Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
He proposed after they were together five months. Some of his friends thought he was rushing things, but Ethan was certain of his feelings for her. Neither wanted a large wedding and would have been happy going to the justice of the peace but his parents insisted on some type of formal ceremony so a month later, they were married in his parents’ house among a small group of family and friends.
The honeymoon phase of their marriage was some of the best days of his life. Even though Riley was still in school and he worked long hours at the firm, they still found time for each other. Then things went wrong. Horribly wrong, forcing him to take drastic measures. What he didn’t expect was last ditch effort to save his marriage blowing up in his face.
Now he finally had an opportunity to make things right and he would be damned if he allowed anything, or anyone get in his way again. Not even Riley.
6
“What do you think of this dress?” Megan held up a magenta off-the-shoulder dress with excess draping.
Riley crinkled her nose. “Looks kind of matronly. But you’re the bride. You should choose what you want your wedding party to wear.”
The blonde rolled her eyes. “But you’re the one who’s going to have to wear it. And now that I look at it, it does kind of look mother-of-the-bride ish. Hmm, what about this one?” She picked up a yellow strapless dress with a huge flower on the front.
“I think we’ve looked at least twenty dresses and have had no luck. Maybe we can try a different boutique.”
“You’re probably right. Since I found my wedding dress here, I thought we’d have the same luck with the bridesmaid dresses. There’s another specialty shop down the street. But I’m getting kind of hungry. Mind if we grab a bite first and then continue shopping?”
“That’s fine with me.”
“What are you in the mood for?”
“Something carby.”
Megan giggled. “Me too although I’ve been trying to watch the carbs so I’ll fit into my dress. I don’t want to look bloated when I walk down the aisle.”
“You’ll be beautiful no matter what size you are. And Jackson loves you no matter what.”
Her friend grinned. “He’s great. I’m so lucky to have found him.”
“And he’s lucky to have you.”
“You’re great for my ego. Keep that up and I may have to keep you by my side at all times when I need a little pick me up.”
“I don’t come cheap.” Riley laughed. She’d forgotten how much fun she used to have with Megan and although she’d been reluctant to reconnect she was glad she did. Megan had been an important part of her life and after all this these years it seemed like hardly any time had passed between them.
They found a restaurant a few blocks away where Megan ordered a spinach salad and Riley a chicken waldorf salad sandwich while they shared a plate of fries. They giggled and joked around just like the old days while avoiding the subject of Ethan. Riley was surprised that Megan hadn’t brought him up and was grateful for it.
“Fancy running into you pretty ladies,” a familiar voice interrupted their conversation.
“Elliot. What a pleasant surprise. What are you doing here?” Megan greeted him.
“Just came downtown for some lunch on the way to one of my warehouses.”
Megan frowned. “You’re working on a Saturday?”
“In my line of work, the weekends are my busiest times. No rest for the weary.”
“Well, since you’re by yourself, why don’t you join me?”
“I can sit for a bit. I already put my order in to go and I’m just waiting for it. I saw the two of you from the bar and thought I’d come over and say hello.
Riley glanced up at Elliot as he took the seat on to her right. She hadn’t seen him since the night of the engagement party. She’d promised to call him but got sidetracked until it had completely slipped her mind.
Considering what was going on with her and Ethan she wasn’t sure if she had a right to call him. Hell, she didn’t even know what was going on with her an Ethan. As far as she was concerned, it was a temporary aberration but she suspected Ethan would have something different to say about the matter.
“Hi Elliot,” Riley greeted him.
He raised a brow. “So you remember me?”
“Of course. I’m sorry I didn’t call. I got a bit sidetracked.”
His lips tilted into a crooked grin. “I forgive you, if you let me take you out to dinner.”
“I didn’t realize the two of you knew each other so well.” Megan didn’t seem pleased by this observation.
“We actually met at your engagement party,” Riley explained.
“But you two exchanged numbers?”
“Actually this pretty little lady allowed me to take her out for coffee after the party. It was an interesting night.”