When he noticed Emma watching, he startled—just slightly—then forced a grin and lifted his thumb in an exaggerated thumbs-up. All good, the gesture said. Emma returned a faint smile, unease curling in her stomach. They’re just rattled, she told herself.
Anyone would be. The officiant cleared his throat. The ceremony resumed. Vows. Soft laughter. A ripple of relieved murmurs as people settled back into their seats. Then Rex started barking. Not the sharp, warning bark from before. This was different. Raw. Furious. Repeated.