Chapter 29
Rachel
Rachel stood in front of her mirror, hands shaking as she tried to fasten the delicate clasp on her necklace.
Today was the day.
Cole and Ellie's wedding.
And Derek might show up to destroy everything. Or he might not.
The dress Sophie had helped her pick out hung perfectly, soft blue silk that caught the light, with delicate lace at the shoulders. Spring-sky blue, Sophie had called it. The kind of dress that made Rachel feel like someone who deserved happiness.
Her phone made a sound.
Sophie: Car's outside. You look gorgeous. If Matthews shows up, we have a plan. Now get your ass down here.
Rachel: Coming.
She grabbed her clutch and headed for the door, pausing to look at Mr. Darcy, who was sprawled across her bed in judgment.
"I bought you the auto-feeder for when I’m not home," Rachel told him. "So don't give me that look."
Mr. Darcy's tail twitched. You abandoned me for that hockey player and his inferior cat.
"Mac's cat is not inferior. Puck is very distinguished."
Mr. Darcy yawned, showing all his teeth.
Rachel laughed despite her nerves and headed out.
Mac
Mac stood in the small room behind the church altar, watching Cole pace like a caged animal.
"I can't get this tie right," Cole said, his hands shaking badly enough that the Windsor knot had become impossible.
"Because you're thinking about the PT-asshole-Derek instead of your wedding." Mac gently pushed Cole's hands away and took over. "He might not even show."
"And if he does?"
"Then we handle it." Mac pulled the tie snug. "Jamie and Luke are watching the entrances. Tyler's got the parking lot. Coach Davies is positioned at the main door. If Matthews walks in, we'll know immediately."
Cole exhaled slowly, some tension leaving his shoulders. "This is supposed to be the happiest day of my life. Why does it feel like we're preparing for a siege?"
"Because the bastard decided to make it about him." Mac stepped back, checking his handiwork. "Perfect."
The door burst open. Luke bounded in. "No sign of Matthews yet. Parking lot's clear. Also, have you seen the spread at the reception? Sophie went INSANE. There's like fourteen types of appetizers."
"Luke," Mac said, "focus."
"I am focused. Focused on tiny quiches." Luke grinned. "Also, Mac? Your girlfriend arrived. That dress should be illegal."
Mac's heart did that stupid flutter thing. "Rachel's here?"
"Second row. Looking gorgeous, though not as gorgeous as my wife, obviously. Emma's wearing this black thing that—"
"Luke, we don't need a fashion commentary," Mac interrupted, though he was already edging toward the door.
"I'm just saying, you've got good taste. Emma agrees, by the way. She texted me that Rachel's dress is 'stunning' with three heart emojis."
"Your wife is texting you during a wedding ceremony prep?"
"We're very communicative in our marriage. It's healthy." Luke pulled out his phone. "See? She sent another one: 'Tell Mac his girlfriend is amazing.'"
Jamie appeared in the doorway, looking sharp in his groomsman tux. "Front entrance clear. And Luke, stop reading your wife's texts and help us watch for Matthews."
"I'm multitasking!"
"You're being distracted." Jamie turned to Cole. "You ready, Captain?"
Cole took one last look in the mirror. "As ready as I'll ever be."
"Then let's get you married."
Rachel
The church was gorgeous. White roses everywhere, Ellie's favorite.
The scent was almost overwhelming, mixing with perfume and candle wax and that particular smell of old wooden pews that every church seemed to have.
Late afternoon sun streamed through the stained glass windows, painting everything in jewel tones, ruby, sapphire, emerald.
Rachel sat in the second row, hyperaware of every person entering. Watching for Derek's arrival.
Mrs. Henderson settled into the seat beside her with a soft rustle of fabric. "Beautiful ceremony, isn't it, dear?"
"It is," Rachel agreed, though her eyes kept tracking the entrance.
"You look lovely in that dress. That blue is perfect on you." Mrs. Henderson patted her hand. "And that young man of yours looks quite handsome, I saw him outside."
Heat flooded her cheeks. Of course Mrs. Henderson had noticed.
"Relax, dear," Mrs. Henderson said gently, seeming to sense Rachel's tension. "Everything will be fine. Just enjoy the ceremony."
Rachel forced herself to take a breath. Mrs. Henderson was right. She should focus on the wedding.
The music shifted, processional starting. The groomsmen walked down the aisle. Jamie first, escorting Ellie's cousin with easy confidence. Then Luke with Ellie's Aunt Ginger, grinning like this was the best day of his life.
And then Mac.
Air stuck in her throat.
Mac in a tux was completely unfair. The dark suit emphasized his shoulders, his athletic build, the way he moved with that easy grace that came from years on the ice. His sandy hair was styled neatly for once, and those green eyes scanned the crowd.
Their eyes met.
Mac's entire expression transformed. He smiled, that warm smile that made her brain forget how to function properly, and mouthed: You're beautiful.
Heat flooded Rachel's cheeks. She mouthed back: So are you.
Today. She was going to tell Mac she loved him today.
Mrs. Henderson leaned over and whispered, "Oh my. That boy is smitten."
"Mrs. Henderson," Rachel whispered, embarrassed.
"I'm only saying what I see, dear." Mrs. Henderson's eyes twinkled with amusement. "And you're as smitten. It's lovely."
Sophie walked down the aisle with Mac, in her maid of honor dress, emerald green that complemented her dark hair. She looked stunning and confident, catching Rachel's eye and giving her a quick wink as she passed.