The music swelled. Emma took her first step down the aisle—and Rex broke free. The leash slipped from Lucy’s hands as the German Shepherd lunged forward, nails scraping wood, barking sharp and urgent, cutting through the smiles and soft gasps of the crowd.
He didn’t charge at her. He veered past, slammed into a table in the corner, then spun back. Before anyone could move, Rex grabbed the hem of Emma’s dress and pulled, hard, dragging fabric, forcing her backward as silk tore beneath his teeth.
The music faltered. Guests whispered. Emma felt heat rush to her face as she clutched the torn fabric, humiliation drowning out instinct. Of all days. Of all moments. Her dog—her partner—was ruining her wedding, and she had no idea why.