Page 92 of He Loves Me Knot
“Meaning?” Quinn’s expression was blank as though he still couldn’t follow.
“Meaning we set up some alternate plans for the day. We’re going to go on four-by-fours through the jungle trails while the parents and their friends go horseback riding or wild macaw viewing, and then we’re all going to go on a sunset cruise on a catamaran. Surprise,” Callum said, handing Quinn a beer.
Elle’s lips parted with shock. “Are you serious?” Then she looked down at her long sundress. “I amsonot dressed for a UTV.”
“Are you mad?” Liddy asked with a grimace.
“Are you kidding? This is amazing.” Elle’s eyes shone. “I’m so excited.”
Quinn lifted the beer toward Callum. “This is brilliant.”
Liddy relaxed in her seat. “Oh, thank God. I was so worried that you’d be worried about Quinn’s mom getting mad.”
“Oh . . .” Elle’s smile froze. Her eyes darted to Quinn’s. “Oh, babe, do you think she will?”
“That’s the beauty of it,” Callum cut in before Quinn could respond. “She won’t even know that Kat didn’t set this all up until she gets back tonight.”
Hunter lifted a backpack. “I stole all the old people’s phones except Leo’s. Granny said he could be trusted, so I figured it would be good to have one person we could keep in touch with. Told the rest of them it was an unplugged excursion. Kat won’t be able to reach your mom.”
Quinn looked from Hunter to Callum. “I-I guess it’ll be fine, then. Besides, it doesn’t matter. If this is what Elle wants to do and it makes her happy, I don’t see what difference it makes.”
Sweet Quinn.
Her sister knew how to pick a good man.Meanwhile, I just seem to keep crushing on men who make me feel like dirt.
Taryn seemed to know what Liddy was thinking. “Lucky woman, that one.” She nodded toward Elle. “Everyone needs a Quinn in their life.”
Rebecca grinned. “Mason’s a good catch, too.”
As Quinn shook his head and sat, the group resumed their chatter, making it easier for Liddy to talk to Elle. “So I take it you haven’t told Quinn you absolutely do not want to do a wedding at The Four Seasons, and that’s why Kat’s running the show now?” Liddy stared at the back of Quinn’s head. “Because you know he’d support you if you told him. I don’t think he’d be afraid to stand up to his mother.”
“Yeah, but why cause the drama?” Elle’s gaze darted out the window. She looked back at Liddy with a taut smile, then sighed. “No, it’s not what I planned or wanted, but clearly, this means more to her than I thought it would.”
“It’s your wedding, Elle. Yours and Quinn’s.” Liddy scooted closer to her. “I’m sorry I left. I know you needed my help, and you’ve been really stressed, and I didn’t want to leave you with that. It’s just . . .”
God, this would be so much easier if I’d just told Elle the truth from the start.
“No, I get it.” Elle gave her a gentle look, swiping some tears from the corners of her eyes. “You needed time with Callum. It totally makes sense. Especially during those first few months of dating, when you’re walking on the clouds, and everything is perfect. I totally understand.”
I don’t deserve how good she is to me.
Her words also made Liddy’s heart give a painful lurch.
Elle might understand what that was like, but Liddy didn’t. Her relationships had always been disastrous. No one had ever made her feel that valued.That loved.
And Callum made it clear he’s not interested in doing that either.
At moments like this, Liddy truly hated their ruse. She needed her sister. She wanted to be honest and talk to her about the feelings she’d developed—the unrequited feelings.But I can’t and probably never will be able to.
This time, she couldn’t stop the tears that slid onto her cheek. She turned away so Elle wouldn’t see her crying and swiped the moisture away.Elle does not need my drama on top of everything.
Rebecca caught her eye, then leaned over toward Taryn, whispering something in her ear.
A moment later, Taryn stood and pushed her way between Elle and Liddy. “All right. My turn with the bride.”
Rebecca pressed a tissue into Liddy’s hand. “What’s going on?” she mouthed.
If only she could be as honest about this with Rebecca as she’d been with Miranda. She needed a friend who was here, not back in London.