Mrs. Yamaguchi consulted her extensive notebook before redirecting her practiced smile toward the group. "I want us to walk through the ceremony one more time today, and then you'll be free for the afternoon."

Sue saw everyone's gaze shift to Crystal and Kyle Redmond, Daryl's sister and brother-in-law, who were both sporting big grins. The others were laughing along with them, leaving Sue lost as to what was said. She turned to Jack when he shifted the arm he'd lazily stretched across her chair to her shoulder, squeezing gently.

"They're excited about having some beach time. Evidently it's been a while since they've been home for a visit," he explained before directing Sue's attention back to the efficient wedding planner.

"Yes, well," Mrs. Yamaguchi smiled over her reading glasses, "You are, of course, free to enjoy time at the beach, but please, keep in mind your bridesmaid dresses and your tan line. You don't want to have unseemly strap marks in the pictures."

Lucy took Sue's arm, walking with her back to the lawn. "Everything okay?"

Sue nodded. "I still don't remember everything, but Jack seems to think I will eventually and he's assured me I didn't do anything to embarrass him."

"Well, darn!" Lucy snorted, earning a swat from her friend. "What? I can't help it. I've been trying to get you and Jack together for so long that it's now second nature to try and read something into everything that happens. I don't know what I'd do if there ever was a time he was obvious in his attentions toward you."

Sue rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Poor, Luce. You should be concentrating on your impending nuptials, not on Jack and me."

"So are you saying there is a Jack and you?" she asked eagerly.

Sue cocked her head and gave Lucy a look her friend could clearly decipher, one that had Lucy holding her hands up in self-defense. "I told you, I can't help myself," she sputtered. "I will, however, make an effort to lay off. At least for today," she winked. "Now, since you weren't paying attention earlier, let me tell you what you need to do in this run-through..."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sue tried to keep her pace slow as she walked the imaginary aisle, watching Jack move forward to meet her. She stopped when she saw him mouth the word and waited for him to approach. The groomsmen were to meet the bridesmaids and present them with a lei before escorting them to their spot with the wedding party. Her stomach fluttered at his nearness, hoping she was giving no outward sign of her inner turmoil.

Jack smiled as he watched her take in every detail with her widened eyes, looking adorably like a deer caught in the lights from an oncoming car. Mimicking the motions of placing a string of flowers around her neck, he slowly allowed his hands to gather her hair and pull it up, off her neck.

"W...what are you doing?"

He smiled in satisfaction at her breathless response. "I'm pulling your hair from under the lei. I wouldn't want it to bother you through the ceremony."

"Our hair will be up, Jack," she said, having regained a modicum of coherency. "But thank you for being so thoughtful."

"Pity," he murmured, leaning close, his breath tickling her cheek.

Pulling away slightly, she dropped her eyes and glanced around, before once again asking his intentions.

"It's tradition that after I lei you, I kiss you on each cheek."

"But this is just the rehearsal, Jack. You didn't really place the lei around my neck."

"I know," he winked, "but I want to practice the kissing part."

Before she knew what she was doing, she'd snorted and let her thoughts escape through her lips, "Like you need the practice."

She felt his laughter as he brushed his lips first across one cheek and then more slowly, the other, all laughter dying. Her eyes sought his as he raised his head, images from the day before crashing down on her. Playing out on a slow-motion screen in her head, she remembered their encounter in the waves. Everything was crystal clear, from her fear, to her need to be validated as a woman, her embarrassment, and the consuming desire she'd felt, even as she had fled toward the boat. Moment after moment snapped into sharp focus, including her sudden nausea just as Jack was about to kiss her.

Jack watched, instinctively knowing she'd remembered something. He wasn't sure what until he took her arm, tucking it into the crook of his, and escorted her toward the waiting wedding party. "You lied," he heard her whisper as she avoided his gaze. "I did make a fool of myself."

Taking his place with the groomsmen, the rest of the rehearsal was a blur. His attention was focused on Sue and the need he had to talk to her. A feat that would prove to be easier said than done as she darted away when Mrs. Yamaguchi dismissed their group moments later.