I smiled through tears and nodded at him.
"You're right. I shouldn't make myself suffer."
……
Noel blinked, stunned for two seconds, then grinned and ruffled my hair.
Relief washed over his face, the kind you see on someone who just dodged a bullet.
"Good to see you've come around. With that temper of yours, I was honestly worried you'd go after Florence Perry."
"Oh, by the way, where'd you put your wedding dress? Last night I was a little rough with her and her nails snagged the lace lining. She's been feeling bad about it, wants to mend it for you."
It was like a hand had closed around my throat. A wave of cold crept up from the soles of my feet and spread through every inch of me.
He didn't seem to notice. He just smiled that apologetic smile of his and continued,
"She cried and begged me to let her try on the dress. Said she wanted to feel what it was like to marry me, just once. You're both women. You understand, right?"
I stared at the careless look in his eyes.