24. Emma
24
EMMA
The bell above the boutique door chimes a frantic melody as I burst through the entrance. It’s been a chaotic morning. There was a light shower as soon as I stepped out of Liam’s house, and a ten-minute ordeal later, soaked and frustrated, I hail a cab, only to have it rear-ended by a red-light runner.
The universe, it seems, is conspiring to make me late for June's fitting.
“Emma?” June's voice, laced with a healthy dose of annoyance, cuts through my jumbled thoughts. I spin around, guilt twisting in my gut. She stands at the back of the store, arms crossed and a frown etched on her normally sunny face.
“June! I am so, so sorry,” I stammer, my voice breathless from the mad dash. “Everything went wrong this morning. You wouldn't believe it!” I launch into a frantic explanation, my hands gesturing wildly as I recount the phone, the taxi, and the cosmic conspiracy against my punctuality.
June listens patiently, her frown deepening with each new detail of my misfortune. As I finish, muttering apologies under my breath, she sighs dramatically. “Okay, that does sound like some seriously bad luck,” she concedes, uncrossing her arms but still managing to look a tad peeved.
“I know, right?” I reach out, placing a placating hand on her arm. “Seriously, the universe must be punishing me for something.”
For a moment, she keeps up her sulking fa?ade, then a ghost of a smile finally flickers across her lips. “Alright, alright. I forgive you. Just this once.” she says, her voice softening.
I exhale in relief, giving her a grateful smile. “Thank you. Now, let’s find you the perfect dress.”
“Come on, let's get you a mimosa. You look like you need one.”
Following her deeper into the store, I feel a wave of relief wash over me. The cool air, scented with something floral and vaguely citrusy, is a welcome change from the summer heat outside. The boutique itself is small and intimate, a far cry from the bustling department stores I usually endure for clothes shopping. Here, racks overflowing with ethereal gowns line the walls, casting delicate shadows under the soft lighting.
“So,” June says, leading me toward a plush velvet sofa in the back, “I bet Liam caused this sudden case of rare amnesia regarding our appointment?”
I sink into the sofa with a grateful sigh. “Honestly?” I confess, taking a sip of the ice-cold mimosa June has placed in my hand. “Yeah, you’re right.”
June throws back her head and laughs, a sound that always manages to chase away my worries. “I knew it, Em,” she says, shaking her head but still smiling. “You're usually the most meticulous person I know. Schedules are absolutely your thing.”
“Ugh, don't remind me!” I groan, mock-glaring at her. “This whole morning has been a total disaster.”
She chuckles, then her smile softens. “Seriously, though,” she says, leaning forward, “is everything okay? I mean, with Liam?”
The question hangs in the air, catching me off guard. I hadn't expected June to delve into my personal life, not here, not now. But looking into her concerned eyes, I feel a dam within me break.
“It's…complicated,” I admit, hesitantly. “Things are good, really good. But…” I trail off, unsure how to articulate the jumble of emotions swirling inside me.
“But?” June prompts gently.
“But it feels…different,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “Like we're at this precipice, you know? Like things are about to change drastically, and I'm not sure I'm ready for it.”
June nods, her expression thoughtful. “That makes sense,” she says. “Think about it. You've never done this whole 'relationship' thing before, Emma. It can be scary, even when it's good.”
“Exactly!” I exclaim, relief flooding me at having finally voiced my anxieties. It feels good to say it out loud, to have someone understand.
June reaches out and squeezes my hand. “Listen,” she says, her voice firm but laced with a touch of empathy, “relationships take work. There will be bumps along the road, that's just a fact. But the important thing is to communicate, to be honest with each other. And most importantly,” she adds, a mischievous glint in her eyes, “never lose sight of yourself. You are a strong, independent woman, Emma. Don't let anyone, not even Liam, make you forget that.”
Her words strike a chord deep within me. For the first time all morning, a sense of calm settles over me. June is right. This whole relationship thing is new territory for me, and yes, it’s scary, exhilarating even. But it doesn't have to mean losing myself in the process.
“You're right,” I say sincerely, a small smile playing on my lips. “Thanks, June. I really needed to hear that.”
“Anytime,” she replies, returning my smile.
“Now,” I announce, clapping my hands together, effectively banishing the seriousness of the moment, “it’s time we get ourselves a dress and forget about all this drama! Besides, I have a feeling you're going to need all your strength for the emotional rollercoaster that is wedding dress shopping.”
We both laugh, and the tension that had been simmering between us dissipates completely. I lead June toward the racks of gowns, and I can see her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Alright,” I declare, her voice turning serious again, “tell me everything you've ever dreamed of in a wedding dress.”
June and I spend the next hour lost in a whirlwind of tulle, lace, and satin. As the expert who plans weddings, I pull out dresses that range from elegant simplicity to full-blown fairytale princess. We giggle as she twirls in a dress with a skirt so wide she can barely navigate the boutique, and I gasp in awe when she steps out in a gown adorned with what must be hundreds of tiny sparkling crystals.
“Okay, this one,” I announce, holding up a dress made of the most delicate ivory lace I've ever seen. “Try this on. I have a feeling it could be 'the one.'”
Taking the dress from me, June holds it up, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “What do you think about this one?”
I step back, taking in the intricate lace details and the way the fabric catches the light. “It’s beautiful, June. Try it on.”
She heads into the fitting room, and I wait outside, tapping my foot in a rhythm to the music. After a few minutes, she emerges, the dress hugging her figure perfectly. I gasp, covering my mouth.
“June, you look stunning!”
June beams, twirling in front of the mirror. “I can’t wait to walk up the aisle in this.”
As she admires herself, I can’t help but feel a pang of envy. Not because of the dress, but because of the certainty she has with Damon. I think about Liam and our complicated situation, unsure of where we truly stand.
After a while, she beams, walking over to give me a hug. “Thank you. Now, help me out of this dress, and we’ll choose the bridesmaid’s dress.”
It doesn’t take long before I select one. The dress seems so…perfect. It’s simple yet elegant, with a flowing skirt that cascades around my feet and a bodice that accentuates my curves in all the right places. As I slip it on, a hush falls over the boutique. Even the ever-chatty saleswoman seems awestruck.
“Em,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion, “you look…incredible.”
After we finally decide on our dresses, we head to the checkout. “So, you really think Liam’s the one you’ll be doing this with?” she asks, her tone more serious now.
“What?”
“Walking down the aisle?” She grins. “I’ve never seen a man affect you this much Emma Cole.”
I roll my eyes. “You’ve never seen me with a man is all.”
“Exactly, and now you found one. You think he’s the one?”
I pause, considering my answer. Everyone seems to have the idea that what Liam and I have is great without the burden of the truth that I know—it’s a facade, but one that I want to be true everyday…but that doesn’t make it true. Like I told June, I can sense something shifting between us, but that’s all there is to it—I don’t know if he feels this as strongly as I do, or even if he wants to feel it.
“Emma?”
“I don’t know,” I shrug, answering June as truthfully as I can. “Maybe. He makes me happy, and he’s always there for me. But it’s all so new and confusing.”
June nods. “Just take it one day at a time. You’ll figure it out.”
Looking at myself in the mirror, I can't help but agree. Turning back to June, I bite my lip. “You know,” I say, “maybe this whole 'relationship' thing won't be so bad after all.”
She nods, a playful glint in her eye. “Now you’re speaking my language, Em,” she teases. “Just remember, you just do you. Maybe I’ll be planning your wedding soon. I have to say, it’ll be a shitty one, though.”
We both burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the intimate boutique. In that moment, being with the woman who knows me better than anyone makes me feel assured.
We finally leave the boutique, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the street. Maybe things with Liam aren’t as clear-cut as June and Damon, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth exploring. One day at a time, I remind myself. One day at a time.
Riding shotgun as June drives to Ethan’s kindergarten, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The car hums along the familiar roads, the sun casting a warm glow over the suburban landscape. June is humming a tune, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel. I glance at her, admiring her calm demeanor.
As we pull up to the school, I spot Ethan immediately. He’s on the playground, his little face lighting up when he sees June’s car. He waves enthusiastically, his small frame bouncing with energy. June parks, and I get out to open the door for him.
“Hey, buddy!” I greet him with a smile.
“Aunt Emma!” Ethan runs over, his backpack bouncing on his back. He throws his arms around me, and I lift him up, twirling him once before setting him back down.
“How was your day?” June asks, ruffling his hair as he climbs into the car.
“It was great! We made robots out of cardboard, and mine can shoot lasers!” Ethan says, his eyes wide with excitement.
“Lasers, huh? That sounds impressive,” I say, buckling him into his seat.
“Yeah! I’ll show you when we get home. And Mrs. Thompson said my robot was the best!”
June and I exchange amused glances as we get back in the car. “I can’t wait to see it,” June says, starting the engine.
As we drive toward the wedding rehearsal venue, Ethan keeps up a constant stream of chatter, regaling us with tales of his day. His excitement is infectious, and I find myself relaxing, the earlier tension melting away.
By the time we reach the venue—a charming building with fairy lights strung across the patio—the sun is beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the cobblestone street.
“There’s Dad and Liam!” Ethan exclaims, unbuckling himself as soon as the car stops.
We all get out, and Ethan runs straight to Damon, who lifts him up with one arm. Liam walks over to me, a smile playing on his lips.
A familiar warmth blooms in my chest. “Hey, stranger,” I greet him, the words tumbling out before I can stop them.
His smile widens. “Hey yourself,” he replies, pulling me in for a quick hug. The scent of his cologne—a mix of something citrusy and woodsy—brings back a flood of last night’s memories, and I can't help but lean into him for a moment longer than necessary. When we finally pull apart, a soft blush rises to my cheeks.
We all head inside, the venue buzzing with activity. The space is beautifully decorated, with fairy lights strung across the ceiling and flowers adorning every surface. There’s a sense of anticipation in the air, the kind that comes with the final stages of wedding preparations.
Liam and I find seats near the front, with Ethan between us. We watch as June and Damon consult with Olivia, the instructor, going over the day’s plans. I can see the love in their eyes as they look at each other, and it makes my heart swell.
June looks at us, her face breaking into a wide grin. “There you are! This is Olivia everyone, our wedding day instructor. Olivia, this is Emma, Liam, and of course, the star of the show, Ethan.”
“It's a pleasure to meet you all,” Olivia says, her smile as bright as her name tag. “Ethan, ready to be the ring bearer at the wedding?”
Ethan puffs out his chest proudly. “Yup! I'm gonna hold the shiny rings for Ms. June and Dad.”
“Good.”
The afternoon flies by in a flurry of introductions, explanations about the ceremony flow, and practice walks down a faux aisle Olivia has marked out with chairs. An hour later, Olivia claps her hands, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Alright, everyone, let’s go through the couple’s dance. It’s a traditional folk dance, so it might take some practice.”
June and Damon take their positions on the dance floor, but it quickly becomes clear that they’re struggling. Damon’s movements are awkward, and June keeps giggling as he stumbles through the turns, and she steps on his feet. Olivia tries to give them tips, but it doesn’t seem to help.
“June?” Liam chimes in, a teasing smile on his face. “Maybe you should have picked someone with a better sense of rhythm.”
Damon shoots him a mock glare. “Oh, really? You think you can do any better?”
“Maybe,” Liam replies, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
June claps her hands together. “Alright, alright. Here's an idea. Why don't you and Emma show us how it's done?”
Emma? Me? My stomach lurches. Public dancing is not on my list of favorite activities. Yet, before I can voice my protest, Liam turns to me, his voice surprisingly gentle.
“Mind giving it a shot, Emma? Just to show Damon he's the only one with two left feet?”
My breath catches in my throat. My initial reaction is to refuse, but something in Liam's gaze holds me captive. A flicker of amusement dances in his eyes, but there’s an undercurrent of something else too, a warmth that sends a shiver down my spine.
I feel a flutter of nerves but nod. “Sure, why not?”
We stand up, and Liam takes my hand, leading me to the dance floor. Olivia starts the music, a lively jig with an infectious melody. Liam holds my hand securely as Olivia quickly walks us through the basic steps—a step to the side, a hop, a turn.
At first, my movements are awkward and hesitant. I stumble over my own feet, my focus solely on not tripping over myself. But Liam is a great partner, his voice a steady murmur in my ear as he guides me through the steps.
Slowly, I begin to relax. Something about being in his arms, about the way he effortlessly moves his body to the music, feels strangely reassuring. His touch on my hand is light yet firm, leading me with a quiet confidence that I find myself mirroring. We move in sync, the initial awkwardness dissolving into a comfortable rhythm.
As the music swells, Liam spins me around, his grip around my waist surprisingly strong. For a fleeting moment, the world around us seems to fade away. There’s only the music, the feel of his hand on my back, the warmth of his gaze as he catches my eye. In that moment, it feels…real. Like we’re dancing, not for show, but for some unspoken connection that simmers just beneath the surface.
The room seems to fade away, leaving just the two of us moving in perfect harmony. I lose myself in the moment, in the warmth of his hand, the strength of his arm around me. For a brief, beautiful moment, it feels completely real.
Olivia claps again, bringing us back to reality. “You two make it look easy. Maybe you should be the ones getting married. It’d certainly make my job easier.”
Liam quickly drops my hand, his face turning serious. “No, that’s not happening,” he says firmly.
Damon, who has been watching with a mixture of amusement, snorts. “Not bad at all,” he concedes, his voice a touch gruff. “But I bet we can still do you one better.”
Olivia grins. “That’s the spirit! Let's take a break. We'll have you two dance next after a quick refreshment break.”
With a sense of exhilaration, I can't quite explain, I follow June to a table and sink down onto a chair. My mind is still buzzing from the dance, the memory of Liam's touch sending a jolt through my system.
But amidst the exhilaration, a seed of doubt has been planted. The way Liam looked at me, the way he held me… It sparks a realization that hits me with the force of a tidal wave.
I am falling for him. There’s no denying it anymore.
The realization itself isn't the problem. The problem is that Liam hasn't changed. He showed that much with how he flinched when the instructor mentioned wedding. He is still the same guarded, unattainable man who had built a wall around his heart.
The rehearsal continues, but my mind is elsewhere. I watch June and Damon, their happiness evident, and I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever have that with Liam. The thought that I might not is almost too painful to bear.
I steal a glance at Liam, wondering if he feels the same turmoil that I do. But he seems relaxed, focused on the event ahead.
I lean back in my seat, closing my eyes and trying to calm the storm inside me. I can’t help but feel a looming possibility of heartbreak.