Chapter 40

,

Carson woke up with a heavy feeling in his stomach. He looked at the calendar on his bedside table. One day left. Just one more day until he married Margaret.

He should be excited. Happy. Instead, he felt... scared? Unsure? He couldn't quite put his finger on the feeling.

As he got dressed, Carson caught sight of himself in the mirror. He looked tired. Worried. Not like a happy groom-to-be at all.

"Pull yourself together," he muttered to his reflection. "This is what you're supposed to want."

Downstairs, the house was buzzing with activity. Wedding planners rushed around, carrying flowers and checking lists. Carson's sisters chattered excitedly, their voices high and happy.

"There's the groom!" his mother called, spotting him at the bottom of the stairs. She hurried over, straightening his tie. "How are you feeling, darling? Excited?"

Carson forced a smile. "Sure, Mom. Excited."

His mother frowned, studying his face. "You look pale. Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine," Carson said