Chapter 3

On the afternoon of the third day, when we were taking engagement photos, the photographer asked the Bennett family to gather together first.

Just as I stepped forward, Adam's mother had already pulled Vivian over to her side. "Vivi, stand here. Don't hide in the back."

The photographer glanced at me. "Is she part of the family too?"

Jessica looked down, fixing her dress. "Let's get a family shot first. We'll do a group one after."

I stopped right where I was.

I was still holding Adam's mother's shawl for her.

Vivian turned around and waved at me. "Emily, come here."

But Adam's mother smiled and held her back. "Let's take one of us first. You grew up with Jess, so you're basically a family member to me."

The shutter clicked.

Adam stood on the other side of his mother, with Vivian right next to him.

Adam's cousin, Lucas Bennett, gave Vivian a playful shove. "Vivian, loosen up. Adam's not gonna swallow you alive."

She stumbled, her shoulder bumping right into Adam's chest.

Adam steadied her, and everyone cracked up.

The photographer laughed too. "You guys really are one tight-knit family."

No one bothered to correct him.

I stood inches away, and suddenly, I realized the photo was so complete that it didn't need me.

When it was time for the second group photo, Adam finally reached out to me. "Come here."

I didn't budge.

He frowned and walked over. "What's wrong now?"

"The photographer asked if I was family."

"He doesn't know you."

"But none of you said anything."

Adam stared at me for a couple of seconds, then suddenly laughed. "Emily, seriously? Are you being childish right now?

"We've been together seven years. You really need a photo to prove you're part of my life?"

He reached out and fixed my hair, his tone half teasing, half coaxing, like he thought I was being silly. "If you really need some reassurance, I'll make it up to you tonight."

That line made my heart go soft all over again.

After the engagement party that night, he actually knocked on my door.

He was holding a necklace I'd been eyeing six months ago. "Lower your head."

I paused for a second, then turned around.

He stood behind me, fastening the necklace, the cool pendant settling against my collarbone. "See? I do remember the things that matter to you."

I touched the necklace. My nose stung a little.

Adam caught my eye in the mirror and raised his eyebrow smugly. "If you're moved, say it. Don't keep it bottled up."

He leaned down and kissed me. "Dress up nice tomorrow night."

"Why?"

"If you keep asking, there won't be any surprises left."

Just as I was about to press him, a figure darted around the corner in the hallway.

Vivian was handing a dark blue velvet box to Jessica.

She saw me, froze, then quickly hid the box behind her back.

Adam followed my gaze, but instead of looking worried, he reached out and covered my eyes. "Don't. If you find out now, it ruins the surprise."

Vivian smiled from a few steps away. "Emily, don't you dare cry tomorrow night."

They were playing off each other, like they were both in on a secret that only I was left out of.

But right then, I actually believed them.

I started to think maybe I'dbeen too sensitive these past few days.

Back in my room, I canceled the flight I'd booked to leave early.

When the screen popped up "Refund Successful," I stared at it for a long time.

Before bed, I took off the necklace and put it in my jewelry box because I didn't want to roll over and break it.

I started looking forward to tomorrow night.