WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Chapter Nineteen

**THE REHEARSAL DINNER - PART ONE**

**CALLIE'S POV**

"Ahhhhhh!" I yelled in frustration, flinging the covers off as I turned around in bed for the hundredth time. "Worst sleep ever," I muttered, glancing at the clock on my nightstand. It was 7 a.m.

After a restless night of tossing and turning, my mind replayed Heather and Mal's words about trust. "Trust," I scoffed to myself as I turned on the shower. The mirror revealed dark circles under my eyes. "Why are his words affecting me so much?" I sighed, tugging at the bags beneath my eyes.

Post-shower, I threw on a pair of shorts and a cropped jumper, slipping into my trainers. As I sat at the vanity table, I dabbed on some concealer and lip balm. An hour later, my makeup was light but presentable. "That'll do," I decided, tucking my lip gloss away.

I grabbed an apple and a fresh cup of coffee before heading out to the front patio. "You're up early," a cheerful voice greeted me. I looked up to see a man I didn't recognize.

"Seizing the day," I replied with a smile as he sat down across from me.

"Sam," he introduced himself, extending a hand.

I shook his hand, smiling back. "Callie."

Sam was tall, with dark hair and striking dark brown eyes flecked with green. His casual t-shirt and shorts showcased his muscular build and tattoos. He resembled a mix of Mal and his father.

"Done staring?" Sam chuckled, snapping his fingers in front of me.

I laughed and shook my head. "Who are you?" I asked, finishing my coffee.

"I'm so offended, you don't know who I am," Sam teased dramatically before laughing. "I'm Sam."

"Idiot," I thought as I stood up. "Do you have any plans?" he asked.

"Nope, just going for a walk," I replied, making my way down the steps towards the path leading to Mal's farmhouse. Sam jogged to catch up, falling into step beside me.

"Nope, just going for a walk," he said with a grin. I shook my head but appreciated the company as we walked in silence, the sun filtering through the trees.

When we reached the field where I'd seen Raven, I hopped over the gate and Sam followed, though he looked hesitant. "We shouldn't be in here," he said cautiously, touching my arm to stop me. "The horse here... Well, he's dangerous."

I shrugged off his concern and continued across the field. "Why not?" I asked, shaking his hand off.

By then, Raven was grazing under some trees. "Raveeeeeen!" I called out, laughing as Sam's face turned panicked.

"Callie, this is a bad idea," Sam warned as Raven began trotting our way.

"Don't move and keep quiet," I instructed Sam, not taking my eyes off the beautiful horse. Raven stopped a few meters away, and I slowly approached, extending my hand. His nose touched my palm, and I gently stroked him.

"That's amazing," Sam said, moving away from the fence. The sudden movement startled Raven, who reared up and neighed loudly. "Callie, watch out!" Sam yelled.

Before I could react, Raven charged, and I was knocked down by a heavy weight. I wheezed beneath the weight, feeling the pressure lift as Sam scrambled off me.

Mal appeared, furious, and grabbed Sam, flinging him against a tree. "Stay the fuck away from her, Sam!" Mal yelled.

I rushed over, trying to pry Mal's hands off Sam. "Mal, get off him!" I shouted.

"This is none of your business, Callie," Mal gritted out, eyes locked on Sam.

"Come on, big brother. Who can say no to her?" Sam laughed, which only fueled Mal's anger.

"Mal, stop!" I pleaded, but before he could respond, Raven galloped back towards us.

"Callie, move!" Mal shouted, but I didn't move. Instead, I made eye contact with Raven, who was charging straight at Mal and Sam. They scrambled over the fence just in time, landing a few feet away as Raven skidded to a stop and began pawing the ground angrily.

"It's okay," I whispered, approaching Raven cautiously. He stopped pawing and turned to me. I reached out and stroked his nose before he wandered back down the field.

I turned to Mal and Sam, both looking shocked. "Little bitches," I scoffed before walking back towards the gate.

---

**A FEW HOURS LATER**

"Callie, can you please fix my hair? It won't sit right," Naomi huffed, running her hands through her wavy locks.

"Stop stressing. I'll fix it," I smiled, making my way over to her. It was the night of Naomi and Ryan's engagement dinner.

After a couple of hours of getting ready and a few cheeky drinks, Naomi, Steph, Leigh, and I were finally set to head out. Naomi wore a stunning knee-length white dress that revealed her rib tattoos and had her hair styled in a half-up ponytail with curls framing her face. Steph's purple sparkling dress and matching shoes complemented her long, curled hair. Leigh's emerald green dress flared out from her waist, and her hair was styled in a messy bun with a few curls framing her face.

I had been kicked out of my comfort zone by the girls, who had convinced me to wear a fire-red dress that hugged my figure and revealed a tattoo on my thigh through a side split. I took a deep breath as I stepped out of the bathroom.

The girls' reactions were priceless. "Damn girl!" Naomi squealed, using her best Ryan impression, making us all burst out laughing.

"Enjoy it while you can. Red is only out for a night," I hummed, slipping on matching red heels.

"Selfie time!" Steph exclaimed as I finished buckling my heels. I posed with my curled hair swooped over one shoulder and the other side cascading down my chest.

After a few pictures, we headed downstairs. Ryan and his friends, including Sam, were dressed in black suits with white shirts and red ties. My eyes met Sam's as I descended the stairs.

"Who is that?" Steph whispered.

"Sam," Naomi quickly responded as she hugged him. "I'm so glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world. My little brother's getting married," Sam grinned.

As we exited to the back patio, Naomi's eyes widened in awe. "It's perfect," she whispered to Ryan before sharing a kiss.

The rehearsal dinner began, but Mal was still absent. I overheard Ryan asking Sam if he'd seen Maliki, but Sam shrugged, saying he hadn't. Dinner was served, and we enjoyed conversation and laughter.

Ryan and Naomi stood to give a toast. "Thank you all for being here with us. If any of you had told me a year ago I'd be getting married, I would have laughed," Naomi said, turning to Ryan with a smile.

Ryan added, "We're not great with words, but we want to thank you all for everything you've done for us over the years."

"Can we all raise our glasses?" Naomi asked. "To you all for being our number one support. Even though we're pains sometimes, we love you. Thank you." They clinked their glasses, and we cheered.

After dessert and a few more drinks, Ryan's dad, Alistar, and my dad, David, stood up. "We can't finish the night without a partaaaay!" David yelled, and the table erupted in cheers.

We followed them to the barn, transformed into a rustic wedding party venue with twinkling lights and white décor. Naomi and Ryan's reactions showed their delight.

"Let's partaaaay!" Steph yelled as the music started, and we all headed to the dance floor, drinks in hand.