In any way.”

Paige reached for the box of tissues and pulled two soft sheets. “Look up,” she said, before dabbing beneath McKenna’s eyes. “I know you two had a stormy relationship, but he is TJ’s dad.”

“Then he should have acted like TJ’s dad. He should have been careful. He should have been responsible. He should have put his family first.”

The door to the dressing room opened, organ music swelled in the background, and Rory Douglas, McKenna’s oldest brother, stuck his head inside the dressing room. “I think they’re ready for you, Kenna,” he said.

And just like that, the butterflies were back. McKenna placed a hand across her stomach, calming the flutter followed by a wave of nausea. Coffee with weak toast probably wasn’t the breakfast of champions. “How’s TJ?”

“Looking sharp.” Rory crossed the floor, caught her in a quick hug. “And you, Kenna, you’re one hell of a beautiful bride. Mom and Dad would be so proud of you.”

And just like that, the tears were back, and the knot of hot emotion. She clung to her handsome big brother, fingers digging into his arms, needing the support. “I miss them,” she whispered against his chest. “I miss them so much, Rory.”

“I know, kiddo. I know.” His voice dropped low, his tone husky. “But I’m sure they are here with us today. I’m sure they’re looking down on you, as proud as anything.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah, Kenna, I do.” He stepped back and kissed her on her forehead. “Now no more tears. You don’t want to mess up all that make up.” He glanced at Paige who was picking up McKenna’s heavy train. “Does this mean we’re ready?”

McKenna smiled through her tears. “I think so.”

“Then I’ll round up TJ and meet you in the vestibule.”

Chapter Three

‡‡

Trey sat in his truck in front of Marietta’s St. James Church watching the second hand on his watch, aware of every passing minute.

Two minutes after four o’clock.

Three minutes after four o’clock.

If the four o’clock candlelight wedding had started on time, McKenna would already be down the aisle, at the front of the church, getting ready to say I Do in front of Marietta’s most respectable citizens.

It would be a beautiful ceremony. The bridesmaids would probably be wearing red. It was a Christmas wedding after all.

Four minutes after four o’clock.

If he was going to do this, it had to be now, before she’d said her vows.

He grimaced, aware that his appearance would be problematic. McKenna was not going to be happy to see him. No one was going to be pleased by his appearance…not even Troy, who was sitting inside with his librarian girlfriend.

Common sense and decency forbad him from interrupting McKenna’s wedding.

But Trey apparently had neither.

He glanced down at his watch. Five minutes after four o’clock.

If he was going to do this, he had to do it.

He drew a deep breath, feeling the snug blazer pull across his shoulders. The jacket was too tight. The trousers a little too fitted.