Justin organized a catering team, who arrived short time later, to supply their guests with finger food and cocktails. 

Eve was still processing what just happened. She just finished her Champagne and went into the kitchen for having another one. Lisa was hungry, meeting her mom at the kitchen island. 

„Isn’t it exciting, mom? We’re both engaged to a Timberlake,“ Lisa giggled. 

Eve smiled all over her face. 

„It’s completely surreal.“ 

„You’ll be my mom and my mother in law at the same time.“ 

Eve was suddenly thinking about Jessica. She was the only one who was missing.

„Is everything okay?“ Lisa asked.

Eve nodded.

„I was just thinking about Jess. I know it sounds little weird, but I’m missing her being with us tonight.“ 

„Justin asked her, but she’s not in town,“ Lisa replied. 

„Really?“ 

„Yes, she’s shooting a movie in the middle of nowhere and couldn’t come.“ 

„So… she knows about our engagement?“ 

„Yes, she knows. And she’s happy for you. Please don’t worry.“ 

Eve cracked another smile, being relieved. 

„Hey um… what happened to Tom?“ she changed the subject. 

„Do you mean, if he was heartbroken after learning about me and Silas?“ 

Eve nodded. 

„He knew I left unfinished business behind. I was honest with him. When Silas showed up, he realized there was never a chance for us. Still I believe he’s an incredible guy. I hope he will find the right girl one day.“  

„I’m happy, you made such a good friend over there. I also need to thank Andrea for taking care for you.“ 

„Both of them were anything but sweet to me. I’m grateful that I met them. They’ve been a big help in so many ways.“

„We should ask them to visit us. What do you think?“ 

Lisa chuckled.

„Tom refuses going by car somewhere, because he wants to protect the planet. I can’t imagine him taking an aircraft to come to L.A. But both of them are on my guest list so… let’s wait and see.“ 

„Did you already made plans for the wedding?“ 

Lisa gave her a stern look.

„Is this a serious question, mom?“ 

Eve rolled her eyes.

„Please excuse me. I forgot you’re working on that wedding since you’ve been six years old.“ 

Lisa giggled. 

„I already found my old box with all ideas in the basement. Can’t wait to make my wishes come true.“ 

„Please don’t say you gonna sew your own Cinderella dress… I remember you’ve been obsessed with it back in those days.

Lisa smiled all over her face. 

„This will be the corniest wedding you could ever imagine.“ 

Eve gave her a concerned look. 

„Does Silas know what to expect?“

„Oh yes… he does. But it’s not like I give him a choice.“

At the same time Justin was at the patio with Phin, drinking Bourbon.

„How are you?“ Justin wanted to know, being glad having a moment alone with his younger son. 

„A lot of things to process… but I’m good. Don’t worry,“ Phin replied, taking a sip.

„No one of us expected Lizzy and Si getting engaged that quickly…“ 

„I did,“ Phin interrupted his father. 

Justin raised his eyebrows.

„Really?“ 

„I know my brother. It’s always all or nothing. That’s how he is.“ 

Justin gave him a pity look. 

„How do you really feel, Phin? Tell me.“ 

„I still love her, dad. But I know I need to move on. Luckily our album release is distracting me. I can’t wait to go on tour with JC and do what I love, leaving all negative emotions behind for a while.“ 

Justin patted his shoulder.

„I’m incredibly proud of you. I knew your album was fire, but honestly I didn’t expect it would hit the top ten within few days. Your talent and your passion are remarkable. I admire you and Jake for what you already achieved.“ 

„Thank you, dad. I learned from the best.“ 

Both smiled at each other. Justin pulled Phin into a tight hug.

„I love you, son.“

„I love you, too, dad.“ 

Suddenly Lisa entered the terrace. 

„Hey,“ she said shyly, looking at Justin and then at Phin.

„I’ll let you talk,“ Justin said and left the situation in the next moment. 

Phin and Lisa watched him walking away. Then she turned in Phin’s direction. She didn’t have the chance yet, talking to him about what have happened between them. Nervously she was playing with her fingers, not knowing how to start.

„I’m not hating you, if this is what you think,“ Phin said first. 

She just gave him a sheepish look.

„I could never hate you, Lizzy.“ 

Her eyes filled with tears. She still felt awful for what she’ve done to him, knowing there was no way to excuse her selfish behavior. 

„I want to say something to make things right. But I know I can’t,“ she almost whispered. 

„It’s not fair putting all blame on you. I hope you know that,“ Phin replied. 

„Why would you say that?“ 

„It’s not like I didn’t know who you truly wanted, when I decided making you mine. Your heart belonged to Silas. Even two years after he left, I knew it was still him who you wanted. But I ignored the obvious and lied to myself, hoping you just needed more time to get over him. At that time it didn’t matter to me being your second choice, because I worked up into the idea, that he wouldn’t come back for you. But then he did. And the lie I was living in turned into nightmare.“ 

Lisa wiped away her tears. 

„I really loved you, Phin. I still do. My feelings for you always have been real. I want you to know that.“ 

Phin nodded. He never doubted, that she loved him. But it wasn’t enough. 

„Betraying you was a giant mistake. I’ll live with that guilt for the rest of my life,“ she continued talking. 

„You don’t need to. I forgive you, Lizzy. I really do.“ 

She shook her head, crying harder.

„I don’t deserve being forgiven.“ 

„Hey… come on. Don’t do this to yourself.“

Phin grabbed her right hand and pulled her into his arms. She fell around his neck and hugged him tightly. 

„I’m so sorry, Phin…“ she sobbed. 

„It’s okay…“ he whispered back. „It’s okay…“