Emma, his sister, was a curly\u2011haired bookworm who immediately grilled me on my favorite authors and her current dissertation topic. They rented modest hotel rooms downtown, took us to a casual Italian place for dinner. Nothing suggested anything other than a regular middle\u2011class family from rural Montana. Robert talked about the weather. Susan asked if I needed help with anything. Emma told hilarious childhood stories about Mason.<\/p>\n
The only oddity? I\u2019d assumed they drove from Montana, but Mason mentioned they flew in. When I asked, he just shrugged. \u201cDad found a good deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
The night before, I lay awake, nervous but excited. Tomorrow, I\u2019d become Mrs. Alleliana Carter. My phone buzzed: an unknown number. \u201cCongratulations on your wedding tomorrow. We\u2019re so looking forward to celebrating with you. \u2014The Carter family.\u201d I smiled in the darkness. At least someone would be there to witness our vows. Little did I know, by tomorrow night, I\u2019d be questioning everything I thought I knew about the quiet carpenter I was about to marry.<\/p>\n
Wedding morning dawned bright with Colorado\u2019s signature brilliant blue sky. My maid of honor, Sarah, was already buzzing around my childhood friend\u2019s guest room. \u201cToday\u2019s the day, Mrs. Carter,\u201d she sang. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTerrified and excited and nauseous,\u201d I admitted, pulling covers over my head. \u201cIs that normal?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCompletely normal,\u201d she laughed, tugging me out of bed. \u201cNow get up. Your hair appointment is in an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the salon, as the stylist coaxed my long brown hair into soft vintage waves, my phone rang\u2014Aunt Margaret. My heart jumped.<\/p>\n
\u201cMargaret, are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
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