Girl In Black

The wedding reception was held in the back garden of a seaside hotel, owned by the Valentines. I arrived early without an invitation. Spring was in full bloom. I inhaled a lungful of the sweet scents of hyacinths, sweet peas, lily of the valley and freesia. Rainey must have hired a different wedding planner. The outdoor venue was decorated in simple elegance, with a touch of the whimsical as rows of lawn chairs were surrounded by flower walls and rustic crates overflowing with delphiniums. The weather cooperated—it was a brilliantly sunny day, with an occasional floral-scented breeze. Fitz waved at me from his front-row seat on the left. He and I must be the only guests from the groom’s side. None of the Valentines was there—Claire, Tristan, Kieran’s grandmother. I didn’t see Shannon. She must still be laid up in bed, recovering from the self-inflicted injuries she got by throwing herself onto the path of my car. I hoped her broken ribs hurt. As guests arrived in twos and threes, I rec