Chapter 51
CHAPTER 51
Emily’s eyes glistened with emotion. “You’re a stunning bride.”
I turned and studied my reflection in the mirror. My $60,000 Vera Wang sleeveless wedding gown showcased my diamond choker and bare shoulders, falling into yards and yards of wispy tulle. My blond hair was pinned up. My make-up was as perfect as I’ve ever seen it. I looked dewy and soft. It was probably the best I’ve ever looked.
“All dressed up and nowhere to go.” I regretted the impulse to show up at my own wedding. “Which means I need more champagne.”
“You get two glasses.” She topped my glass. “And then you’re cut off.”
“I’m about 99% certain my groom is going to be a no-show. You can’t withhold the booze.”
She grabbed the bottle and topped her own glass. “One of us has to drive the getaway car, and since I never get a babysitter, this is my day to get drunk.”
I forced a laugh. “We can take a cab.”
“Fine, but if he does show up, you’re going to be upset if you’re falling down drunk. Maybe we should reserve the hard-drinking for after the fact.”
We clinked glasses, and I downed my champagne in one go.
Trying not to sound desperate, I asked, “Has anyone seen Porter?”
“Not yet.”
“Is Jackson here?”
“He’s not answering my texts.”
“Do you think Jackson will be Porter’s getaway man?”
“He never mentioned anything.”
I was so nervous I wanted to puke. “Have you see any of my bridesmaids?”
“Roo has them all corralled in the next room. Their dresses are gorgeous.”
“Porter made them change our colors to pink.”
“That’s very un-Porter of him.”
“He told Roo and Mom that every decision for the wedding had to be run through me.”
“How romantic!”
I grabbed the bottle and drank straight from it. There wasn’t enough champagne in this world to get me through today.
Emily pulled it away from me. “Are you going to be okay?” Concern filled her blue eyes.
“I don’t know why I thought he’d show up.”
“Don’t think about it.”
“My mom is going to be crushed.”
“What about you?”
“I won’t lie. This one’s going to hurt. But I’m prepared.”
Someone knocked on the door. I wrapped my arms around my waist, feeling sick. “Here’s the moment Roo tells me they can’t find Porter.”
She winced with pity. “You ready?”
“Let’s get this over with.” I called over my shoulder, “Come in.”
Roo stuck his head in the door. “You look perfect. ”
My throat felt like sandpaper. “Thank you.”
He had a headpiece on his head, and he wore a tux. This was Roo in full-blown wedding mode. He touched his earpiece and spoke to someone, “Right. Thank you.” His tone was surprisingly authoritarian. “Guests are seated. Bridesmaids are lined up, ready to go. Your father is waiting for you, and the groom and groomsmen are waiting for their cue to walk. Are you ready? Should we cue the music?”
My skin tingled, and I felt dizzy. Disoriented. “The groom is ready?”
Porter was here?
Porter was here!
His eyes narrowed on my hands. “Where is your bouquet?”
Deranged laughter barked out of me. “I don’t know.”
He stepped into the room, picked up the pink and white trailing bouquet and thrust it into my hands. “Can I give them the cue?”
Emily cut in, “Yes. We’re ready.”
“You have exactly three minutes to make it to the back of the church. Don’t be late.” He disappeared from sight.
I clutched Emily’s arm. “Am I hallucinating or did Roo say Porter is here?”
She giggled. “He did.”
I stammered, “He showed up?”
She gave a happy shrug. “I knew he would.”
“We haven’t had the talk yet.”
“Take a deep breath.”
She started to walk out but turned to look back at me. “Are you coming?”
“Give me a second.”