Page 120 of Puck and Prejudice

“How do you know he’s not husband material?” Grayson asks, all serious and shit.

“He doesn’t like hockey, and I’m marrying a hockey player.”

“Yes! High five.” Chad raises his hand, making his niece beam.

“You know that hockey players travel almost half of the year, right?” Frederico chimes in.

“I know. That’s the appeal.”

I snort out loud, and Izzie laughs too. Our gazes connect, and fuck it, I want to tell everyone we’re not broken up anymore. But then her eyes shift to a point behind me, and her entire body tenses. I can guess who just walked into the restaurant.

“Good morning, everyone!” Caroline greets us in an over-the-top cheerful tone, making my teeth grind together.

I understand Izzie’s reaction to her, but Chad isn’t happy either. Curious, I turn... and freeze. Caroline’s date is none other than Gavin Wickham. I stay frozen for only a couple seconds. My anger at seeing this motherfucker here makes my blood boil.

“You have got to be kidding me,” I blurt out.

Wickham’s lips curl. “Hi, Darcy. Miss me?”

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“He’s my guest.” Caroline scowls. “How’s that your business?”

Chad gets out of his chair, sporting a face as hard as a rock, and approaches his sister. “May I have a word with you in private?”

She wrinkles her nose. “No. Whatever you have to tell me, you can say in front of everyone.”

“Fine. What were you thinking when you decided to invitehimto my wedding without asking me first?”

She crosses her arms. “I didn’t think I needed your permission to bring my boyfriend to the wedding.”

“Boyfriend?” I scoff. “Since when?”

“Jealous, Darcy?” Wickham raises a brow.

“Jealous ofyou? Please.”

“Uh… maybe you should all talk someplace else?” Louisa butts in, giving a meaningful look toward her children, who are watching the heated exchange with rapt attention.

“No, it’s okay.” Caroline waves her hand. “First, I’m not asked to be a bridesmaid. Now my boyfriend isn’t welcome. I’m beginning to think I should skip this wedding altogether.”

Chad rolls his eyes. “Oh, stop being so dramatic.”

“Carol, honey. Maybe we should head to the pool and cool off for a bit,” Wickham chimes in, placing his hand on her lower back.

She relaxes a bit, leaning into him. “Yes, let’s. The atmosphere here is toxic.”

They turn and leave, but unfortunately, the mood doesn’t improve with their departure. Talk about a match made in hell. I knew that Caroline wouldn’t leave things well enough alone. She was pissed off when I didn’t reciprocate her feelings, and I’m pretty sure she was furious not to be asked to be a bridesmaid. Bringing Wickham to the wedding is her revenge.

Chad runs his fingers through his hair. “I can’t believe Carol is dating Wickham.”

“It’ll be okay.” Jane touches his arm in a reassuring way.

“And if they misbehave, Jackson and I will handle them,” Izzie adds, hitting her fist against her palm.

I stand straighter in my chair, and I’m not the only one. “You and Jackson?” Jane asks, hopeful.

“Of course. As the best man and maid of honor, it’s our job to handle inconveniences and deal with pests.” She smiles at me. “Right, Darcy?”

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