Marcus and Chloe's apartment smelled like garlic and wine. Soft music played. Candles on the dining table. They looked tanned. Relaxed. Happy.
"Welcome back," Leighton said. Hugging Chloe. "How was Bali?"
"Perfect. Amazing. I never wanted to leave." Chloe pulled back. Studied her. "You look stressed."
"Wedding planning."
"Ah. Say no more."
They sat for dinner. Homemade pasta. Chloe's specialty. Marcus poured wine. Everyone settling into easy conversation.
"So," Marcus said. Twirling pasta. "How's the wedding planning going?"
Noah and Leighton exchanged looks. Both grimaced.
"That bad?" Chloe asked.
"Worse," Leighton said. "Everyone has opinions. My mom calls daily with venue options. Noah's mom sends care packages full of magazines. Friends asking about dates and colors and brides
