Chapter 3

By the time I came back to the yard, it was nearly midnight.

They were out there setting off fireworks.

Chloe held a sparkler in her hand, her cheeks glowing red in the light.

"Jason, do you think Elena will mind? Us setting off fireworks here…"

My brother waved his own sparkler. "Mind what? Chloe, you worry too much. The more you fuss about her, the pricklier she gets. Just leave her be."

Ryan added with a grin, "Right. Stop thinking about her all the time. Look at it this way—of all people, Jason was the one to catch your bouquet. That's fate, isn't it? Even Flora's playing matchmaker. And you two were each other's first loves. You were meant to be."

Chloe blushed deeper. "Don't say things like that. Elena will hear you and be upset…"

Jason laughed and didn't contradict him. He said,

"The mayor told me all three Blossom Rite couples would hold the wedding ceremony together."

"One pair called it off. So it's just two now."

"I won't let you look less than anyone. I'll see you walk through the ceremony in style."

After all, this ceremony was the only thing he could give her.

Consider it compensation for… feelings he couldn't accept.

A first love was only a first love. The woman he loved now was Elena.

Chloe lowered her head, her voice thin. "But my wedding dress won't be ready in time. I'll have to wear something plain."

My brother laughed.

"Jason already thought of that. Elena's dress—he's had it altered to your size."

Chloe looked up. "Really? Then what about Elena?"

"She doesn't need it." Jason answered, reaching over to light Chloe's sparkler.

Silver sparks scattered over his shoulder.

I stood there stunned.

That wedding dress—I'd commissioned it from an old friend who did handmade lace.

Jason had said he'd help follow up on it.

He'd taken my measurements himself, but when the dress arrived it was a size too tight.

So that was why.

I leaned against the old oak tree.

March nights weren't really cold anymore, but a chill spread patch by patch down my back.

"But being struck off the Registry—that hasn't happened in this town in almost thirty years. Elena must feel terrible!"

Jason lowered his head and flicked the tip of Chloe's nose.

"You nearly married the wrong man yourself, and you're still worrying about someone else."

His voice was warm, tender, sure.

"Elena listens to her father and brother at home. Once she marries, she'll listen to me. The Registry doesn't matter to a woman like her."

"Did you see her fall out with me today? If anything, she was afraid I really wouldn't want her anymore. She was more level-headed than I expected."

Chloe's voice was muffled. "I just feel so sorry for her…"

"Sorry for what?" Jason looked down at her. "All I did was give you her spot as the town's Mrs. Bennett. In the city, everything stays the same."

The night wind carried the smoke and his laughter over together.

I calmly gathered myself and walked inside.