Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
Mr. Lou is in the hallway, his gun still hung on his shoulder. “Women, eh?” He chuckles. “Your clothes are waiting for you in the next bedroom. I’ll keep an eye out for anymore unwanted guests in blue.” He marches off like a soldier to war.
I stand in the hallway for a while, just smiling like a fool as I hear Marigold’s excitement grow with each dress she’s shown.
When I finally make it to the groom’s room, I can only imagine what she’s going to look like. And after we’re wed? I won’t have to imagine what she feels like. I’m going to know her better than anyone and in ways that no one else ever will.
18
MARIGOLD
Mrs. Lou is no joke when it comes to making sure I’m ready for this wedding and nothing is missed. For the first time in a long time, I think of my mother. A woman I can’t remember. I never brought her up because I knew it would always enrage my father. So much so it was instilled in me to forget anything about a mother figure.
I’d never tried to even dream up what it might be like to have one. Now with Mrs. Lou fussing all around me to make sure this is perfect, I can’t help but think what mine would have been like if she’d been here today. Though who would date my father? Then again, the apple might not fall far from the tree. I think my mother and I both might have a thing for bad men. They’re only bad in different ways.
“You okay, sweetheart?” Mrs. Lou pulls the veil over my head, making sure not to mess up my hair the stylist did.
“Yes, this all just has me thinking about my mom and how this day could have been different.”
“Fate, my dear. When you start to think of how life could have gone in different ways you forget that then you might not be here if it had. Do you want to be here?”
“I do,” I say without hesitation. Mrs. Lou gives me a bright smile. “You don’t think this is all a bit crazy?”
“Tomorrow is never promised, Marigold. You’ll often find the craziest moments are the ones that you never forget and change it all. We’re all a bit crazy around here.”
“I think I like your kind of crazy,” I admit.
“It’s because you’ve got a bit of it too.” She winks at me as she takes my hand. “Now let's get the show on the road before the groom ends up coming up here to get you. Elliott and my husband are having to hold him back.”
“He’s that worked up to marry me?” I don’t know why, but I find it extremely hot that Avery is so obsessed with me that he can’t wait to make me his.
“Avery is a man of action.”
“I’ve noticed.” I laugh as she guides me down the stairs. It’s not until we’re almost to the back doors that go outside that it dawns on me I have no one to walk me down the aisle.
“I guess I’ll walk down alone.”
“No.” I turn to see Avery standing there. Damn, I thought he was hot before, but in a suit and bowtie he’s something else altogether. “From this moment on it will always be me by your side. I will walk you down the aisle.”
Tears swim in my eyes. That’s so dang sweet.
“Don’t make her cry. She had her makeup done.” Mrs. Lou smacks Avery on the arm. He pretends it hurts, rubbing the spot. A giggle bubbles free from me, pushing my tears back. I think they did that all on purpose.
Avery takes my arm before the double doors to the back porch swing open where I see. Mr. Lou and Elliott, who is holding Heirloom. Heirloom is adorable; he’s ditched his diamond collar for a bowtie.
I let out a small gasp when I see the amount of flowers that cover every square inch of the patio. There isn't room for more guests with the amount of flowers that have exploded everywhere. At the very front is the orchid I’d tried to steal. It’s beautiful, the flowers fully bloomed and almost sparkling gold. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Mr. Lou stands at the end of the aisle with a book in hand. His wife trails behind us, making sure my veil is spread out before she starts snapping pictures. When we make it to the end, I hand her over the flowers in my hand as Avery lifts my veil from my face and Mr. Lou begins.
I catch most of his words, but I get lost in Avery’s eyes. A warmth unlike anything I’ve ever felt not only fills me but surrounds me. I forget about everything else but this moment. Avery is my person. The only person who has ever come to my side without question.