The Best Man & The Wedding Planner

by Teresa Carpenter

  “Yes, two hearts entwined side by side.” Expression thoughtful, he ran his thumb over the crystals. “You can see why it represents true love and longevity.”

  “Indeed. I hope you are able to get it repaired in time. More, I hope it brings you and Christina much happiness.”

  “Grazie, Ms. Reeves. I can see why Zach has fallen for you. I think you will be good for him.”

  She sighed on a helpless shrug. “Your Highness.”

  “Antonio.” He bent and kissed her cheek. “As you think about his sins, I wish for you to consider something, as well.”

  Cautious, she asked, “What’s that?”

  “Zach does not let anyone drive his cars.”

  She opened her mouth on a protest.

  He stopped her with a raised hand. “Not even me.”

  She blinked at him as his words sank in, biting her tongue to hold back another ineffective “Oh.”

  He nodded. “Zach told you of Julia?”

  She inclined her head in acknowledgment.

  “Ah. Another sign of his affection for you. He does not talk about himself easily. He does not speak of Julia at all. He thought he should have known, that he should have seen through her avarice to her true motives. He’s never been as open or as giving since. Until now.”

  Antonio stepped to the door. “Please do not tell Christina of the brooch. I do not want her to be disappointed if it is not ready in time.” With a bow of his head, he took his leave.

  Lindsay continued to look at where he’d been. She wrapped her arms around herself, needing to hold on to something. Because everything she believed had just been shaken up.

  The Prince of Halencia had come to see her, to plead Zach’s case after he’d tried to sabotage Antonio’s wedding. How mixed up was that? If Antonio could overlook Zach’s craziness, could—should—Lindsay?

  Hurt and anger gripped her in unrelenting talons, digging deep, tearing holes in her soul. She wanted to think this would let up after a couple of weeks of nursing the hurt as it had with Kevin, but this went deeper, stung harder.

  What she felt for Kevin had been make-believe; more in her head than anything else. What she felt for Zach came from the heart. And it hadn’t stopped just because he’d hurt her. The wrenching sickness in her gut when Antonio’d said Zach planned to leave proved that.

  Seeking fresh air, she slipped out of the house and into the dark garden. Lights from the house showed her the way to a path that led to the back of the garden where a bench sat beside a tinkling fountain.

  The earthy scent of imminent rain hung in the air. Lindsay looked up. No stars confirmed clouds were overhead.

  Great. A storm. Just what she needed.

  But it wasn’t fear or an uneasiness that took control of her head. Memories of being stuck in Zach’s car and staying with him at the farmhouse B and B in Caprese bombarded her.

  He’d held her, a stranger, because she was afraid. He’d listened to her sad tale of being scared because her mother always cried during storms. The truth was her father left during a storm and deep down in her child’s psyche, she’d feared her mother would leave, too, and Lindsay would be all alone.

  Antonio had asked if Zach’s fighting for his happiness was such a bad thing.

  And the answer was no. She understood Zach’s motivation. He’d grown up a victim of his parents’ political alliance and the trip to see them en route to Halencia probably trigged the need to intervene on Antonio’s behalf.

  If this were just the summer fling she’d convinced herself she could handle, she’d forgive him and move on.

  But she loved him.

  She dipped her fingers in the fountain and swirled the water around. It was still warm from the heat of the day.

  She missed the villa. Missed sharing coffee with Zach in the morning seated out on the terrace watching the city come alive down below. She missed his sharp mind and dry humor and his total ignorance of all things wedding-related.

  But most of all she missed the way he held her, as if she were the most precious thing in his world.

  And that’s what she couldn’t forgive.

  He’d made her believe she mattered. And it had all been a lie.

  She’d never been put first before.

  Her dad had walked out before she even knew him. And her mother loved her. But Lindsay had always known her mother’s wants and needs came first. Even when it was just Lindsay, work came first.

  For a few magical days Zach had made her feel as if she was his everything. It showed in the way he’d touched her and by the heat in his eyes. It was in the deference and care he’d demonstrated, the affection and tenderness.

  Maybe it was a facade he assumed and that’s how he treated all the women in his life—the thought sliced through her brain like shards of broken glass—but it felt real to her. And she couldn’t—wouldn’t—accept less just to finish out a summer fling.

  No more settling. She’d done that with Kevin and learned her lesson. She’d been willing to settle for a fling with Zach because she’d sensed how good it would be between them. And she’d been right. But she loved him, and a fling was no longer enough. She needed honesty, respect and a willingness to put your partner first.

  How often had she watched her mother’s relationships fall apart because a little work was involved? Her mom was so used to being the center of her world she didn’t see that sometimes she needed to make her husband feel he was the center of her world.

  Antonio inferred Zach cared for her. He made it sound as if Zach had planned to leave to make things easier for her. More likely he’d wanted out of this whole gig. But there was the bit about letting her drive his car when he never let anyone drive his cars, not even the man he thought of as his brother.

  No. Just stop. She pushed the wistful thinking aside as she headed inside. His actions told the story. He didn’t love her. He’d proved that when he’d put his friend before her.

  Zach had said he liked storms, for him they washed things clean, made them shiny and new, allowing new growth. A good metaphor for him. He was the storm that allowed her to put the horror of Kevin’s betrayal behind her. But would her heart survived the tsunami Zach had left in his wake?

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  TWO DAYS LATER Lindsay walked with Serena toward the Palazzo di Comparino chapel. The rehearsal started in twenty minutes. Nothing was going right today. She should be totally focused on damage control and all she could think about was the fact she’d be seeing Zach in a few minutes.

  Her mind and heart played a mad game of table tennis over him. One moment she was strong and resolute in holding out for what she deserved. The next she was sure she deserved him, that his actions proved he cared deeply for the people in his life and she wanted to be one of those people.

  “You just got an email from Christina confirming she will not make it to the rehearsal.” Serena jogged to keep up.

  Lindsay came to a full stop, causing Serena to backtrack. “What about Antonio?”

  “He is still delayed at the palace, but he is trying to get here.”

  “Okay, we’re talking a good two hours. Let me call Raffaele to see if he can move dinner up.” Before the big blowup between them, she’d suggested to Zach that he host the rehearsal dinner at the villa. With her taking care of the details, he’d been happy to agree.

  It was a no-brainer to put Mancini’s in charge of the food. Still moving dinner up an hour would be a challenge. But so worth it if it allowed if at least one of the bridal couple to make it to the rehearsal.

  “The prince’s email said we should start without him.”

  “Wonderful. Zach will have to act as the groom and can you play the part of Christina?”

  “
Oh, Lindsay, I am sorry, but I cannot.”

  “Sure you can. I know these are high-profile people, but all you have to do is walk slowly down the aisle. No biggie.”

  “No, remember, Papa and I are meeting the glassblower to pick up the last delivery of candleholders. I have to leave in half an hour.”

  “Oh, yeah, that’s tonight. Well, of course. Why should anything workout tonight?”

  “Perhaps Papa can go on his own?” Serena made the offer hesitantly. Generous of her since Lindsay knew the two were looking forward to the road trip. A little father-daughter time before Serena went back to school.

  “No, you go. I know this trip means a lot to you. I’ll work something out.”

  “You could play the bride,” Serena suggested.

  “Uh, no. Thanks, but I have to keep things moving.” So not a good idea. The very notion of walking down the aisle to Zach in groom mode messed with her head.

  And her heart.

  The elderly priest had other ideas. He looked like a monk of days gone by and he held her hand and patted the back ever so gently. He spoke softly, listened carefully, and totally took over the rehearsal. Everything must be just so.

  He explained what was going to happen, who was going to go where, who stood, who sat, who would leave first and who would follow. He was quite thorough.

  Because she found her gaze repeatedly finding Zach, who looked gorgeous in a white shirt and dark sports jacket, Lindsay ran her gaze over the participants. Everyone listened respectfully. Even Queen Valentina and the king, who sat holding hands. Apparently they were in an “on again” phase of their relationship.

  The chapel looked lovely. A rainbow of colors fell through the stained-glass windows and standing candleholders in white wrought-iron lined the walls from the back to the front and across the altar, illuminating the small interior. For the wedding they would be connected with garlands of sunflowers and roses.

  And from what she observed, the palace photographer seemed to be doing a good job. He was the only extra person in the room. Serena had quietly made her departure during the priest’s soliloquy.

  “Come, come.” The priest raised his cupped hands as if lifting a baby high. “Let us all take our places. You, young man—” he patted Zach on the shoulder “—will play the part of the groom. And you, signorina—” he looked at Lindsay “—will be our bride today.”

  No, no, no.

  Pasting on a serene smile, she politely refused. “I’m sorry, Father, I really need to observe and take notes to ensure a smooth ceremony the day of the wedding.”

  “Si, si. You will observe as the bride. Come, stand here.” He motioned to his right.

  Zach stood tall and broad on the priest’s left.

  She swallowed hard and shook her head. She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t pretend to be Zach’s bride when she longed for the truth of the position with all her broken heart.

  “Perhaps Elena can play the bride?” she suggested. Hoped.

  “Oh, no. Elena has her own role to play as the maid of honor. You are needed, signorina. Come.”

  There was no protesting after that. Plus, others would begin to make note if she made any more of a scene. Clenching her teeth together, she moved forward, holding her tablet in front of her like a shield, looking everywhere but at Zach.

  She was fine while the priest directed the action from the altar, but when he stepped away to help people find their spots, Zach narrowed the distance between them by a step then two.

  “Please don’t start anything here,” she implored.

  “I’m not.” He put his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels. “How have you been?”

  “We should listen to the Father.”

  “I’ve missed you.”

  “Zach, I can’t do this here.”

  “You have to give me something, Lindsay. You asked me to stay away and I have.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “You’ve texted me several times every day.” Crazy things, thoughtful things, odd facts about himself. She’d wanted to delete them without reading them, but she’d read every one, came to look forward to them, especially those that revealed something about him.

  “I needed some link to you. I’m afraid I’m addicted.”

  “You’re not going to charm me, Zach.” She frantically searched out the priest. When was this show going to get on the road? When she looked back, Zach was closer still.

  He bent over her. “You smell so good. Do you miss me at all?”

  “Every minute of every day.” Her hand went to her mouth. Oh, my dog. Did she just say that out loud?

  “Lindsay—”

  “The priest is calling me.” Heart racing, she escaped to the back of the chapel where the wedding party congregated. The priest nodded when she appeared, as if he’d been waiting for her.

  “Si, si. We will start with the procession. Just as I described. Signorina, you will be last with Signor Rose.”

  Lindsay took her place by the robust man who made no effort to disguise his disapproval of Christina’s absence. She wasn’t Lindsay’s favorite person at the moment, either.

  Oh, gosh, instead of settling, her heart raced harder. Zach stood at the altar waiting for her to come to him. It felt too real. And, sweet merciful heavens, she wished it were real.

  It mattered what he’d done. Yes, he’d meant well. And no, he hadn’t known her when he initiated his plan. But it mattered.

  The procession began to move. She closed her eyes and stepped forward. Her foot slipped on the uneven ground, so, okay, that wasn’t going to work. She opened her eyes and concentrated on the smooth stones of the chapel floor.

  He had apologized. And he’d honored her request to stay away. But he hadn’t let her forget him, or the time they’d spent together.

  Had that been him fighting for her? Or was that wishful thinking?

  Suddenly, Mr. Rose stopped and Zach’s strong, tanned hand came into view. She fought the urge to put her hands behind her back. All eyes were on her, on them, but this was for Antonio and Christina’s wedding. Nobody cared about her or Zach; they didn’t care that touching him would be a huge mistake.

  She hated how her hand shook as she placed it in his.

  He set her hand on his arm and led her to stand in front of the priest. And then he covered her hand with his warm hold and leaned close to whisper, “No need to be nervous. I’m right here by your side.”

  For some odd reason she actually found his promise reassuring. Facing the priest, not so much.

  “Well done, well done.” He motioned for the wedding party to be seated. “Lindsay, Zach, if you will face each other. Next I will begin the ceremony. I’ll share a few words and then we’ll go through the exit procession.”

  Lindsay turned to face Zach and he took both her hands in each of his. It was the most surreal moment of her life.

  The priest began. “Today is a glorious day which the Lord hath made, as today both of you are blessed with God’s greatest of all gifts, the gift of abiding love and devotion between a man and woman. All present here today, and those here in heart, wish both of you all the joy, happiness and success the world has to offer—”

  “Stop. I can’t do this.” Lindsay tried to pull away. This hurt too much.

  “Lindsay, it’s okay.” Zach’s voice was calm and steady. His hold remained sure and strong as he moved to shield her from the audience. “Father, may we have a moment?”

  �
��Of course, my son.” The priest bowed and moved away.

  “Breathe, Lindsay. It’s going to be okay.” Zach leaned over her. “I felt it, too. How right those words were between you and me.”

  Lindsay clutched at Zach’s hands, clinging to him as emotions raged through her heart and head.

  “I can’t do this. I’m sorry.” Aware her behavior embarrassed both her and him, she lifted bleak eyes to meet his gaze. What she saw made the breath catch in her throat.

  His eyes were unshielded and in the dark, whiskey depths shone a love so big and so deep it seemed to go on forever. She felt surrounded in a cushion of caring, lifted on a throne of adoration.

  “Zach,” she breathed.

  “I love you, Lindsay.” The words echoed everything his eyes already revealed.

  Hope slowly swelled through her as her love surged to the surface eager for all his gaze offered. Already weakened, her self-preservation instincts began to crumble as unleashed longing filled her heart.

  “I hurt you and I’m more sorry than I can say that I let the fears of my childhood control my common sense when it came to Tony’s wedding. You opened my eyes to what I was doing and he hammered it home. But even when I finally accepted the truth and apologized, something still nagged at me, a sense of wrongness that grew rather than diminished.”

  Behind him she was aware of movement and whispers, reminding her they were not alone. But all she heard, all she saw, was Zach and the raw pain filling eyes that had been overflowing with love just moments ago.

  “And then the truth came to me. I couldn’t get past how my actions hurt you. I wronged you, not just by disrespecting what you do and by making you work harder, but by putting Tony’s needs before yours. That’s when I knew the happiness I take in your company and the joy that consumes me when I touch you is actually love.”

  Now his hands were tight on hers. She ran her thumbs softly over the whites of his knuckles. Everything he’d said was just what she’d longed to hear. She let the last of her concerns melt away.