In the Line of Fire by Jennifer LaBrecque

conclusion,” he said. “That’s not true, Andi.” His voice cracked. “Come back, honey, and we’ll work this out. I don’t understand. We went through counseling.” His minister had required it. “And we were good. Reverend Williams said we were good to go. I thought we were okay. What happened, honey?”
    She’d never felt so torn in her life. It would be so much easier if Blanton was a jerk, but he wasn’t, he was a decent guy and they’d planned a life together. How could she tell him Colton Sawyer was what happened? How could she tell him she didn’t love him? How could she tell him she’d thought she was over Colton but had discovered at the eleventh hour she wasn’t? She wanted some neat, tidy way to handle this and there wasn’t any.
    â€œBlanton, you’re a good guy but I realized today I don’t love you the way I should to marry you.”
    â€œI think you do. I think you just got cold feet. We can work through this, Andi.”
    She wanted to cry. “We can’t, Blanton. It’s not cold feet.”
    â€œIt’s Sawyer, isn’t it?”
    How could she say yes? And of course, the answer was yes. A thousand fold. And she wasn’t about to tell Blanton that. “No. It’s not Colton.” And technically she was wrapped up in Colton but she hadn’t beeninvolved. “How could I have been involved with him when he’s been in Afghanistan?”
    It hadn’t occurred to her that everyone would assume she and Colton were an item when they left together like that. And now that they were going to spend a few days together, tongues would really be wagging. Let them. As men went, Colton was the cream of the crop.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter. At this point I believe I’ve dodged a bullet. You’re obviously mentally ill.”
    What? “Mentally ill? You’ve got to be kidding. Just because I don’t want to marry you? That in no way, shape, form or fashion means I’m mentally ill.” Dealing with his anger was so much easier than dealing with his pleading. “In fact, based on that dumb-ass comment I think it shows incredibly sane, good judgment on my part.”
    â€œYou’re a head case. And by the way, I’m still going on the honeymoon and you can still pay your half of it.”
    â€œI don’t think so.” She’d paid attention to the cancellation policy when they’d booked it. They’d forfeit a couple of hundred bucks for late cancellation but the rest was totally refundable. “I’ll pay the cancel fee but you’re on your own for the rest.”
    â€œPatrice is going with me,” he said, obviously expecting the news to wound her. Oddly, the only emotion Andi felt at the news was a bit of satisfaction that her instinct that her maid of honor had a thing forBlanton had been correct. And this was a far cry from him asking her to come back and work things out. What would have happened to his backup plan with Patrice if Andi had been willing to come back? She didn’t care enough to even ask. Patrice was welcome to him.
    â€œY’all have fun. Tell her she’d better pack some No-Doz.”
    â€œOh, I definitely dodged a bullet. The humiliation was worth not being stuck with you.”
    Colton was walking through the parking lot. Plus, she had nothing left to say to her former fiancé. “Goodbye, Blanton.”
    â€œBy the way, my mother wants the string of pearls she gave you back, and I, of course, expect my ring back. And another thing—”
    Andi hit the off button, ending the call as Colton opened the rear door. “Your mother again?”
    â€œBlanton. He said I’m obviously mentally ill for leaving him at the altar.”
    Colton laughed, long and hard. “That’s good. You’re nuts if you don’t want to marry him, right?”
    She grinned. “Apparently.” She had forgotten