by Susanna Carr
“I thought you and Cole would make it down the aisle,” Steven said as he clumsily patted her head. “Angie and Cole, sitting in a tree...first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes...something...how does it go?”
Angie gritted her teeth. This was why she hated weddings. “Steven, I’m never getting married. I’m not catching the bouquet so don’t try to push me into the line of fire tomorrow. And if you keep saying that I’m the next one to get married, I will put you in a headlock.”
“I should put Cole in a headlock,” he grumbled.
She propped Steven against the wall. “Leave Cole alone. Promise?”
“Just one punch?” Steven wagged a finger at her. “He broke your heart last time. He’s going to do it again.”
Angie sighed deeply. Her friends were only protecting her. They had no idea that Cole just wanted to be friends. The anger bubbled up inside her. She was so tired of being one of the guys. “Okay, fine. One punch.”
“What?” Cole’s voice was right behind her.
Angie jumped and looked around to see Cole’s incredulous expression. “What? You have nothing to worry about. Steven’s never been in a fight in his life.”
“So you don’t just hate weddings,” Cole said with a look in his eyes that Angie couldn’t identify. “It’s marriage, too.”
She wasn’t ready to have this discussion. She hated being Brittany’s bridesmaid and she was getting sick of this wedding, but she didn’t hate the idea of weddings. Not really.
Angie believed in love and marriage. True, she never thought about it for herself until she met Cole. She wanted to make a lifelong commitment with him, but she also knew now that he would never marry or settle into a family life. Okay, he could commit to her but he still bore the scars of his childhood. Cole Foster was the only man she wanted to marry but that wasn’t going to happen no matter how much she wished for it.
“Cole, can you make sure Steven gets back to the rehearsal dinner? His sense of direction isn’t that great even when he’s sober.” She didn’t stop to see if Cole would agree. “Steven, have you seen Robin? The maid of honor?” she added, given her friend’s confused expression.
“Yeah, wow.” Steven shook his head. “She can’t hold her liquor.”
“What are you talking about?” Cole asked. “We just saw her and she was fine.”
“She was making a play for me. Then her face got all red and blotchy. She clutched her throat.”
“Like she was choking?” Angie asked.
“No. I assumed she was going to throw up. I saw her stagger into the bathroom.” Steven pointed at the door down the hall.
“I should check on her,” Angie told Cole as she rushed to the bathroom. She wasn’t sure why she was so worried. Robin was getting sick. It happens. No big deal.
But she couldn’t suppress the alarm that was shooting through her veins. Angie mentally braced herself before she pushed open the door. “Robin? Are you doing okay?”
Angie froze when she saw Robin sprawled on the bathroom floor.
15
COLE STOOD BEHIND Angie as they watched the paramedics wheel Robin away on a stretcher. Angie had taken care of Robin and now looked as if she were going to collapse herself. He knew how she felt.
“Are you okay?” he asked Angie softly as he put his arms around her. “You’re shaking like a leaf.”
“I’m fine. It’s just the adrenaline.” She stuffed her hands in her pockets. “It’ll go away soon.”
“You did great,” he said. “She’s going to recover.”
He had been impressed in how Angie jumped into action. He had raced to her when she called out. There had been something in the way she’d called his name. It shook him to the core and all he could think about was getting to Angie. He wanted to protect her and take over.
But by the time he stepped into the bathroom, Angie had already taken an EpiPen out of Robin’s small purse. Without any hesitation, she had jabbed the needle in the maid of honor’s thigh. She had continued with the rescue breathing while he phoned for an ambulance. Angie was shaking now but she had been focused and thorough during the crisis. It was one of the many things he admired about her.
He heard the piercing siren start and saw the ambulance’s lights as the vehicle sped away. “How did you even know she needed an epinephrine injection?” he asked.
“She said something about food allergies when she was at the hospital café.” Angie rested her head against his shoulder and didn’t protest when he stroked her hair. “I know Steven thought she was drunk but we had just seen her and she had complained of a headache. I figured something was off when he described the symptoms but I didn’t think about an allergic reaction until I saw her on the floor.”
“I wondered what was in the hors d’oeuvres,” he said as they walked slowly back to the dining room. It was eerily quiet compared to the festive spirit of a mere few minutes ago. Now the video was turned off and the guests were milling aimlessly in the entryway and parking lot. “Where was Robin going to sit?”
“There.” Angie pointed at the empty seat. “The maid of honor was going to sit next to the groom.”
He stared at the place setting. There was a wet ring on the tablecloth from where her pink martini had been. “Where’s her drink? She had set it down when she got the headache.”
“She was almost finished with it,” Angie said. She stepped away from him and picked up Robin’s place card from the table. “I’m sure the waiting staff removed it.”
Cole wasn’t so sure. “Do you remember how she said it tasted differently?”
“The recipe isn’t hard science.” Her fingers continued to tremble as she set the card down. “The bartender here could have used a different bubble gum. I’m sure she ate an hors d’oeuvre and didn’t know the ingredients.”
“No, she was careful. I saw her,” he said as he examined the other tables. Most of the guests still had their drinks next to their place cards.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Brittany said as she stormed into the room with Cheryl and Patrick trailing behind her. Her face was mottled red and her hair was falling out of its neat twist. Cole felt the anger come off her in waves.
“What was Robin allergic to?” Cole asked Brittany.
Brittany stepped back abruptly and gave him a strange look. As if she had already forgotten about Robin’s situation. “How should I know? Am I supposed to know every food restriction and allergy of every guest?”
“I’m sure she mentioned it when she had to choose her meals for the dinners.”
Brittany crossed her arms and thrust out her chin. “What are you trying to say?”
“Peanuts,” Cheryl interrupted. “It was on the card when she RSVP’d. She’s very allergic to peanuts. There couldn’t be any cross-contamination in the kitchen.”
“See?” Angie told Cole. “Accidents happen.”
He knew what Angie was trying to tell him. He shouldn’t waste his time and pursue the incident like he did with Heidi’s fall. But he couldn’t let it go. “Accidents are happening a lot with this wedding.”
“They certainly are,” Brittany said as she stood in front of them. Her legs were braced for a fight and her hands were on her hips. Her cream lace dress was pale compared to her flushed face. “And they always seem to happen when Angie is around.”
Angie rolled her shoulders back and cast a stern glare at Brittany. “Are you saying I’m bad luck?”
“I think you’re trying to sabotage my wedding.” The guests gasped at Brittany’s suggestion and started to whisper.
Cole felt the flare of anger. He saw Angie’s lips part in shock. And he saw Patrick standing behind his fiancée and saying nothing. Cole was ready to step in and fight for Angie’s honor, but Angie held out her hand and stopped him.
“Why would I do that?” Angie asked coldly.
“Oh, I don’t know.” Brittany’s eyes glittered with rage. “Because you want Patrick for yourself.”
&nb
sp; Angie looked at Brittany as if the bride had lost her mind. “He’s not my type.” She gave her friend a quick look of apology. “No offense, Patrick.”
“Angie has never been interested in Patrick,” Tim interjected. “I always thought she wasn’t into men until she hooked up with Cole.”
“Thanks, Tim, but I can take it from here,” Angie said without looking at him.
“I know you don’t like me,” Brittany said in a hiss. “You’re jealous because you’re not the first person Patrick calls anymore. You’ve been downgraded and you can’t stand it.”
“You’re wrong, Brittany. I don’t care about that.”
“Then it’s because you hate weddings,” Brittany growled. “You’ve made that very clear.”
Cole wanted to defend Angie. Yes, she hated weddings. It took him by surprise, too. Her declaration unsettled him and he wasn’t sure why. She had a traditional streak that he loved. She wasn’t the type to flip through bridal magazines or cry during the exchange of rings. But she respected the vows and she upheld the values that were symbolized in weddings.
Although that didn’t stop Angie from hating this wedding, it seemed, and he didn’t judge her for it. She was trying to be supportive to her friend. No one noticed that she wouldn’t do otherwise for a friend. She would stand up for Patrick and defend his decision in a wife, even if he were making a huge mistake in marrying this woman.
“Angie was just saying she hated weddings,” Steven said. “And marriage, too.”
Cole closed his eyes and reined in his temper before he reached out and silenced Angie’s friend. At least the guys were sort of helping her, unlike Patrick.
“See?” Brittany crossed her arms as if to say she had proved her point. “There you go.”
“I have been nothing but obliging about your wedding.” Angie took a step forward but stopped when Cole placed his hand on her shoulder. He knew her emotions were all over the place and that she could react unpredictably. “I have done everything you asked of me.”
“Then why do all these ‘accidents,’” sputtered Brittany, who was using air quotes, “and disasters happen when you’re around?”
“Because I’m required to be at every event,” Angie said calmly with a hint of real bitterness. “Every meeting, every fitting and every shower.”
“I wish you didn’t have to be. I knew you were trouble, but I had no choice.” Brittany gestured wildly at her fiancé. “Patrick wanted you in the bridal party and I certainly wasn’t going to let you be the best man.”
“Brittany...” Patrick said, but his warning had no conviction. Cole knew Patrick would take Brittany’s side, even if his bride tore Angie’s feelings to shreds.
“Having you in my bridal party changed everything,” Brittany revealed to Angie. “Heidi and Robin weren’t my first choice of bridesmaids. I had to ask them so we could work around your coloring and your body type.”
“That’s not my fault,” Angie said. “And who picks a bridesmaid based on their hair color? That’s ridiculous.”
Brittany wasn’t listening. “And now my maid of honor is hospitalized? Again? That can’t be a coincidence.” She clenched her fists at her sides and stood toe-to-toe with Angie. Angie refused to back down.
“Patrick,” Cole said as he watched Brittany vibrate with anger. “Get her away from Angie or I will.” And he wouldn’t be gentle when protecting Angie.
“Relax, Brittany,” Angie said as she met the bride’s hateful gaze. “I’m sure Robin will be fine for tomorrow’s ceremony.”
“But what if she isn’t?” Brittany poked her finger against Angie’s shoulder. “You’ve ruined everything.”
“That’s enough.” Cole stood between Angie and Brittany. He wasn’t about to allow this to escalate into a fistfight. “Angie didn’t do this. I was with her.”
Brittany snorted at his claim. “I’m supposed to take the word of a stripper?”
Cole’s nostrils flared. He wanted to tell Brittany that he was a former police detective and a private investigator. Most people would accept him as a credible witness and a solid alibi.
“Then take the word of the groomsman,” Angie said. “Take the ushers’ word. They all know me. They will vouch for me.”
Tim and Steven stared at each other and then looked away. “I need to use the bathroom,” Tim said as he darted for the door.
“Me, too,” Steven muttered as he backed away from the group.
“Seriously, guys?” Angie asked.
“And why does Brittany think Cole is a stripper? Wait up, Tim,” Steven said as he sprinted after his friend.
“Come on, Brittany,” Cheryl cooed in a soothing voice as she cautiously touched her boss’s elbow. “Let’s have you sit down and get something to drink.”
Brittany gave Angie one last hateful look before she allowed her assistant to lead her to an empty table.
Cole grabbed Patrick’s arm to keep him from following. “I need to talk to you.”
“Dude, I’m sorry about Brittany,” he said in a low voice and looked over at his fiancée. “I’ll talk to her. She’s upset and she doesn’t know what she’s saying. Angie is still in the wedding.”
“No,” Cole said. “I don’t want her in the wedding.”
“I’m right here, guys,” Angie said as she stood next to them. “Rather than talking about me, try talking to me.”
“I’m serious.” Cole glanced to where Brittany and her assistant were sitting. “Someone is trying to take out the bridesmaids, one by one. Angie is next.”
Patrick’s mouth twisted with displeasure. “You don’t know that.”
“You have two injured bridesmaids,” Cole pointed out. “What are the odds?”
“Maids of honor,” Angie said, correcting him. She shrugged when he and Patrick looked down at her. “They got hurt when they were maids of honor.”
“That’s crazy,” Patrick said. “Who would do something like that?”
“I don’t know.” But Cole had his suspicions. He hoped he was wrong.
Patrick’s features tightened with anger. “Do you realize what you’re saying? The only people at this party are my friends and family.”
Angie glanced at Cole. “He catches on a lot faster than Brittany.”
“These were accidents,” Patrick whispered fiercely. “Do not share your theories with Brittany. The last thing I need is a paranoid bride.”
Cole sensed that Patrick was listening. He just didn’t want to hear it. Didn’t want to believe it. “Keep an eye on her,” Cole suggested. “I don’t know if someone has it in for Brittany or if it has something to do with the bridesmaids.”
“I’m not supposed to see the bride until the wedding.” Patrick rubbed his hands over his face. “Stupid tradition.” He paused and looked hopefully at Angie.
“Oh, no.” Angie shook her head. “That is so not going to happen. I will not be the bride’s babysitter. She already thinks I’m trouble.”
“Besides, I’m watching Angie tonight,” Cole added.
Angie gave him a look of surprise. “No, you’re not.”
“I’m taking you back to my apartment.”
“I have to report to Brittany’s after the dinner. It’s some sort of final bridal send-off, although it sounds like a bait and switch. I suspect I’ll be roped into making hundreds of party favors for most of the night.”
“Forget it.” He didn’t want Angie to be around anyone from this group. She would be trapped and defenseless if someone attempted to harm her.
She put her hands on her hips. “I can’t. Brittany is already mad at me. If I skip this last event, it will send her over the edge.”
“I admit she’s upset,” Patrick said. “But everything about this wedding is going wrong. Fine, you guys deal with this on your own, I need to take care of Brittany.”
Cole nodded and waited until Patrick was some distance away from them. “Angie, listen to me.”
“I’m okay,” Angie insisted. “No one is tar
geting me.”
“You don’t know that for sure.” She was the last bridesmaid and would probably be promoted to be maid of honor. The wedding was tomorrow and the person doing all this would have to act fast.
“Think about it, Cole. Heidi and Robin went to the same school and the same sorority. They are friends with Brittany. I have nothing in common with them.”
“Other than being a bridesmaid.”
She gave a huff of exasperation, refusing to agree with the obvious. “We already decided what happened to Heidi was an accident.”
“But now a pattern is emerging.”
Angie scoffed at him. “Two accidents do not make a pattern.”
He wasn’t going to wait for the third. “I want to play it safe.”
“Heidi had a head injury.” She splayed one hand. “Robin had an allergic reaction.” She splayed out her other hand. “Each accident is different.”
“But they both look like accidents.”
“All right,” she said through clenched teeth. “I will be extra cautious tonight and tomorrow. Okay?”
“Not good enough,” Cole said. “Whoever is doing this won’t take any chances. They’ll make sure you can’t be at the ceremony.”
Angie sighed and smoothed her hands over her hair as she tried to decide what to do. “Do you still think it’s Brittany?” she asked in a low voice.
“No, not anymore.”
She looked around the restaurant. “Who do you think it is?”
He hesitated. He wanted to tell Angie his suspicions so she would be wary, but he knew Angie would act on any information he gave her. She would pursue instead of retreat. “I’m not sure.”
Angie narrowed her eyes. “Yes, you are. Tell me.”
“Cheryl.”
“Cheryl?” She glanced over at where the assistant was sitting. Cheryl was huddled with Brittany and Patrick. The conversation looked serious.
“Think about it,” Cole said. “She’s at all the events but in the background.”
“She’s too loyal to her boss to sabotage Brittany’s wedding.”
