“Tell me how,” I said. “We’ve never had unprotected sex, Sienna.”
She snatched her hands away and tried to look hurt. “You’re doubting me?”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t sleep around, if that’s what you’re insinuating.”
“You’re lying, Sienna, but we’re going to deal with it when I’m back in Chicago.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
The hotel phone rang and I answered. “Hello?”
The concierge’s voice came through the phone. “Good evening Mr Scott. I called to let you know that the town car is ready to take you to the airport.”
“Thank you. We’ll be right down.”
I put the phone down and said, “Pack your bags. The town car is here to take you to the airport.”
“What?”
“I took the liberty of booking you a flight home while I was walking back here. Your flight is in a few hours but you can’t stay here.”
“You can’t do that,” she almost yelled, her face contorting into a scowl. God, did this woman ever smile?
“I can and I did. Now, I’m going to shower, and when I come out you’d better be gone.”
I didn’t give her a chance to reply. I pushed past her, pulling off my clothes one item and at a time, and locked myself in the bathroom. I stood under the hot spray of water and felt a new form of determination settle in my gut. I had to fix this mess, even if it meant I came out the other end without Demi. It was time I got my life in order and it started with coming home. For good.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my aunt and uncle’s bedroom and stared at the woman in front of me. It was my wedding day, a day I’d been waiting for, for what felt like forever. There was a light knock at the door and I smiled and said, “Come in.”
I saw Demi’s reflection in the mirror as she slipped through the door and her face broke into a broad smile. “You look…breathtaking, Huntley. The most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you,” I reply, returning her smile. I look myself over one last time. My dress was truly a work of art, made from lace and lace applique with a romantic silhouette that featured capped sleeves and v-shaped neckline. My hair was curled, then twisted and pinned into a low side ponytail with pin curls resting on top of it. A beautiful crystal embellished tiara rested atop my head and held my scalloped fingertip veil in place. With light pink blush, peach gloss and thick lashes, I looked elegant and it was everything I had dreamed it would be.
I turned around and faced Demi. She too looked incredible in her full-length strapless, one shoulder gown, Champaign in color. It was ruched across the breasts and accented by a black band around the waist with a diamante flower detail on the side. I’d had it made especially for her. Her make up was also simple, but where I had light pink plush, the apples of her cheeks were more peach and her lips had a nude gloss. I watched her warily, wondering what kind of toll the night before had taken on her. She hid her feelings well, but the sadness in her eyes were unmistakable.
“Are you almost ready to go?” she asked, walking closer.
I nodded and asked, “How are you?”
“I’m fine,” she replied quietly. “I don’t want you worrying about me today. It’s your day.”
I pulled her into a hug and felt my throat constrict. She backed away when I sniffled. “Don’t you dare cry. You’re going to ruin your make up!”
I giggled and replied, “Sorry. I’m all over the place. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long, it still doesn’t seem real.”
Demi smiled. “Oh it’s real, and we’d better get going before we’re late. Grayson won’t be impressed.”
I thought about my husband-to-be and my heart soared. I’d missed him last night. He’d spent the night at his parents’ house, and while we both protested it in the beginning, we didn’t want to break tradition and start our marriage off on the wrong foot.
There was another knock at the door and my aunt Emma stepped in, looking regal in her caramel colored pleated chiffon gown. “We’re ready to go, sweetheart. It’s time.”
Demi and I grabbed our clutch purses and followed my aunt outside to the car. When we stopped outside the gates of Lake Dixon nerves unraveled in my stomach and when I saw how beautiful everything looked I couldn’t help but gasp. There were three marquee tents set up, all over looking the lake. The one to the far left was our makeshift chapel with chairs on each side of a white isle covered in red roses. The two marquee tents, a little way down, were slightly bigger and had wooden flooring. From where I sat in the car, I could see round tables that surrounded a dance floor and a few tables that were set up for the buffet dinner. My uncle Alex stopped outside another much smaller tent and as soon as I stepped outside, I was hustled inside and away from curious eyes of our seated guests.
“You look beautiful sweetheart,” my uncle said, smiling.
“Thank you,” I replied. “And thank you for agreeing to give me away today. It means so much to me.” I swallowed the emotion in my throat, wishing so much that my mother and father could be here. They’d missed all the big moments – Hunter’s birth, and now my wedding – and their absence today was sorely felt.
‘I’m honored that you’ve given me the privilege, sweetheart. I know I’m not your dad, but I love you and I want this day to be a dream come true. I’ve said it a thousand times already, but your Aunt Em and I are so incredibly proud of the woman you have become.”
I nodded, unable to form words and hugged my uncle around the waist. He wasn’t my father, but I wouldn’t have had anyone else give me away. He’d earned the privilege when he had so graciously welcomed me into both his family and his heart. I loved him dearly for that.
“Places everyone,” my aunt announced. She walked up to me and handed me my bouquet of white and roses. “You ready?” she asked.
“Yes, I’m ready.”
I slipped my hand into the crook of my uncle’s arm and took a deep calming breath. We walked outside, the late afternoon sun shining around us, and my uncle led me to the entrance of our chapel tent. Hannah and Finley, looking adorable in their champagne colored flower girl dresses, skipped their way down the isle, and then Demi followed with Jeff at her side. I took a minute to savor this moment and when I looked up, Grayson found me.
My breathing hitched when my eyes collided with Huntley’s as she made her way down the isle. She was a vision in her wedding gown, with her hair swept to the side, and even through her veil I could see her smile. My heart raced and I felt moisture building in my eyes. Jeff reached over and squeezed my shoulder. “You okay?” he whispered.
I grinned. ‘I’ve never been better.”
As I stared at my beautiful bride, all the other guests disappeared and all that was left was her and me. We’d been through hell and back to get here and I wasn’t going to take a single second of it for granted.
They reached the makeshift alter and Coach Morgan lifted Huntley’s veil, placing a gentle kiss in her cheek. I saw his eyes grow a little wet as he went to stand next to his wife. I took Huntley’s shaking hand in mine and gave it a reassuring squeeze. I mouthed, “I love you” and her returning gaze was filled with the love and adoration she held for me. I looked over my shoulder, checking to see that Hunter wasn’t fussing with my mother, before giving my full attention to the priest.
“Who gives this woman away?” he asked.
Coach Morgan and his wife both said “we do” and I thought it was rather fitting. It was because of them that Huntley had turned out to be the incredible woman I saw standing in front of me. The priest told everyone to sit down and finally got on with the show. I was grateful for the short ceremony and almost jumped with excitement when it was time for the vows. My eyes never wavered from Huntley’s as she repeated the priest’s words.
“I Huntley Morgan, take you Grayson Carter to be my husband, to share the good times and hard times side by side. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as
a sanctuary of warmth and peace, and pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal.
Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed.”
She slipped my platinum wedding band inscribed with our wedding date on my finger and then it was my turn.
“Huntley, as I stand here before you, my eyes looking so deeply into yours, I see all of the things I fell in love with and so much more. I stand here before you, my heart beating so loudly in my ears, and I find myself so lost for the right words to say. Standing here with this ring in my hand reminds me how you complete me, heart and soul. With every smile, every embrace, every tear you've ever wiped from my face, it reminds me how blessed I really am, how I can't ever thank the Lord above enough, for allowing you into my life.
It reminds me of every laugh we've ever shared, every hard time we made it through together, and every beautiful moment there is to come. I give you this ring, my heart, my soul. I give you everything I am today. I promise to love you, protect you, be with you forever, and cherish every moment as if it were the last moment on earth. I love you. With this ring, let it be known, that over every other person in the world I could be with, you were chosen for me. Let it be known, that with this ring, I'm promising to be here for you for all eternity, 'til death do us part.”
Huntley sniffed and wiped her tears while I slipped her princess-cut diamond wedding ring onto her delicate finger.
“Ladies and gentleman,” the priest continued, “it is a pleasure to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Grayson Carter. You may kiss your bride.”
I stepped closer to Huntley and cupped her face with my hands. “I love you, Mrs. Carter,” I whispered. I pressed my lips to hers and her body immediately relaxed into mine. I deepened the kiss, earning a few whistles and hollers from the guests. When we pulled apart, Huntley’s eyes were wet and bright, and the love I saw there mirrored my own.
“My husband,” she whispered, “and father of two.”
I frowned momentarily and then…
“What?”
“You heard me,” she replied, more tears streaming down her face.
“You’re…we’re…”
“Yes,” she cried, cupping her mouth.
“God, I love you.” I picked her up and swung her around, feeling overwhelmed with love and pure happiness. I didn’t care that we had audience because in my mind it was just us. Always me and her. When my lips met hers a second time and our bodies pressed together, peace settled over us and I knew it was the start of our forever.
I sat at our table and watched people milling about, some dancing, some talking to other guests. We were under a beautifully decorated marquee tent next to Lake Dixon with the most exquisite sunset imaginable. As the last rays of sun flickered away and gave way to a starry night sky, tee lights in mason jars lit up and gave the whole atmosphere an ethereal feel. It was perfect for Huntley and Grayson’s wedding, and everything I’d imagined it would be. I sipped my champagne and somehow managed to lose myself in the experience. I saw Huntley and Grayson dancing while Lifehouse’s ‘You and Me’ drifted through the speakers. Like many of the other guests, they and the endless, perfect love they shared transfixed me.
A light tap on my shoulder broke my haze and I looked up to find Jeff smiling at me. He looked incredibly handsome in his classic black tuxedo and champagne colored vest. He’d removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, giving his debonair look a slightly rogue effect. It was sexy, and any other woman here would’ve buckled at the knees just looking at him. If only he’d had that effect on me. It would have been far easier. He was a safe choice for me. Too bad I was too stubborn to choose what was safe, instead of what ended up destroying me inside.
“Care to dance?” he asked, giving me his heart stopping lopsided grin. I smiled, and placed my hand in his, wanting to feel something other than the mess inside me. I’d spent the night before curled up in bed, crying until my eyes ached. But I didn’t want to feel that tonight, and certainly not with Jeff.
“I’d love to,” I replied. I finished the rest of my champagne and followed Jeff as he led me onto the dance floor. His right arm wrapped around my waist and his left hand held mine while I rested my free hand on his shoulder. We were pressed close; close enough for anyone to think we were actually a couple. I wished we could be. I wished that I could feel more for Jeff. But I couldn’t.
Our bodies swayed to the music and I rested my head on his shoulder. For those few minutes I was able to forget what troubled me and simply allowed myself to just be. I focused on the steady rhythm of Jeff’s heart and closed my eyes. I’d spent the night before curled up in bed, sobbing until my eyes ached.
“You’re quiet tonight,” Jeff said in low voice. I looked up and found him studying me.
‘I’m fine,” I replied. I plastered on the fake smile I’d been wearing all day in the hopes that he’d believe it.
“You want to talk about it?” he asked, concern furrowing his brow. “I know last night couldn’t have been easy for you.” He was referring to the news Sienna had decided to share in the middle of Huntley and Grayson’s rehearsal dinner. The news that had unraveled all the progress I had made because it reopened a wound that would never be completely healed.
“Please,” I sighed, “I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to enjoy the rest of my night.”
“Why won’t you let me help you, Demi?”
“Because you can’t. No one can.”
He tilted my head up with his index finger and pierced me with his gaze. “You can’t carry it all alone. Please, let me help you. Let me be there for you.”
His words sunk in and when he lowered his head, brushing his lips across mine, I knew we were both having an entirely different conversation. He wasn’t just asking me to let him help me. He was asking me to give myself to him. He didn’t need to say the words. It was all there in his eyes.
“Jeff, I…” I struggled with the words, not only because I didn’t know what to say, but also because I knew I was about to break his heart.
“Have you considered the possibility that it’s time to move on?” he asked.
We stopped dancing and stood in the middle of the dance floor. “I have moved on,” I said. It was a lie, but it was a necessary lie. I had to convince myself more than anyone else that I had actually moved on from Brody.
“Then prove it,” Jeff challenged, “Move on…with me.”
“I don’t think – “
“I love you,” he blurted out quickly, looking down at my face.
“I love you too,” I replied. “You’re one of my best friends.”
“You’re misunderstanding me,” he leaned in, “I’m in love with you, Demi. I want you to be with me, as my girlfriend.”
My hands dropped to my sides and I took a small step back. I’d known this moment was coming ever since Brody’s grandmother had pointed out how Jeff really felt about me.
“I can’t,” was my only reply, and this time I wasn’t lying to him.
“Why not?”
I swallowed hard. “I’m not the woman for you, Jeff.”
“How can you decide that for me?”
“I love you, but not the way you want me to. I just don’t see you that way. You’re a good - ”
“Don’t say friend, please. I thought after some time you’d start to feel more, but maybe I misread all the signs.”
“I didn’t mean to lead you on. I’m sorry – “ Jeff put his hands up and I stopped talking.
“I’m such an idiot,” he mutters, looking defeated.
“I can’t lose you,” I choked out, “I still need you in my life, please.”
Jeff shook his head. “I don’t know if I can.”
“Jeff, please,” I pleaded.
“I need some time,” he sighed. He pressed a chaste kiss to my forehead and walked away, leaving me standing alone. A hand came to rest on my forearm and
I turned around to find Huntley.
“Is everything okay?” she asked. The look on her face closely resembled pity and I hated it, but I couldn’t lie to her.
“No,” I replied. “I can’t be around both of them right now. It’s just too hard. I’m sorry, but I think it’s time I left and went home.”
“I understand. Call me if you need me, okay?”
I nodded. “I will. I love you, and I’m so happy you and Grayson finally got your happy ending. You both deserve it.” I blinked back my urge to cry, I’d been doing that way too often lately, and settled for hugging my best friend.
“You deserve it too,” Huntley whispered.
“I want to believe that,” I sighed, feeling drained. “But I just need some time.”
Huntley pulled back and looked at me. “Everything will be okay, you have to know that Demi. You’re strong enough to get through it.”
I couldn’t respond because I had a hard time believing things would ever be okay again. God, I hated myself for being so weak.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” I said.
I walked towards our table and picked up my purse. I poured one last glass of champagne and before I could throw it all back at once, Brody snatched it out my hands.
“What are you doing?” I asked. Irritation flared and I had to stop myself from going off on him. Who the hell did he think he was?
“I could ask you the same thing,” he replied. I noticed the tick in his jaw and the way he ground the words out. He was mad. I just couldn’t understand why. We’d barely glanced at each other all day.
I threw my hands up in exasperation. “What ever,” I muttered. “I’m tired and I’m going home.” I turned my back on him and headed towards the exit of the marquee tent. I heard Brody following me but I didn’t care. I pulled my keys from my purse and walked through the other cars until I found mine. I opened my door and then Brody slammed it shut.
Begin Again (Beautiful #2) Page 11
