LEAD ME ON by Julie Ortolon (find a book to read TXT) 📕

already went over that.” She managed a chilly smile, and he commended her for her patience. He knew perfectly well he’d been a trial from the moment they’d arrived. “I agreed not to ask any personal questions.”

“I know, but I’ve changed my mind.” He took a deep breath. “Ask me anything you want. Anything at all.”

Chapter 37

The day of Rory’s wedding dawned bright and clear, with a pleasant breeze off the cove. Shortly after sunrise, the small wedding party gathered in the shade of an ancient group of oaks with Ellen and Norman Chancellor to one side holding six-month-old Lauren. Paige and Bobby were also there. Allison stood with her brother and aunt determined not to cry, but her sister looked so happy, nervous, and beautiful, her eyes started to prickle the moment the minister said, “Dearly beloved ...”

Rory and Chance stood with the minister beneath the arbor they’d erected for the occasion, flanked by pots of blooming flowers. Rory’s vintage dress added a touch of romantic nostalgia. Rather than a veil, pink roses and baby’s breath adorned her hair. Chance stood beside her, tall and handsome in his pearl-gray suit, with so much love shining in his eyes, Allison’s heart squeezed with joy. For this one day, she was determined to put her own sorrow aside.

When the ceremony ended, they headed inside where she and Adrian had laid out a champagne breakfast in the music room. They’d spread an antique lace tablecloth over the grand piano to create a suitable stage for one of Adrian’s extravagant wedding cakes. Lauren wound up in Allison’s lap during the cake-cutting, and the little bundle of energy giggled each time a camera flashed.

“You silly little goose.” Allison laughed at her niece. “They aren’t taking pictures of you.”

Lauren bounced with excitement as her great-aunt took a seat beside them. “I swear, they should have named that child Joy.”

“She is that,” Allison agreed, as Lauren reached for the flowers adorning her hair. As Rory’s bridesmaid, she also wore a circlet of roses to complement her lavender gown. “No, no, sweetie, don’t touch.”

Lauren scowled mightily for a full second, then squealed in delight when Sadie trotted over to check on her.

When the time came for Rory and Chance to leave for their honeymoon in New Orleans, Alli passed Lauren to Ellen and went downstairs to help her sister change out of the wedding dress.

“I can’t believe we’re leaving Lauren behind,” Rory said as Allison worked the row of tiny buttons down the back of the gown.

“It’s only for two nights, and you know Ellen will be in grandmother heaven the whole time you’re gone.”

“True.” Rory stepped out of the gown. “She’s been trying to convince us that one full day and two half-days isn’t a proper honeymoon and we really should take longer. Until Lauren’s weaned, though, that’s the most I can handle.”

While Alli carefully folded their grandmother’s gown, Rory slipped on the sleeveless blue dress and jazzy jacket Aunt Viv had brought from New York.

“How do I look?” She studied her reflection.

“Like a cover model.” Alli smiled as their gazes met in the mirror. “I’m so happy for you.” Tears sprang unexpectedly to her eyes.

Rory turned and pulled her into her arms. “Dang it, I knew today would be hard on you.”

“It’s not hard because of that,” she assured, knowing her sister was referring to Scott. “It’s just watching my baby sister get married.”

“Remarried.”

“It’s still emotional.”

Rory’s arms tightened around her. “I wish things had worked out for you and Scott.”

“Well, we can’t all live happily ever after.”

“I was so sure he was going to be ‘it’ for you.”

“Until we found out he was John’s son.”

“No, even after that, I thought it would work. So did Adrian.”

Allison pulled back, startled.

“Well, it’s not like we can choose our parents, and he did help us win the lawsuit.”

“True, but...” Alli shook her head. “You’re the one who threatened to chop him up into little pieces if he broke my heart.”

“I know, and for a while I really wanted to, believe me. Then I remembered how happy the two of you were together, and I just kept hoping things would work out.” Rory took her hands. “I want you to be happy.”

“I will be.” Someday. “Last time I checked, a broken heart wasn’t fatal.”

“Maybe you should call him. If there’s any chance—”

“There isn’t.” The statement was flat and final. She had to let go of the longing before it choked her. Yet her aunt’s words echoed in the back of her mind: So you tried, but not hard enough. “The problem is, I really blew it, Rory.”

“What do you mean?”

“I...” She struggled with how much to tell, since she hadn’t confided in Rory or Adrian about that day at the LeRoche beach house. But she needed to talk about it. “I went to see him.”

“When?” Rory asked.

“Right after the lawsuit was settled. He contacted Paige, told her he was staying at the family beach house and he wanted to see me.” She turned away, reliving that day and all the emotions, from anger to hope to despair. “At one point, I thought we were going to work it out. I thought all I had to do was have the courage to let go of the past, trust Scott, and everything would be fine. So I tried.”

“What happened?”

“He wasn’t ready to trust me.” A humorless laugh escaped her. “Ironic, don’t you think?”

“And ... ?”

“And, I got angry and left.”

“Alli...” Her sister stared at her. “Trust doesn’t come easily for everyone. You of all people should know that. Plus, it takes time, not a single conversation.”

“I know. I know.” She rubbed her head. “I realize that now. Unfortunately, then, I thought building up the courage to love was a one-time deal. Face your fears, say the words, and win the grand prize.”

Rory snorted. “Don’t we all wish?”

Alli nodded, realizing how foolish she’d been. “I blew it, Rory. I pushed for too much too soon and