Chapter 1 #3
She hooked her arm into Devon’s and, along with Reid and Mia, led the brides to be seated at the main table.
“You okay?” Hayden eyed me curiously.
Like I was going to get into any of it right there, in the middle of the reception area. I glanced over her shoulder and spotted Frankie hanging back, waiting patiently.
“I’m perfect.” My cheeks were starting to ache with the frequency of the forced smiles I was giving.
Hayden’s gaze lingered on my face for a moment longer. She didn’t say anything, just watched me, deciding whether to believe me or not. Then, seemingly satisfied with my response, she gave a simple nod and took Frankie’s hand.
After a few minutes of settling down and waiting for all the guests to be seated, Cameron stood and clinked her fork against the side of her glass.
The reception area went quiet, all eyes on her.
“I’m not one for speeches,” she began, her eyes sweeping the room. “But a lot of love went into making this day possible, and I can’t let that go by without a few thank yous.”
She turned her warm gaze toward Alex. “Alex, your vision and dedication transformed this day into a magical experience for Elliot and me. This place… it’s extraordinary.”
Alex lifted her glass and gave Cameron a small nod. Devon planted a kiss on her cheek, and it looked as though she would start crying again. This time from relief.
Her structure was not only still standing, but it had everyone in awe, the way she’d planned.
“Reid,” Cameron continued, her voice filled with admiration, “you’ve added a layer of enchantment to our day with your colors and artistry. Thank you.”
Then she looked at me, and I could feel everyone’s eyes follow. I ignored the spotlight of attention, focusing instead on the look of heartfelt gratitude in my friend’s eyes.
“Taylor, despite the incoming storm, you found the perfect place for us. I’m sure everyone can agree that the serenity and charm of this valley have been the ideal backdrop to our day.”
I lifted my glass to her and took a sip, relishing the slight tickle of the bubbles as they went down my throat.
Finally, Cameron turned to Hayden. “And, of course, we’re all in culinary ecstasy because of Hayden and her amazing team. So much love and care has been put into every dish, a feast for the senses.”
The bridesmaids had their turn too, and once Cameron was through there was barely a dry eye in the room.
“All of you,” she said, swallowing the threat of her tears. “My rock, my joy, my family. And Elliot, my wife. I can’t wait to wake up with you tomorrow morning. And every morning for the rest of our lives.”
A chorus of applause filled the reception area, cheers resounding the affirmation of love that Cameron and Elliot shared.
Once the formalities were out of the way the reception went into full swing, with the DJ bringing the night alive. Music and laughter lifted the atmosphere, drowning out the heavy winds outside.
The dance floor beckoned, and one by one couples twirled and swayed under the glow of fairy lights. It was all so romantic it was almost sickening.
Mia and Reid, lost in each other’s arms, moved gracefully to the music, their connection evident in every step. Nearby, Hayden and Frankie danced and laughed, killing each other with kisses.
“Look at them.” Alex sidled up to me, pointing to Cameron and Elliot in the middle of it all.
“I know, right?” was about the best I could do at the moment.
I was happy for them. For all of my friends. It was just hard to be the only single person in the group, especially at an occasion like this.
“Okay.” Alex turned to me, her eyes locked on mine. “Now that I’m almost one hundred percent sure my structure won’t be falling apart tonight, I’m listening…”
I sighed, briefly considering whether I should give her what she was asking for. I knew that look, what it meant. Like Hayden, Alex was painfully perceptive. It was nearly impossible to hide anything from her.
“Listening to what?” I shrugged, putting on my best doe-eyed look of innocence.
Her expression softened and she placed her hand on my shoulder. “Something’s been off with you all day. I know it’s not me and my crazy wedding day panic. So, spit it out.”
“It’s nothing.” I shook my head, dropping my gaze just in time to hide the lie. “But I wanted to talk to you about something non-wedding related.”
Her eyebrows went up, curious enough to be distracted by my swift change of topic.
“I was thinking of going out to my resort in Singapore,” I said. “You should come with. See how our baby is doing. What do you think?”
“It’s your baby.” Alex chuckled. “All I did was put the crib together.”
“Well, come with me to test out the crib, then.” I pressed on. “It’ll be fun. Come on.”
Her face closed off in an apology that was about to come, and I steeled myself for it. It had been happening a lot lately, with all of them. I’d suggest something and they’d already have plans with their significant other. And just as I presumed…
“Devon and I have a trip planned after we get back to New York,” Alex said. “But I’ll make the next one you make out there, promise.”
Her response, though perfectly reasonable, deepened my sense of loneliness. I smiled at her, trying hard to hide my feelings.
“Okay, next time…”
The dance floor began to clear and my friends regrouped near Alex and me, forming a close-knit circle. The music played on, providing a groovy soundtrack to our conversation.
“We should all do something when we get back home,” Mia suggested, resting her head on Reid’s shoulder. “This getaway has been fun, and I’m not ready to have it be over just yet.”
“Something normal, and not wedding themed.” Reid sighed dreamily. “Sounds like heaven.”
“We’re standing right here.” Elliot feigned offense, but quickly joined the laughter ringing through the group.
“Well, while you two are off honeymooning your asses off, we can celebrate the end of the wedding planning saga,” Frankie quipped with a sly grin.
Hayden nodded emphatically. “We’ll send you pics, if you want?”
“Sorry, but I’ll be too wrapped up in my wife,” Cameron murmured, peppering Elliot’s cheek with soft kisses.
I hesitated for a moment, feeling compelled to say something while they all talked at the same time, planning an epic gathering back home.
“Actually,” I began slowly, “I won’t be heading back to New York right away.”
They all looked at me, confusion on their faces.
“Singapore?” Alex asked. “I thought you meant to leave in a couple of weeks.”
I shook my head, feeling strangely vulnerable under their scrutiny. “No, I’m staying here. I’ve had this valley on my list as a possible resort destination, and I want to spend a few days hiking the nearby trails as a final test.”
Cameron’s face fell. “Hike? Taylor, it’s the end of the world out there.”
“They say the storm’s blowing through overnight.” I dismissed her concern. “The weather will be fine by late morning, I’m sure. Besides, it doesn’t make sense to waste the opportunity. Party’s over, so work is back on.”
“Always such fun having you around,” Reid chided, nudging me with her elbow. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”
I laughed it off and punctuated the rest of the conversation with the appropriate responses that would make it seem as though I was engaged. Soon, the others were drifting back to the dance floor, and some to the table for another bite to eat.
“Don’t give up just yet.”
I looked over to find Hayden just behind me. She’d hung back from the group so she could get me alone.
“I’m not,” I replied. “That’s why I’m staying on. This place would make the perfect winter getaway for-”
“No, not that.” She cut me off, a careful smile playing on her lips. “I mean, don’t give up on love just yet, Taylor. It always comes when you least expect it. I’ve learned that much.”
I was stunned speechless by her gentle candor and could do nothing but give a stilted nod as she left me with a reassuring pat on the back. Her words touched me deeply, but I felt a little like the one who got left behind. Forgotten in the game of love and happily ever after.