Edward offered his hand. “Congratulations.”
Max looked him up and down. Then he laughed. Not politely. Actually laughed. Several nearby guests turned toward us.
“What’s funny?” I asked.
“Him?” Max looked around as though everyone should understand the joke. “Your boyfriend?”
Claire touched his arm. “Max.”
He ignored her. “I don’t believe it. No one would date you. Especially someone like him.”
My face burned. Then he gave me the same grin he always used when he wanted cruelty to sound like humor. “What did you do, pay him to come?”
For half a second, I was back in our bedroom watching him pack. I wanted to disappear. Edward didn’t raise his voice. Instead, he smiled.
“Actually, Max, I brought you a wedding gift.”
Max looked surprised. “For me?”
“Especially for you.” Edward turned to me. “Give me five minutes.”
Then he walked outside. Max watched him leave and smirked. “I knew it.”
