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HARRISON
ONE DAY UNTIL THE WEDDING
“How hungover is your wife?” I glance at my Rolex on the street in front of the Wynn.
“She didn’t crack an eye when I got up. There was a grunt. Though it was likely for the water and pills on the bedside table, not for me.” Tyler shoves his hands in his pockets. “What about Rae?”
“I’m not sure she’s speaking to me.”
When we arrived at our suite early this morning, she was inebriated enough to let me carry her to bed, where she promptly passed out.
I was angry too. She'd behaved with staggering immaturity by slipping her security and failing to let me know where she was going.
But if I’m honest, I was every bit as unsettled by my brief conversation with Annie.
If Rae wants a normal life, she can’t have that with me.
Most things I can fix—with perseverance, persuasion, or money.
But the truth of the statement won’t leave my mind.
“Maybe they needed that night and they’ve got it out of their systems,” Tyler suggests.
“You weren’t concerned about Annie when you found out she was missing?”
“I’m always concerned about Annie. She and Rose are the two halves of my heart. But I’ve learned when I can do something about it and when I can’t.”
A group of young women in denim and last night’s makeup whisper to one another before the bravest crosses to us and asks Tyler for a selfie. He leans over to oblige with a smile.
“What do you think of my proposal for a partnership between Wicked and Echo?” I ask when we’re out of earshot once more. “It would be a win for all of us.”
Tyler flexes his hand, the one that still bothers him. “Jax thinks we help these kids out of the environment they grew up with. Music gives them options. But getting airlifted out of a tough situation and dropped into the spotlight just takes you out of one pressure cooker and sets you in another.”
Am I adding to Raegan’s pressure by marrying her? By pursuing this wedding?
I shove the thought away as we reach the doors of the jewelry store.
“I’m here to pick up my wedding band.”
Inside, the sales attendant straightens. Instead of leaping into action, she shoots me a nervous look. “Mr. King. We sent the ring to be engraved, and I’m afraid the truck had a mechanical issue en route and is awaiting servicing.”
The bloody truck broke down.
The day before my wedding.
I pace the boutique, remembering the other night with Raegan. The way she looked at me with the admiration and respect and love I crave. How she chose my ring as if it was the most important decision in her life.
Tyler grabs my shoulder. “Harry. Choose another ring. You can switch them out after the wedding. She’ll understand.”
My hands fist at my sides. “I’m not telling my wife the ring is gone.”
“You have a better idea?” Tyler demands.
I stare him down.
* * *
RAE
