“Of course I’m going to stay. I just want you to be happy, Selena.”
“And you’re not going to bring up red flags any more?”
“Are you telling me that if I see a red flag during your engagement, you really don’t want me to point it out?”
“Yes, that’s what I’m saying. From now on, you need to keep your opinions about love and marriage to yourself.”
“I—”
“I mean it, Cami.”
The sister blows out a harsh breath, like agreeing to this arrangement might kill her. “Fine. I’ll keep my opinions to myself.”
“Good, because here comes Landon and his parents.” The metal chair scrapes on the concrete as Selena stands. “Be my loving and supportive sister. Can you do that?”
“Yes, I can do that.”
Introductions start between Clyde and Dineen and Selena’s sister, and that’s when I decide to emerge from around the tree.
“And this is my sister, Cami.”
“It’s actually Camila,” she corrects as she shakes their hands. “Selena couldn’t say my full name when she was little, and I guess it stuck.”
I recognize the wild, dark curls even from behind, and my mind rushes to play catch-up. The cynical sister is Camila,my wife. And that whole conversation I just heard, from this new angle, seems completely hypocritical.
“Oh, and let’s not forget about this guy. The best man.” Landon pulls everyone’s attention to me.
I watch, waiting for Camila’s reaction when she turns around, and just like I’d hoped, her beautiful brown eyes light up. She’s happy to see me.
“Hess, you already know my parents,” Landon says.
Dineen leans in to plant a motherly kiss on my cheek. “Where have you been hiding? It’s been too long.”
“Just been at home.”
“And this is?—”
“Camila,” I cut Landon off, reaching out to shake her hand.
“You two have met?” Selena’s brows drop as she looks between us.
“We sat by each other on our flight home from California,” Camila quickly states, giving my hand one firm shake. “I can’t seem to get away from you.”
“Yeah, it’s like we’re legally bound to be together or something.”
She squints, but there’s still no recollection. What do I have to do to get this woman to remember she married me?
“What a small world.” Selena claps with delight. “Now that we’re all acquainted, it’s time to get this party started. Who needs a drink?”
“I could use some iced tea,” Dineen says. “It’s so hot today.”
“We’ll head inside.” Landon looks between me and Camila. “Are you two okay?”
“Yeah, we’ll be right in.” I wait until they walk away before I ask, “How are you feeling?”
“Much better. Thanks.”
“You look better. There’s so much more color in your face.”
