Seven No-Shows, One New Groom

Synopsis

Just as Max Gardner and I were about to complete the final step of our marriage license at City Hall, he was called away by a phone call. I was left standing there alone in City Hall, stuck with no idea whether to continue or walk away. I called him, but he didn't answer. I texted him, and he didn't reply, either. In the end, I had no choice but to dig up the number of his childhood sweetheart and call her instead. Max picked up and shouted, "Zara, are you serious right now? Kiana sprained her ankle. I'm taking care of her today. She is resting. Stop blowing up our phones and waking her up. We can reschedule the day to get our marriage license." I bit my lower lip and murmured, "Including this time, we've already changed the date seven times." "So what? City Hall isn't going anywhere," Max snapped, impatience clear in his voice. My face stayed blank, but it felt like my heart was being carved out of my chest. A staff member asked gently, sympathy in her tone, "Miss, do you still want to go through with it?" I gave a small nod. "Yes."