Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 50828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
“That’s incredibly thoughtful. I’ll give it back as soon as the ceremony is over. I’m sure I can figure out the rest—”
“No need. I came prepared. Something new.” She hands me a little velvet box. “These are from Nate. A wedding gift.”
A gift? I take the box with numb fingers. “I didn’t get him anything.”
I was rushed. I was angry. I was confused about my feelings.
I still am.
Laurel shakes her head. “He doesn’t want anything except you.”
The gracious woman clearly thinks a lot of her brother-in-law, so I don’t point out that he’s only marrying me for revenge.
“Open it,” she prompts.
This wedding shouldn’t matter, but the gravity of the day is inescapable. My fingers shake as I lift the lid of the little blue box. When I see the diamond and pearl earrings inside, arranged like a branch with glittering leaves and gleaming blooms, I gasp. “They’re beautiful.”
“He wanted you to have something that made you feel like a bride.”
Why? If all he wants is a jab at my father, why does he care how I feel?
Beside me, Jen leans in and whispers in my ear. “See? A keeper. Would Eric have ever given you something like that?”
Never. In fact, he forgot my last birthday.
“I’m not presuming to tell you what to do, Isabella, but I’m sure Nate would be delighted and honored if you’d wear his gift today,” Laurel says.
The group of stylists creep closer for a peek, then collectively nod their approval.
“After we put on your dress,” the bridal consultant insists. “We should not risk snagging the lace or tulle.”
“Of course.” I set the earrings aside, feeling mushier inside than I should.
“Something borrowed.” Laurel withdraws another velvet box, this one longer, and lifts the lid. “Do you have a necklace you’ll be wearing?”
“No,” I choke out.
Jen gapes. “You weren’t able to get your mom’s pendant from Eric’s apartment?”
“No. We fought and…” I bit my lip and try not to cry. “He threatened to throw out the rest of my things.”
“That rat bastard. I’m going to kick him in the balls the next time I see him.”
“I already did.”
“Seriously? Go you!”
When she holds up her hand, I high-five her. “It felt good.”
“I’m so sorry you don’t have your mom’s pendant. I realize what I’ve brought isn’t the same, but I’d be honored if you’d wear my grandmother’s pearls.”
“Oh, I couldn’t borrow something so valuable. I appreciate the thought, but—”
“But nothing. All the women in my family wear these on their wedding day. And as of today, you’re family.”
Her kindness wrenches me. I haven’t had family in such a long time, and it’s something I desperately want. “I don’t know what to say except thank you.”
“You don’t have to say anything at all.” Laurel smiles as she slips the strand of pearls around my neck, then hands me an oblong box wrapped in luxurious silver-gray wrapping. “Now something blue. Steve picked this out, so no telling what’s inside.”
I tear into the paper and reveal a delicate lace garter woven with pale blue ribbon. “You both are so thoughtful. Now I have everything except Nathan.” We haven’t spoken a word since last night, and we should talk. “I’d like to see him.”
“Before the wedding? No. It’s bad luck, dear. You’ll have the rest of your lives,” she assures. “When I saw him slip out of your room this morning to get a cup of coffee, I told him in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t allowed back in. No laying eyes on you until you’re walking down the aisle.”
Luna slips me into my dress. Jen helps with my new earrings. Franz fits a pearl and crystal comb above my intricate updo of braids and curls. The two waifs in the matching dresses slide me into my shoes and brush on lipstick in a soft, blushing pink. Then, collectively, they all step away.
Finally, I get a look at myself, and I’m speechless. “Oh, my god.”
Every inch of me looks beautiful and bridal, which is precisely how I feel.
“Damn, girl.” Jen smiles affectionately. “Gorgeous. Your mom would be so proud.”
Coming from my bestie, that’s a major compliment. “Thanks. And thanks for being here.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss a free trip to Vegas.” She winks. “Or my best friend tying the knot.”
“Wow.” Laurel sniffs. “I swear, the minute Nate looks at you, if he hasn’t already, he’s going to fall in love forever.”
CHAPTER NINE
Nathan
“Are you sure about this?” Steve leans in as we stand at the altar, waiting for Doug’s daughter to walk down the aisle to me.
“Marrying Isabella?”
“Yes, especially without a prenup. You lost your ass in your divorce from Julia.”
“This time, there will be no divorce.”
“You can’t know that.”
“She wants stability and security. I’ll give her those things.”
“You gave those to Julia and—”
“She didn’t want them.” My ex-wife wanted to make partner at her law firm and take another man’s cock. She didn’t have a sentimental or maternal bone in her body.