Kelsey suddenly pushed Carter away. He whirled around, storming toward the back of the ferry. Kelsey turned, freezing when she saw me.
Was that guilt flashing through her eyes?
Kelsey's expression shifted and a deliberate, somewhat forced smile crossed her lips. She moved across the deck to join me. "Willow, I was looking for you."
"Were you? It looked like you and Carter were arguing."
"We were," she admitted.
"Why? What's wrong?"
"Carter was trying to defend Gage for missing the ferry this morning because he wanted to finish up a contract. I took out my frustration on the wrong person. It's not Carter's fault that Gage is putting work ahead of our wedding. I'm just disappointed."
"I get it. But Gage will be here tonight, right? Then you'll have his undivided attention."
"Yes. He should make the last ferry."
"So, it will be fine." I wanted to make her feel better. Kelsey was my younger sister by thirteen months, and I'd always wanted to make her happy. That was a sentiment shared by everyone in the family because Kelsey was the baby, someone we all took care of. But she wasn't a little girl anymore. She was twenty-six years old and four inches taller than me.
Kelsey crossed her arms, a distant look in her gaze. "I know it's not a big deal, but it just feels like Gage has been putting work ahead of our relationship the last few months. I've basically planned this entire wedding with Mom."
"I bet a lot of brides feel like that."
"You're right. I just need to relax."
"I'm sure everything will be perfect."
"That's what everyone keeps telling me," Kelsey said.
"But you don't believe it?"
Kelsey's display of nerves surprised me. She loved being the center of attention, the life of the party, the woman everyone was looking at.
Kelsey hesitated, then shrugged. "Ever since my original wedding venue canceled, and I had to scramble and reset everything on the island, I've felt off."
"That makes sense. I still don't understand why you didn't just get another venue in Seattle."
"Because everything was booked, Willow," Kelsey snapped. "I didn't want to postpone my wedding for another year."
"Why not? It's not like you and Gage need to rush. You're only twenty-six. This can't be about wanting kids."
"Of course it's not about that. It's about marrying the man of my dreams, and I want to do that this year, not next. I want to move on with our lives. Mom convinced the Belle Haven Lodge to make room for us, and with Jenny as the event coordinator at the lodge, I get to work with someone I know. The island was the best alternative. Plus, Mom and Gage and Gage's parents all think it's romantic. We first met on the island as kids and now we're getting married there. We're officially joining our families together."
"I guess, but still…"
Kelsey frowned as my voice drifted away. "It was a long time ago, Willow. Ten years."
"This August," I agreed, meeting her gaze. "It feels like forever, but also like it happened yesterday."
"It's tragic what happened to Melanie. Not that we know what happened to her, but it had to be bad."
"Yes. It had to be bad." I murmured, trying not to think about just how bad it could have been.
"I know you haven't been back to the island since that summer, but I have, and once you're there, Willow, once you see the house and our friends and all the fun places we used to go, you'll remember the good times. We have a lot of great memories on Hawk Island. Long summer days, sno-cones and sunburns, endless beach parties. Remember those times, not the last time."
"I'm trying."
"The Belle Haven Lodge has also been completely renovated," Kelsey continued. "You won't even recognize it. The island has changed, too. It's more developed now, new houses, shops and restaurants, and more people living on the island full time and working remote. You'll see how different it is."
"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?" I asked dryly.
She sent me an annoyed look. "You, of course. I want you to have fun at my wedding."
I couldn't remember a time when Kelsey had cared that much about me enjoying myself. She wasn't a bad person, but she thought mostly about herself.
Kelsey shivered as the wind lifted her hair. "It doesn't feel like summer. I hope the rain won't ruin everything."
I gasped as the boat took another big bounce. "Oh, God! Why is it so rough?"
"You look pale. The Dramamine isn't working?"
"I didn't take any. I forgot it, and then I was late for the ferry, so I couldn't stop."
"Well, we're almost there. You should come downstairs and have some champagne."
"No thanks. I need air. I'm going to stay right here until we dock." I clung to the pole like it was a lifeline.
"All right." Kelsey paused. "I'm glad you came, Willow. We haven't seen each other much in the past several years."
"You've been traveling the world."
"It has been an exciting time."
"I'll bet. Every time I go online, I see your face. The cameras follow you everywhere. You're a celebrity."
"I'm even more popular now that I'm with Gage. The former football quarterback turned sports agent and the supermodel make a great headline. A TV producer approached us about doing a reality show next year. He's going to come to the wedding and shoot some footage to use in his pitch to the network."
"Really? Wow! You and Gage would be on TV?"
"Our agents think there's a good chance. They're both excited about it."
There was an edge to Kelsey's voice that gave me pause. "Are you excited about it?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know, but you seem a little tense."
"There's just a lot going on. I haven't slept well for the last few days. I just need to get to the island and get married."
"Before…" I queried.
"Before nothing," she said sharply. "Everything is fine, Willow. But there is one thing I have to tell you about. I don't want you to freak out."
"That sounds ominous. Why would I freak out?"
"We're going to have a bonfire tonight."
I started shaking my head before she finished speaking. "No. No way."
"I thought it might feel weird, too, but Gage really wants it. Jenny said a lot of brides are doing it as part of their pre-wedding celebration. The lodge sets it up for all their wedding parties. It's not on the same beach. It won't feel the same as the ones we had as teenagers."
"Kelsey, you can't have a bonfire. It's going to bring back bad memories for many people, not just me."
"Jenny showed me photos from other weddings, and the bonfire looked beautiful, not like our drunken parties. This one will be classy." Kelsey played with her necklace, running the heart charm up and down the chain. It was something she often did when she was feeling stressed. "Mom wants it. Gage's mom wants it. I can't go against everyone. I'm sorry, Willow. It is what it is, and I need you to get on board. You're my sister. You're a bridesmaid. You have to be part of everything."