On My Wedding Day, I Married Someone Else Chapter 09

On My Wedding Day, I Married Someone Else Chapter 09

The man standing beside me. His name was Ethan Hunter. Homicide detective, Nashville Metro PD. He was the lead investigator on my stabbing case.

Three years older than me. Highest case closure rate in the department. Shoulder took a bullet during a hostage situation. Nerve damage. That’s why he moved from active duty to internal operations.

I’ve known him for ten years.

High school. One year ahead of me. Star pitcher on the baseball team. Always wore that faded varsity jacket. Gentle with everyone. Always alone.

When he came to the hospital to take my statement, I made an offhand complaint about the antiseptic smell.

The next day, he showed up with a small bundle of fresh lavender. Wrapped in brown butcher paper. From his mother’s garden.

“Back in high school. You used to press lavender between your textbooks. Said the scent helped you feel calm.”

I looked up sharply. Slowly, I remembered him. The afternoon he stood with me on the equipment shed roof, watching the sunset. The tissue he never had the courage to hand me.

All those years. Someone, somewhere in the world, had quietly remembered every detail about me.

I could feel Ethan’s feelings. Clear as day. Just—wrong time. Wrong circumstances.

“I’m getting married, Ethan. I hope you’ll come to the wedding.”

When I handed him the gilded invitation, the light in his eyes dimmed. But he adjusted in an instant. Smiled. Took it.

“Girl. Whatever happens, I wish you happiness. If one day you’re tired. If he doesn’t treat you right. Look back. I might still be here.”