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“I’m sorry—” I tried to say, but he cut me off

“Your ht now because she thinks you’reto upset you? Is that why you didn’t want us there?”

“It was spur of the moment,” I tried to explain “I know you’re upset, but we can have a reception later if it makes you feel better”

“It doesn’t make me feel better We should have been there with you”

“Dad,” I groaned “I said I’h to deal with at the ht now?”

He went silent for a long ainst the door to the bathrooone when I’d seen his name pop up on my phone

“What’s wrong, Violet? Did so happen? Are you okay?”

I wanted to cry and tell him my world had turned upside down, but instead, I sed ton and I have soet home But I don’t want to talk about it over the phone Maybe we could have dinner one night soon and tell you all about it?”

“Yeah, sweetheart We would like that” He waited a beat before speaking again “Are you sure you are okay?”

“I’reat, Daddy I promise It’s just been a crazy kind of day” I blinked back my tears and made sure to keep the s “I really am sorry I just… I didn’t kno to tell you I wanted so very se anyone present”

“Wait I don’t understand, Vi How did Layla react?”

As I remembered how hurt I was after she took me aside for that private chat, one of uess she was upset because she didn’t want to have to tell Luca I was engaged I know she didn’t mean to make me feel bad, but she did You and Uncle Jesse were so tense with each other after the breakup, and I didn’t want to put pressure on your relationship again by not inviting the”

I could al froentle “Yeah, I get it, honey But don’t you worry about theas, and Moet ho country-hopping or whatever again right now?”

My hand touched my tummy, and I shook s I need to take care of e get back Please tell Mom I’m sorry And I love you both”

“We love you too, Violet See you soon”