15. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
Blyth
“ W ell, well, well, Mrs. Soon-to-be Hicks, what ever have you been up to?” I tease, coming up behind her as she sits at a vanity mirror, frantically trying to fix her makeup. There’re only a few minutes before the wedding begins, and, well, frankly—she looks like a hot mess.
“I’m going to kill that man.” Spinning her chair around, I twist it until she’s facing me and grab a makeup wipe off the countertop.
“You’d miss his cock too much,” I remind her with a smile. “Is it okay if I take you back down to nothing and start fresh?”
She gives me a nod and I make quick work of wiping away the mascara running down her cheeks and the lipstick that’s smudged all over her chin. Sheesh.
“What would I do without you?” she asks, eyes luminous with tears.
“None of that now. We both know I’m not going anywhere. Lustre born and bred—I’ll be here by your side forever.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, my stomach twists, and I wonder if that’s the way it has to be. Murphy is so attached to Sweetheart Falls. He has a beautiful home, a huge art studio, and everything he needs right there. Meanwhile, there isn’t really anything tying me to Lustre. Yes, it’s my home, but my house is trashed, and I currently live in a B&B.
But is a chance at love enough reason to leave the only place I’ve ever known?
A soft nose nudges against my leg, and I glance down to see Tilly’s ring bearer staring up at me with puppy-dog eyes. Hot Dog lifts his paw and smacks it against my leg, indicating that he wants up, and I oblige, lifting him and placing him in his mama’s lap. The sweet little furball circles once, then plops down, satisfied when Tilly rubs his ears. Snagging a brush, I quickly apply new foundation and blush before starting on the eyeliner.
“You know you don’t have to be. Right?” Tilly asks, trying to keep absolutely still so I don’t accidentally poke her in the eye. “I love you most. Always will. But if you have an opportunity to be happy outside of Lustre Lake—grab it with both hands. You deserve the world, bestie.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Bringing the mascara up to her lashes, I quickly apply it and go to grab the lipstick, but she grasps my hand, and I look at her. “We need to hurry.”
“I’m the bride. They’ll wait.” She glares at me with those piercing, soul-seeking eyes of hers. We’ve been best friends since childhood and never, not once, have I withstood the look . “Now be honest. Something is happening between you and Murphy. I can see it in the way he touches you. The way you are with him.”
My shoulders lift, and my heart races. It’s so much easier to keep life casual. But she doesn’t back down—she never does.
“Fine. Yes. Maybe…there’s something there. But it might be nothing. And I don’t think he’s feeling the same vibes. Now let’s get you dressed before you miss the lakeside sunset and new moon night dancing with your hubby.”
She lets me finish the makeup, glancing in the mirror before placing Hot Dog on the ground and leaping from the seat to embrace me. Tilly gives the best hugs, second only to Murphy’s, and I melt against her, needing this special moment with my best friend before she begins her new life without me. We’ll always be close, but I know babies and a family are a priority for her—and while I can’t wait to see that happen, our lives are diverging, and it’s hard.
“He’d be a fool to pass up a chance with you,” she whispers. “Take the leap. You’re worth it.”
Now, there are tears in my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. We don’t have time for another fix.
“Love you, Tilly,” I whisper, giving her a squeeze before stepping back.
“Love you more, Blyth.” She grabs our bouquets, passing one to me. The beautiful deep orange roses, white baby’s breath, daisies, and golden sunflowers complement one another, creating a cheerful fall feel that’s just so very Tilly.
“Let’s do this.”
Quickly, I grab Hot Dog, walk through the changing tent curtains, and step out into the interconnected staging tent. The other bridesmaids have already lined up with their groomsmen. Their dresses reflect the autumn vibes of the day, and they look resplendent in varied copper dresses. Murphy is right at the back, fidgeting. His jaw is locked, and his eyes keep darting around as though looking for a threat.
“Sorry, I’m late. Makeup emergency,” I whisper, sliding my arm through Murphy’s. His navy blue suit is already damp with sweat, and considering it’s fairly cool out, I can tell it’s from nerves.
He leans in toward me, and I hug his arm before dropping my head to his shoulder. The move is familiar, safe, and just like that, his muscles relax, and he brings a hand up to cup my face.
“You look perfect to me.” He drops a kiss on my lips, and I wish we were alone so I could deepen it without messing up all the pictures. The music starts up, and it’s time. I pass Hot Dog’s leash to Murphy, settle my bouquet correctly, and watch as the other couples walk through the curtains. Butterflies flutter in my stomach, swirling around and bringing worries about embarrassing myself in front of the crowd.
“Don’t let me fall,” I whisper. We’re next, and the adrenaline courses through me.
“I’d never let that happen. Lean on me,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
The curtain parts…showtime.