36

FALLON He’s laying it all bare now, the desperation, the shred of hope. Yet, getting there to meet him will be the real challenge. “Emma can’t leave the hospital for another three weeks. I’ll find a way to let you know when we are ready,” he murmurs. “Good. That gives me time to plan.” I squeeze his arm slightly. “But if I’m not there within a week of you leaving, go without me. Get Emma somewhere safe.” “Fallon, I—” My father begins, but we’ve reached the end of the aisle, and Leone’s piercing gaze roots us both to the spot. “You will.” I offer a reassuring squeeze to his hand. “Promise me,” I whisper; his slight nod is the only indication he agrees as he kisses my cheek and pulls away, placing my hand in Leone’s. I suck in a breath, facing the man I’m about to marry—a man I could never love. My father sits while I stand at the altar, my hand trembling like a leaf in Leone’s. The priest’s words are a dull murmur against the pounding of my heart. “Smile, Fallon. You don’t want your sis