Page 42 (2/2)

As they drop to o I only asked hi, honoring the tradition of not seeing each other on our wedding day Hold onto my hands the entire time

The church is silent, everyone holding their breath as they wait for Eric to speak My heart races and ht here

“Reese” Eric’s tone is both apologetic and pleading “I need to tell you soe with a clean conscience”

I s back the bile that rises inIn allon ined this

I worried I’d be having a heavy period today That I’d trip on my way down the aisle and face plant in front of everyone Or that the last week of stress eating would catch up with me and my dress wouldn’t zip

But this? Never this

Eric lets out a shaky breath and says, “Please forgiveso stupid”

Mandy’s crying intensifies and deep down, I already knohat he’s going to confess

“Uh…” The pastor looks between me and Eric “Do you tant to step out for a moment?”

“What did you do?” I ask Eric, my voice nearly a whisper

The sound and scent of the ocean has vanished and all I feel is a creeping sense of complete dread

“So noas stupid?” Mandy de it was a mistake?”

The guests collectively gasp

As the truth sets in, I’m too stunned to even breathe Eric Fucked Mandy Not once, but a lot

My grip loosens onsound as it hits the ground

“You…?” I look back and forth between Eric and Mandy, blinking away tears “For eight months?”

“I’e mistake”