Chapter 10 Emily
The Bennett Estate had been converted into a wonderland. My mother held my hand all the way from the house. As the driver parks the car in front of the house, she tightens her hold.
“It’s going to be fine Mom,” I tell her.
“I know,” she whispers, though her voice is laced with the exhaustion we’ve both been feeling.
The past two days have been a blur of sleepless nights watching over my father as his fever finally broke. We’re both drained, but at least he’s stable now.
My phone shrills from my purse and I gently loosen my mother’s hold to dig it out.
It’s Lisa. “Where are you?” she asks.
“We’re coming in right now,” I tell her, amused at the note of panic in her voice. I might be dead tired, but there’s no chance that I would not show up at this wedding. My family’s future is depending on it.
Barbara, Andrew’s mother, opens the front door just as we step out of the car, her face lighting up as she hurries down the steps. “We thought you’d never get here.”
I manage a smile.
“Go on up, Emily,” Barbara says, gesturing toward the house. “I’ll keep your mother company until it’s time.”
Lisa appears at the top of the staircase inside, her eyes widening with exaggerated impatience. “Finally,” she says, throwing her hands up dramatically. “Come on, let’s get you dressed.”
I laugh, a real laugh for the first time in days. Lisa’s organized the whole thing; making sure people are here to do my hair and makeup—because she knows there’s no way I had the energy to pull this together.
As I make my way up the stairs, I take one last glance at my mother. She smiles at me, a weary but reassuring look in her eyes as she moves toward Barbara .
“Go on,” she mouths silently.
I nod and follow Lisa up, my nerves kicking in, but at least I know I’m in good hands.
Lisa’s already in full maid-of-honor mode by the time I step into the room. “I’ve got everything ready,” she says, motioning toward the small vanity where a team is waiting to get to work. “You’re going to look stunning.”
I smile, touched by how much effort she’s put into today. It’s a relief to sit down and let other people take care of me.
An hour later, my hair and make-up are done and Lisa is helping me put on my wedding dress.
“I’ve never met a woman who switched her grooms and kept the same wedding date,” Lisa says, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Why should we waste all the arrangements?” I retort, then suddenly burst out laughing. The absurdity of the situation hits me full force. It is ridiculous, and for a moment, we both laugh.
“You know, I really admire you,” Lisa says after a moment, her voice softer now. “The way you go for what you want, not a single thought or worry for consequences, and somehow, things always work out in your favor.”
I do worry about the consequences but this is not the time to go into that. “Let’s hope this one does. I want to see my father’s company prosper.”
Lisa raises an eyebrow. “Still on business, even on your wedding day.”
“That’s the only reason we’re here,” I say in a light tone.
Before Lisa can respond, my mother enters the room, waving a hand and scrunching her face at the overwhelming smells of hair spray, makeup, and perfume that fill the air.
“You look beautiful,” she says, tears pooling in her eyes.
Lisa’s team did a fantastic job camouflaging my tired eyes and skin. The dress is gorgeous, an elegant A-line gown with soft lace detail running along the bodice and sleeves .
The fabric is light and delicate, the lace just the right touch of femininity without being too fussy. The skirt flows to the floor, classic and understated. It’s simple, yet timeless. Exactly what I wanted.
“I just wish your father was here,” Mom says.
I swallow hard. I don’t wish the same. If my father were well, none of this would be happening. I wouldn’t be marrying Andrew for convenience, wouldn’t even consider it. And I know my father would never have agreed to something like this.
The thought makes my own eyes burn, but I push the emotions away. I need to be strong—for my mother, for my family. The reality is harsh, but I can’t let myself wallow in it now. So I step forward, wrapping my arms around her, trying to buoy her up as best as I can.
“I know, Mom,” I say gently. “But he’s with us in spirit.”
She nods, wiping away her tears, and gives me a brave smile. She reaches for the veil. Made of soft tulle and tiny lace appliqués, it complicates my dress in its simplicity.
I sit down and she carefully places it over my head, adjusting it gently. The veil falls into place, framing my face, making the moment feel suddenly very real.
“I’m getting married,” I say, sudden joy coming over me. For today, I’ll pretend that this marriage is real and I’ll enjoy every bit of it.
My mom and Lisa laugh.
“You look perfect,” Mom says, stepping back to admire me.
“You’re glowing,” Lisa says.
A knock comes on the door. Barbara peers in. “It’s time.”
I smile at her. “We’ll be down shortly.”
I stand up and Lisa and I lock gazes before she wraps her arms around me.
“It’s going to be an awesome day,” I tell her.
“It will,” she murmurs back .
The three of us make our way downstairs, the sound of our footsteps muted by the soft carpet. The moment we step outside, I’m greeted by the sight of the backyard, now transformed into a stunning wedding venue. Barbara has outdone herself.
White roses and soft greenery cascade from tall floral arrangements that line the makeshift aisle. Fairy lights twinkle from above, strung between trees. The Bennett Estate’s sprawling lawn stretches out beneath us, now a picture-perfect setting.
Each chair has a small bouquet of white flowers tied to it, facing a beautiful wooden arch draped in more roses and sheer, flowing fabric. The petals scattered along the aisle create a soft, romantic path, leading toward Andrew, who’s already standing at the altar.
Lisa squeezes my hand once before she steps forward, her dress shimmering as she moves down the aisle.
I turn to my mother standing beside me, and she links her arm through mine. We begin our walk down the aisle together. For the first time today, I let myself breathe deeply, taking in the beauty of the moment.
The few guests gathered for the ceremony are mostly from Andrew’s side, less than twenty people, none of whom I know.
Thank God Daniel isn’t here. Now that would have been awkward. I can’t imagine exchanging vows with Andrew while his brother, the original groom-to-be, stood watching. At least that’s one uncomfortable situation I’ve been spared.
As we move down the aisle, I steal a glance at Andrew. He’s standing tall, dressed in a sleek tuxedo, his gaze locked on me.
My mother squeezes my arm gently, and I glance at her. She’s smiling, her eyes bright with emotion. We reach the end of the aisle, and she leans in, kissing my cheek softly before letting go.
Andrew steps forward, offering me his hand as I take the final step toward the altar. The officiant begins speaking, but my mind drifts as I stand beside Andrew.
I catch glimpses of the guests—strangers, mostly, save for Lisa and my mother. Everyone is watching, but it’s almost as if I’m not truly present, like I’m walking through a scene in a play .
The vows come next.
The officiant’s voice rings out, “Andrew, repeat after me.”
Andrew says his vows with no hesitation whatsoever, his eyes on me as if he means every word. I hope I can pull off the same sincerity even though we both know that our marriage is certainly not until ‘death do us part.’
The officiant turns to me, and my heart clenches slightly. It’s my turn.
I take a breath, my hand tightening around Andrew’s as I speak. “I, Emily, take you, Andrew, to be my lawfully wedded husband.”
I swallow down the panic rising in my chest. This is a lot harder than I imagined it would be. “To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish…”
I stumble slightly over the last words, feeling the hollowness of them in my chest. “... until death do us part.”
The officiant smiles, unaware of the turmoil inside me. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Andrew turns to me and leans in. His lips brush my mine in a soft, kiss. The guests clap and a few people cheer.
It’s done. The vows are said, the formalities over. I exhale, relieved to have made it through.
There’s lunch and dancing to get through, but that feels like a breeze after the ceremony. The hardest part is behind me.