Lydia's wedding was on a Saturday. To attend both the bachelorette party and rehearsal, Keeley needed to leave Thursday morning. Taking two days off work and school, with only a month left, would be difficult, but Lydia was one of her best friends. Keeley felt she owed Lydia this, especially after being a poor friend in the past. She'd grown distant from Lydia and Jeffrey after befriending Aaron.

They completely lost touch in college; Keeley hadn't even known Lydia was getting married until seeing the wedding pictures on Facebook months later. Despite the inconvenience, Keeley would participate because she loved her friend.

After checking the weather—it would be about ten degrees warmer—she packed carefully. She might even skip a jacket, but she'd bring one anyway, preferring to carry it unnecessarily than freeze.

As she gathered toiletries, her phone buzzed. It was probably Aaron. She'd finally texted him about no longer needing him to provide dinner, since he was engaged.

The text read: "I don't know what rumors you've been listening to, but I only have one wife. That won't change." Keeley was confused. Their stories were so different; one of them had to be lying. Lacy, a scheming woman with a vendetta against Keeley, was a suspect. Aaron, with a history of lying and trying to win Keeley back, was another. Both had motive.

Keeley didn't care. She was leaving town; food was irrelevant. She replied, "Whatever. I'll be in California all week, so don't send anything."

His immediate reply: "What for?"

"Lydia's wedding. I'm a bridesmaid."

"You've suddenly become the popular bridesmaid choice. Do you really have time for this?"

She sighed. "No, but I won't disappoint my friends."

After a few minutes, he asked, "Is there anything I can do to lessen your load?"

Tears welled in her eyes, but she angrily brushed them away. Stupid, she thought. This isn't worth it. He doesn't care; he just feels guilty for ruining your life. She replied, "No. Thanks though."

He texted, "Let me know if you change your mind."

She wouldn't. She wanted Aaron and his complicated relationship status out of her head—and out of her life. Exploiting his guilt wasn't an option.

California wasn't as expected. She'd envisioned sandy beaches and Hollywood, but it was a relaxed coastal town. Lydia had mentioned Northern California differed from the South. There were beaches, but they were rocky, and the water was nearly as cold as New York's. Jeffrey, who'd arrived early with his girlfriend Keisha to sightsee in the San Francisco area, confirmed this.

Keeley hadn't met Keisha before, but found her a beautiful, intelligent African-American woman with a great sense of humor. She understood Jeffrey's attraction.

Knowing no other friends or relatives of Lydia's, Keeley spent time with Jeffrey and Keisha. Catching up with Jeffrey and hearing about their Maryland adventures was enjoyable. Keisha, a veterinary technician, shared amusing stories about the strange reasons pets ended up in the animal ER.

Keeley's favorite stories included three kittens needing surgery after eating hair ties and a hamster stuck inside its cage for a week after swallowing a refrigerator magnet.

"I can't imagine," Keeley laughed. "Thankfully, my cat only goes for checkups."

"You're lucky," Keisha replied. "Those x-rays aren't cheap."

"Yeah, Keisha's puppy ate her nephew's action figure last year, costing $4,000 in surgery," Jeffrey lamented.

Keeley suppressed a smile. His tone suggested they shared finances; they lived together, and an engagement was likely. Another wedding to attend.

It was bittersweet watching others marry, knowing she'd likely spend her life alone. Not that she wanted a relationship, but it made her think of her own failed marriage.

Marriage was a gamble. Amazingly, despite rising divorce rates, people still trusted enough to commit completely. Keeley's romantic trust was depleted; she had none left to spare, even if someone suitable appeared.

Aaron's text, "I only have one wife. That won't change," resurfaced in her mind. It wouldn't change for her either; one husband was enough to dissuade her from marriage.

She knew he likely meant it differently—to reassure her he wasn't giving up. Under different circumstances, it would have been a kind sentiment. But there was no going back.

The rehearsal began. People were directed to their positions for the ceremony; they'd practice walking later. Keisha sat in the audience as Keeley and Jeffrey took their places flanking the arch.

The bridesmaids were Keeley, Lydia's sister, her fiancé's sister, and three of Lydia's college friends. The groomsmen included Jeffrey (who'd become friends with Lydia's fiancé, Collin), Collin's three brothers, and two of his college buddies.

The wedding planner meticulously instructed them on posing for photos: bridesmaids holding bouquets, groomsmen's hands clasped behind their backs. She was incredibly thorough.