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Ryan stood beside me in green with his arms crossed over his chest, the black shirt underneath visible at his collar and sleeves. He’d added black athletic shorts, a backward cap, and the expression of a man enduring public humiliation under contractual obligation.

I loved every second of it.

“You look precious,” I said.

His eyes narrowed behind his sunglasses. “That’s the fifth time.”

“I spent fifteen months remembering you in black. This is an important adjustment.”

“You’re enjoying my suffering.”

“Immensely.”

“I’m glad your recovery included becoming cruel.”

“It included finding healthier sources of joy. This qualifies.”

His mouth twitched before he looked toward Bliss.

She stood beneath the rose-covered arch holding a megaphone Cade had already attempted to confiscate twice. Their shirts were both pastel, though he’d drawn a black line through GROOM and written MANAGEMENT beneath it.

Bliss noticed when he turned. “What did you do to your shirt?”

“Clarified my position.”

“You aren’t management.”

“I approved the budget.”

“You keep saying that as if paying for everything gives you authority.”

“That’s generally how ownership works.”

“You don’t own my wedding.”

“I’ve never been more aware of anything.”

Bliss lifted the megaphone. “Good morning, wedding people.”

Feedback screamed across the lawn.

Everyone flinched except Rider, who stared toward the horizon as though his soul had already left his body.

Briggs removed his sunglasses and rubbed one ear. “I can’t hear color anymore.”

Aura took the megaphone from Bliss and adjusted something near the handle. “You had it too close to your face.”

“I wanted everyone to hear me.”

“Michigan heard you,” Easton said.

“We’re in New York,” I reminded him.

“That’s how loud it was.”

Aura returned the megaphone, and Bliss held it farther away. “The scavenger hunt has six clues hidden throughout the castle and gardens. Each clue leads to a station where you’ll complete a romantic challenge, collect an item, or take a photograph. You must remain with your assigned partner.”

Ryan looked at me. “I’m leaving.”