Hanging her head, she whispered, “My parents would kill me if I cancel the wedding so close to the date. They’ve spent a lot of money already.”
Uneasiness rolled through me. “That’s no reason to go through with it. You must know that. Losing the deposits your parents put down isn’t enough of a reason to marry someone.”
She sighed. “But I do love Archie.”
“Do you?”
She nodded, her gaze shimmering with sincerity. “Yes. With all my heart.”
“Well, that’s good, at least.”
“I desperately want to marry him. But you’re right. If I’d had my way, we’d have waited a bit longer to tie the knot.”
“Hmmm. I see.” I straightened, pushing my hands into my pockets. “I suspect your stress is getting the best of you.”
“And you think that’s why I’m seeing Kimora?”
“I’m not a psychologist, but it wouldn’t surprise me. You seem ambivalent about the wedding. It’s entirely possible there’s a part of you that just wants a reason to run away.”
“I guess that makes sense,” she admitted. “But I love Archie more than I fear marriage.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“I see. Well, you of course must do what you think is best.” I forced a smile. With as many doubts as she had and how short of a time she’d known Archie, I personally felt the wedding was a huge mistake.
“Archie treats me very well. He dotes on me, to be honest.” She laughed. “I think I’d be a fool to let him get away.”
“You do seem fond of him.” What else could I say? It wasn’t my place to argue with her. If she wanted to marry Archie, that was her right.
“I think I just have the pre-wedding jitters. All the magazines say that will happen.” She grimaced. “I’m being silly. I think you’re absolutely right. I’m just nervous and looking for reasons to run away.”
“Most probably.”
She touched my arm. “I actually feel better after talking with you, Dr. Thornton.”
I lifted my brows in surprise. “Do you?”
“Yes. You’re very relaxing to talk to.”
I’d literally never heardthatbefore. “Well, uh… I’m glad talking with me helped.”
Janelle brightened and said, “Will you come to the wedding?”
It took all of my self-control not to blurt out, “God, no!” Instead, I kept my expression blank and took a step back. “Oh, well, I’m not sure…”
“Please,” she pleaded. “I’d feel so much calmer if you were there.”
“But… why?” I couldn’t help asking.
She laughed, looking more like her usual self. “You’re one of the few people who knows what has been going on with me. I think I’d feel better looking out and seeing you there among the guests.”
“Me? Really?” I cringed.
“Yes, you.” She slid off the examination table. “Will you come? You can bring Sheriff Callum. My parents are having the reception catered by a fancy French bistro from Dallas. I’ve heard their black truffle eggs are amazing.”
“Oh, well…”
