Chapter 1

The ornate doors of the Little White Chapel in Vegas stood before me. My wedding dress felt heavy. Bryce, my fiancé, was inside, probably checking his hair for the tenth time.

Suddenly, a woman I'd never seen before rushed past the entrance, a small boy clinging to her hand.

"Bryce Jenkins!" she yelled, her voice echoing slightly.

Bryce appeared in the doorway, his smile faltering.

The boy ran forward, grabbing Bryce's leg. "Daddy!"

I froze. This had to be a mistake, some horrible, misdirected prank.

But Bryce knelt, a look of... fondness spreading across his face as he picked up the child.

"Emily, this is... unexpected," he began, turning to me. "This is Kelli. And Jayden."

He looked back at the woman, Kelli. "I just found out. When Kelli and I broke up years ago, she was pregnant."

Kelli stepped forward, a triumphant glint in her eyes. "He's back in the country now. A single mom, you know how it is. People talk. He needs a father, a proper family."

My mind struggled to catch up.

Bryce took Kelli's hand. They looked... comfortable.

"So?" I finally managed, my voice barely a whisper.

"So, I have to do right by them, Emily," Bryce said, his tone attempting sincerity. "I need to marry Kelli. Give Jayden my name."

He actually had the nerve to glance at the chapel. "Since we're all here anyway... maybe we can take a picture? You and me? For your social media. Show everyone we're still friends."

Kelli, already beaming, pulled out her phone. "Say cheese!"

Bryce put an arm around my shoulder, pulling me into the frame with him and Kelli. I felt numb.

"Don't worry, Em," he murmured, loud enough for Kelli to hear. "You're the one I love. Kelli and Jayden... they're family. I just need to make things right, pretend for a while. For the boy. He's innocent in all this. He needs a dad. We can postpone our wedding. Just until he's older. Then I'll give you the wedding you deserve."

The three of them, a perfect little family, turned and walked into the chapel.

I pulled out my phone. My fingers fumbled as I found Nolan Carter's number. He'd been a shadow in my life for ten years, a friend, always there, always... more.

"Nolan?"

"Emily? What's wrong?" His voice was calm, steady.

"I'm in Vegas," I said, the words tumbling out. "The wedding's off. I seem to be short a groom. Are you busy?"

A pause. Then, "My darling Emily. Always with the dramatic flair. I'm in the middle of a board meeting in Tokyo, just about to sign a rather large deal." His voice held a hint of amusement, but also concern.

My heart sank. "Oh. Right. Stupid idea. Forget I said anything."

"No, wait!" Nolan's voice sharpened. "Don't you dare hang up. Stay right where you are. I'll be there before that chapel closes. Whoever backs out is a rotten egg."

He hung up.

I leaned against the cool stucco wall of the chapel, trying to breathe.

A moment later, an irritated voice cut through my daze. "Emily White!"

I looked up. Bryce. He was holding Jayden's hand, Kelli on his other arm. They were already coming out.

He strode over, his face a mask of annoyance. He lowered his voice. "What are you still doing here? Trying to make a scene?"

"Waiting for someone," I said, my voice flat. "To get married."

Bryce's eyes narrowed. "Don't be like that, Emily. I told you, I just found out. Everyone has a past."

"I understand," I said. And I did. I understood he was a manipulative liar.

"Good," Bryce said, trying to take my arm. "Then go home. Don't make this awkward in front of Jayden."

I pulled my arm away. "I'm serious, Bryce. I'm waiting for someone. We're getting married."

His face darkened. "Emily, I'm warning you. This little act? It's just making me dislike you more."

Kelli sidled up, feigning concern. "Oh, Emily, dear, are you upset you didn't get your big day?" She held up what looked suspiciously like a marriage certificate. "Here, you and Bryce can hold this and take a picture. The outside looks the same, right? No one will know whose names are inside unless you open it."

She tried to press it into my hand. I didn't take it. It fluttered to the ground.

Kelli's eyes welled up instantly. She stooped to pick it up, her voice thick with tears. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have come back. I've ruined everything."

Bryce glared at me. "You know, Emily, I never realized how petty you could be. If you can't accept Kelli and Jayden, then maybe we really are through!"

"Okay," I said.

My calm agreement seemed to stun him.

Kelli nudged Jayden. "Tell the lady you're sorry she's sad, sweetie. Tell her not to be angry."

The boy scowled. "No! She's a mean lady! She's trying to steal my daddy!" He shoved me, hard. "Go away!"

A few tourists nearby turned to stare. I heard someone mutter, "Wow, some people have no shame, trying to break up a family right at the chapel."

I looked at Jayden, my voice even. "Your dad and I are not together anymore. You don't have to worry. I wish your parents a long and happy life."