Chapter 31
Lydia
“So you can’t ever tell that husband of yours this,” Jamie informs me as she surveys the bedecked lawn on the morning of her wedding day, “but I think this might be even better than our original venue.”
I laugh as I glance around at the yard, which really does look amazing. On one side there are neatly arranged rows of chairs leading to our backyard’s giant oak tree, in which we’ve hung hundreds of icicle lights. White rose petals lie on the ground where Jamie and Luke will stand during their vows. For the reception, we’ve covered the tables in cream linen cloths each with their own unique centerpiece made up of an antique lantern intermixed with foliage and candles. Fairy lights are strung all around the space and Luke and his groomsmen spent all of yesterday morning putting together the portable dance floor that sits beneath the oversized canopy they managed to rent last minute. Even the chairs look fancy thanks to the tulle skirts Jamie’s sister and I attached to them .
“Your secret is safe with me,” I tell Jamie wryly, “especially since I haven’t even seen Cole since he left the rehearsal dinner last night.”
“You’re joking.” Jamie pulls a sympathetic face. “He never came home?”
“I don’t know,” I shrug, “but if he did then he left early again this morning. He did text me to say they’re still working, but he’ll be here in time for the ceremony.”
Jamie studies me for a second. “And he’s working with that woman you told me about? Ashley?”
“Uh, yeah.” I look away from her, trying to escape her knowing gaze. “They had an emergency with a client that came up. I guess there’s some merger between two hotels that’s supposed to go down at the end of the month, but one of the owners isn’t cooperating, so Ashley and Cole are having to re-negotiate things.”
“Right,” she nods, “and you’re okay with that?”
“Okay with what? A client having an emergency?” I say, even though I know that’s not what she’s asking me.
“You know that’s not what I meant, Lydia,” Jamie sighs. “I meant you’re okay with Cole spending all this time alone with a woman he used to date? A woman who, according to you at least, he might still want to be with?”
“Oh. That.” I feel my shoulders deflate at having been caught out. “Why would I care?” I force the words out. “It’s not as if I love Cole, Jamie. You know that. ”
“Right,” she says again, but she looks unconvinced.
“Listen,” I interject quickly, “this is your wedding day! What’re we talking about me for? There is hair and makeup to be done! There is a groom to meet at the end of the aisle in exactly,” I check my phone, “four hours. We have to get our butts in gear!”
Jamie looks as if she’s about to object, but then her mom rounds the corner looking frantic. “Jamie! There you are. Our hair and makeup people have arrived, but they’re not sure where to set up. We need direction.”
“Oh right,” I pipe up, glad for the reprieve from Jamie’s questions. “I can show you the way, Mrs. Collins.”
The next few hours go by in a blur as our hair is sprayed into submission and our makeup applied to perfection. As the start of the ceremony draws nearer, I find myself checking my phone repeatedly, wondering where Cole is and why I haven’t heard from him. Jamie’s questions about him and Ashley ring in my ears as I stare at my blank phone screen.
So what if he’s with Ashley right now? They work together; he has to be with her. Besides, if they are having some sort of secret love affair, who am I to stand in the way? I don’t even like the guy. I’m just married to him. It’s not like I want him to take me in his arms and kiss me until I—I shake my head trying to clear it. The last few months of pretending to live in marital bliss with Cole have clearly messed with my head. I need to get back to our prank war. It’s just been so much harder with Cole’s dad around. It’s like I can’t stop myself from trying to prove that I’m worthy of his son.
“Five minutes, ladies!” Jamie’s mom re-enters the basement, which we’ve taken over with all of our wedding preparations. Jamie immediately stops chatting with her other bridesmaid, Luke’s sister Elizabeth, and starts fumbling with her dress.
“Oh my gosh, this is it!” She turns to me, and I see a mixture of excitement and nerves in her eyes.
“You look beautiful,” I tell her truthfully.
“Yes, absolutely gorgeous,” Mrs. Collins echoes, moving closer to envelope her daughter in a hug. Mr. Collins comes in too and immediately starts singing Jamie’s praises.
I sneak one last peek at my phone. Nothing. And he’s still not here. Will he show up late or not bother to come at all? What if he’s so busy making out with Ashley he completely lost track of time? Despair settles in the pit of my stomach.
“Lydia,” Elizabeth touches me on the arm, “it’s time.”
“Right.” I paste on a smile. This is Jamie’s day. I have to be strong for her. I can break down later, while I’m stuffing my face with leftover wedding cake. My hand shakes slightly as I take my place in front of Jamie, but I turn and beam at her as the sounds of orchestral music come streaming in through the basement doors. Her dad stands proudly next to her, and I notice tears brimming in his eyes. A pang of sadness hits me as I think about how my own dad never got to give me away.
Ahead of me Elizabeth links arms with Luke’s groomsman, and they step out in time to the music. The memory of Cole walking me down the aisle at Josh’s wedding hits me, and I’m suddenly overcome with longing for his presence.
It’s my turn to go now, and I take shaky steps forward. The bright sunlight hits my eyes as I exit the basement, and I have to blink hard against it. As my eyes adjust, I see him. Cole. He’s running towards me. No, not towards me, just towards the wedding in general. He’s wearing one of his work suits, but the jacket has come unbuttoned. His chest is heaving as if he’s been sprinting for some time. He stops abruptly as he takes in the processional moving down the aisle. His eyes find mine, and my breath catches in my throat.
“Sorry, I’m late,” he mouths, but before I can reply I hear Jamie whisper at me to walk. I try to give him a stern look as I go, but my mouth betrays me by breaking into a huge smile instead. He’s here.