SUMMER
Thank God Alice had listened to me.
"They're together because of me." I winked to Gabriel as he chuckled, his hand sliding up my thigh.
His thumb created circles as I played with the bottom of his hair absentmindedly, trying to stifle a yawn.
"Well, if it all goes wrong, I know who to blame," he quipped, and I sighed.
"She looks so happy," I gushed, turning to exchange a smile with my mother.
"Let's hope it stays that way. You know Alice."
I frowned at Gabe as he kissed my lips softly.
"She has had to sacrifice who she really is to be with him." Gabe pointed out, making a knot of uncertainty form in my stomach.
"No, she had to grow up," I corrected him sternly.
"Let's hope you're right, and I'm wrong, huh?"
Suddenly, I wasn't so sure.
Alice caught my eye and beamed at me as Lucas followed her gaze. He smiled, but I noticed it didn't quite reach his eyes.
A chill swept over me, and I shook it off, annoyed with Gabriel for planting the seed of doubt in my mind.
Everything was fine.
ZANE
I felt off. I couldn't place it, but I felt like I was suddenly stifled. Layla turned to me, her eyes searching mine.
"Baby, are you okay? You look worried," she murmured, her fingers lacing with mine as I lifted her hand to my lips.
"I'm always worried. It's a permanent state of mind."
"This is such a huge wedding." She gazed around at the grandeur, her eyes wide.
"Oh, I don't know. I prefer small and intimate." I smiled as she laughed.
My eyes fell on Alice, on her first night as a married woman. She had married Lucas, despite me telling her not to the night before.
Something was worrying me. I felt like she was pretending to be something she wasn't, and it bothered me.
I remembered the conversation with her and swallowed.
"I'm pregnant, Zane."
My eyes widened as I smiled broadly.
"That's amazing! How far are you? Does Lucas know?"
"No. I'm going to tell him on our honeymoon."
"He will be so happy."
She was silent then, nodding as she gazed into the distance.
