-meaning family and friends.

“I can send a mass email so you won’t have to explain it to everyone,” Sara said.

“I’ll call the people who don’t have email, like your grandparents,” Liz said.

Maddie nodded, too choked up to speak. She should have known her family would rally around her like this.

“If there’s anything else you need, let us know,” Brian said.

“I will.” Luckily, her dad seemed to have gotten over his earlier shock about her living arrangements.

“Oh. I almost forgot about dessert,” Liz said and stood.

Taking her cue, the sisters got up and started clearing the table.

“I haven’t finished my dinner,” Brian complained, and they all laughed.

After enjoying a slice of homemade cherry pie and ice cream, Maddie announced she was leaving. Her family was notorious for long goodbyes, and tonight was no exception. After a flurry of hugs, kisses, and promises they’d talk soon, she headed toward the door.

“I’ll walk you out,” Liz said, brooking no argument.

They paused at the door, and Liz clasped Maddie’s hands. “This will probably sound cliché, but I truly believe that things happen for a reason. No matter how difficult things seem right now, it’ll be okay in the end.”

Maddie had successfully held back from crying until then. She nodded as the tears slowly slid down her cheeks.

“Wyatt must not have been your forever person, but there’s someone out there who is. I promise.”

“Thanks, Mom.” It was all Maddie could manage without breaking into ugly crying.

Liz hugged her again and said, “Be careful driving home.”

Home. It was Cody’s home, and now hers too. It still felt surreal. However, a short time later, when she pulled onto his/her road, she was infused with a sense of peace. Tonight she’d been reminded that she wasn’t going through this alone. She had her family and Cody, and maybe Jax and Avery too.

She smiled as she rounded the corner and his cabin came into view. However, as she got closer, her smile disappeared. He had company, and it was even worse than if he’d brought a woman home. Wyatt.

What was he doing here? Had Cody tried to warn her?

While she’d been with her family, she’d left her phone in her purse, and now she fished it out and looked at it. Sure enough, there was a text message from Cody that read: Wyatt’s here. Don’t come home.

He’d sent it ten minutes ago, but she’d been playing the radio in her car and hadn’t heard her phone beep. Now what? She glanced up at the cabin, her thoughts and heart racing.

Had Cody told Wyatt she was living there? What if Wyatt reacted horribly, with violence, even? She’d never forgive herself if Cody got hurt because of her. Wyatt had never exhibited violent tendencies before, but who knew how he’d react in this situation? Cody was his best friend, and Wyatt’s fiancée was living with him. EX-fiancée, she reminded herself.

That clinched it. She pulled into the driveway behind Cody’s truck and shut off the car. Cody might not be pleased that she was doing this, and she’d probably be confronted by two angry men, but so be it. She wasn’t going to stand by and let Cody take the brunt of Wyatt’s wrath.

Whatever was going on inside, she could handle it. Being with her family had given her a boost and reminded her that she was strong and capable. She would get through this, come what may.

Seventeen

Cody eyed the mantel clock and hoped that Wyatt would leave before Maddie got home. He’d sent her a warning text, but she hadn’t responded, and he was worried. The last thing he wanted was for her to show up while Wyatt was in this agitated state.