One evening, over burgers at a retro diner on State Street, Marina put her foot down. The neon sign outside buzzed softly, casting a pink glow across their booth.
- We need to tell Emily the truth, she said, pushing a fry around her plate. This sneaking around isn’t right, Michael. I’m tired of lying to Mom, to Emily, to everyone. I hate pretending I’m not seeing you. And you’re stuck making up stories about helping your dad fix the garage or whatever. It’s ridiculous. We can’t keep this up.
- I know, Michael sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. I’m sick of it too. I just… I don’t know how to break it to her. She’s gonna lose it.
He wasn’t wrong, but he was done pretending. Michael knew he loved Marina, and he’d already picked out a ring from a jeweler in downtown Boise, a simple solitaire he could see sparkling on her finger. He was ready to propose—something Emily had spent their entire year together hoping for, waiting for a moment that never came. The weight of that unfulfilled promise hung over her like a storm cloud.
When Marina and Michael showed up at the Harper house together, Emily didn’t need a script to know what was coming. They hadn’t just run into each other on the front porch; Michael wasn’t there with flowers or a goofy grin to surprise her. Their faces said it all—guilty, nervous, and resolute. They’d come to confess, and Emily wasn’t about to hear them out.
- I don’t want to see either of you ever again! she screamed, her voice raw, tears burning her eyes.
- And you, she jabbed a finger at Marina, stay in your room like the loner you are and don’t cross my path, or I swear I won’t be responsible for what I do!
Marina flinched, but Michael stepped in front of her, his jaw tight.
- Let’s go, he said quietly to Marina. You see how she is. Emily’s unhinged right now. Knowing her, she could do anything. Come stay with me. My place is big enough, and Mom will be thrilled to have you around.
- Really? Marina asked, her brow furrowing.
She’d met Michael’s mother, Victoria Lynn Carter, once before at a family barbecue, and the woman had seemed formidable—sharp-eyed, with a no-nonsense vibe that made Marina nervous. But Victoria was warm beneath her tough exterior, and when Marina moved into the Carter family’s ranch-style home in Meridian, a suburb just west of Boise, Victoria welcomed her with open arms. The house was spacious, with a big kitchen and a backyard dotted with aspens, perfect for lazy summer evenings. Emily, who’d visited Michael there only a handful of times, had never won Victoria over. Marina was different.
- That girl’s a keeper, Victoria said one night after a family dinner, stacking plates in the dishwasher. Not like Emily, Michael. I told you from the start she wasn’t right for you. Too clingy, too dramatic. But Marina? She’s got a good heart. You two are gonna build something solid, I can feel it.
Victoria’s approval meant the world to Michael, and she was overjoyed when Marina moved in. The couple threw themselves into wedding planning, booking a charming venue by the Boise River for the ceremony and reserving the Carter home for the reception. Inviting Emily wasn’t even on the table—too much bad blood, too much risk of her causing a scene. Marina could picture her sister storming in, knocking over the cake or making a tearful speech to ruin the day. She wanted no part of that.