“Sweetie, enjoy it. It’s nice to have a man be protective over you,” Miranda adds.
“Protective is one thing. Controlling my life is something I won’t tolerate. I had one of those already, and I’m not doing it again.”
“No, not like that. He’s just looking out for what’s his.” There’s that word again. His. Mine. I don’t want to feel like I’m a possession for Chase to own. I love that he wants me, and I will be his, but there needs to be stipulations.
By the time we’re finished being primped, it just after four o’clock. Miranda and I are dressed and ready to go, waiting in the living room for Amanda. After a few painful minutes, she finally walks out of the bedroom.
“Ohmigod! It looks even better than it did in the boutique,” Miranda gushes.
“It’s beautiful,” I say, appraising the gorgeous dress. It fits her perfectly, like it was made for her, which it probably was.
“Thanks. It was designed by Jim Hjelm,” she says as she spins around so we can see the back.
“He designed a wedding dress for Kim Kardashian,” Miranda announces.
There’s a knock at the door and Miranda answers it.
“The flowers for the Berkeley wedding,” a gentleman holding a large rectangular box announces.
“Yes, can you put them over there?” she asks, pointing to the coffee table. He places the box down and leaves with a nod of his head. Miranda opens the lid with a squeal. “These are gorgeous!”
Our bouquets are beautiful. For Miranda and I, they are brightly colored orchids in brilliant hues of pinks, oranges, and yellows, with the stems wrapped in silk the color of our dresses. Amanda’s bouquet is filled with white roses and white orchids wrapped in white silk.
“Okay, ladies, let’s go take some pictures. Mom, Dad, let’s go!” Amanda yells toward the back of the house.
We all walk outside toward the beach where three photographers Amanda flew in are setting up. They’re supposed to be the best of the best. One photographer directs us where to go and how to stand while another holds the camera, snapping pictures. The third is somewhere with the guys.
As our pictures are being taken, Sheila shows up, ready to take charge. Once our photo op is finished, she directs us down the beach, where the ceremony will take place.
We’re brought to a boardwalk aisle leading toward the beach. The boardwalk is decorated with fresh flower petals, palm leaves, and conch shells. Sheila directs Mr. and Mrs. Berkeley to their seats, along with Mrs. St. Claire.
Sheila brings me to the front since I’m starting the precession. I get the slightest glimpse of where we’re walking to, but can’t see Chase. “Wait for the music, then I’ll tell you when to walk. Remember, you go to the left,” she tells Miranda and me.
A few minutes later, a string quartet begins to play Canon in D Major. Sheila is standing in front of me with her hand up, telling me to wait. Closing her eyes, she listens to the music for a moment before her hand drops and she signals for me to move.
I make my way down the boardwalk, toward the makeshift altar surrounded by white flowers and flowing lace across a dark wood pergola. Simple, yet elegant. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I see him. My heart nearly jumps out of my mouth and I have the urge to swallow. Dressed in cream linen pants, a vest with a white button-down shirt rolled up to the elbows, and a tie to match our blue dresses, he is the most magnificent thing I’ve ever seen.
As I come into his view, a slow, sexy smile crosses his lips. I can’t take my eyes off him, and his follow me as I make my way down the aisle.
Finally arriving at the altar, I take my place on the end. Chase is still watching me, his eyes smoldering. Miranda comes and stands next to me a few moments later. The music changes and the familiar strains of Trumpet Voluntary come from the quartet.
Amanda strolls down the aisle, her father at her side. She has that same loving glow that Chase has as she looks directly at Nathan. When Amanda’s father places her hand in Nathan’s, a tear runs down my cheek. I can feel the love exuding off both of them and for a fleeting moment, I’m jealous. I hope Chase and I can have that kind of love someday.
The minister starts to speak and I envision Chase and me standing at the altar instead of Amanda and Nathan. I look over to find Chase still watching me, his eyes glued to mine. During the entire ceremony, we gaze at each other and I can’t help but wonder if he’s thinking the same thing I am.
“You may kiss the bride,” the minister announces, snapping me out of my daydream. Nathan grabs Amanda and dips her low, placing a passionate kiss on her lips. We all clap and cheer.
Paired with our significant others, everyone walks back down the aisle opposite of our arrival. Chase saunters toward me and I loop my arm around his. As we walk, he whispers, “Do you know how sexy you look? I couldn’t take my eyes off you.” Was he at the same wedding? I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I don’t think he realizes just how sexy he really is.
“You look amazing,” I say, my voice breathy.
“You are the most beautiful thing on this island. Bride included.” Leaning in, he places a soft kiss on my cheek.
Getting to the end of the aisle, I notice other people standing I could swear weren’t there before. “Where did all these people come from?” I ask Chase.
“What do you mean?”
“Were they here during the ceremony?”
“Yeah, you walked right past them,” he says, smiling.
“Really? Well, I was pretty nervous. I don’t remember walking down the aisle.” I don’t remember them since I was gawking at Chase. “Who are they?”
“Most are friends from Nate’s PR firm. A few VP’s and some other associates. I think there are a few of Amanda’s friends from college here too. We’re the only ones staying here. The rest had rooms on the main island.”
“I thought she wanted an intimate wedding.”
“Are you kidding? This is intimate. If her mother had her way, there would be five hundred guests. I think there are only fifty or sixty here.” All of these people stopped what they were doing to fly to an island for the weekend? Either they really love the bride and groom or they have more money than common sense.
As we talk, we’re escorted to a secluded section of the beach surrounded by trees. There are several round tables set up with long white table cloths and a bouquet of tropical flowers in the center. Next to each table is a pair of hanging lanterns positioned across from each other holding a candle. The tables surround a large dance floor with a DJ at the end.
At the end of the path is a square table with sterling silver photo frames holding our table numbers. We’re sitting with Justin and Miranda and Nathan and Amanda on the dais. I’m surprised they didn’t want to sit by themselves.
We all stand by our chairs with the exception of Nathan and Amanda, who are introduced. They stroll down the wooden path hand in hand, smiling from ear to ear. Chase has his arm around me and pulls me close as the newlyweds make their debut.
Once the DJ finishes the introductions, the keys of a piano sound over the speakers, the beginning riff of A Thousand Years leading Nathan and Amanda into their first dance. Christina Perri’s voice pours through the space as the guitars kick in and my heart squeezes. This is one of my all time favorite songs. It already stirs such strong emotions within me, and now I have this beautiful memory to add to the sentiment. Nathan takes Amanda’s hand and pulls her close as he whispers something for only her to hear. Her whole face brightens into a huge smile before she pushes up and kisses him.
Once the bride and groom have finished their wedding dance, the DJ asks all of us to come dance with them. The music changes to Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud and Chase drags me onto the dance floor. Wrapping his arms around me, he holds me close and we dance, cheek to cheek. As we sway to the music, he sings the lyrics softly in my ear.
I’d love nothing more than to love him until we’re seventy. I’m just too chicken to say it out loud. How can one person damage me so
completely? Right now, I’m living in the moment, but I know there’s going to come a time when that won’t be good enough. I hope I can work through my demons by then and give Chase the love and life he deserves.
The song ends and everyone leaves the dance floor to find their seats. As the servers come around with our appetizer of cold seafood salad with Meyer lemon vinaigrette over mixed greens, Justin stands, lifting his glass in the air.
“Can I have everyone’s attention?” he asks, looking into the crowd. “I would like to make a toast, but before I do, I’d like to share a story with everyone.” Turning, he looks back at Nathan, who looks surprised.
“This should be good,” Chase whispers in my ear.
“When I first met Nate, we were in our first year of Harvard. I met Chase a few weeks earlier, since I originally wanted to go into law, and we all know how well that worked out. Anyway, Chase and I went out for a drink at the local bar near campus, and this guy,” Justin says, motioning to Nathan, “was trying to pick up this really hot chick. The only problem was she had friends. Really hot friends, and everyone knows you can’t pick up a chick who has friends if you’re by yourself. So, being the great guys we are, Chase and I jumped over to be his wingmen. I mean, you can’t leave a guy hanging like that.” Laughing, Nathan nods his head and smiles.
Amanda narrows her eyes, staring at Justin. Grinning, Justin shrugs his shoulders and continues. “Everything was great, we went out all the time—the three of us were like the ultimate chick magnets. Until, he met Amanda.” Justin pauses as he turns to her. “Yes, she broke up our bromance—no more partying for Nathan, he was done.” Amanda glares, her mouth parting as if she’s about to add in her two cents, when Justin continues. “But, he’s happy.” Justin turns to Chase. “Happier than we’ve ever seen him, right? It’s disgusting how he gets all goofy at the mention of her.” Chase nods his head in agreement. Amanda’s features soften as a small smile tips her lips up. “You have changed him for the better, and for that, we thank you.”
Justin holds his champagne flute high. “Here’s to the woman who made our bro fall madly in love, to the point that we’re jealous of what you two have. Justin, Amanda, here’s to many years of love and happiness. Cheers!”
“Cheers!” we all recite to the happy couple.
As we sit and eat our seafood salad, our waiter makes his way over to us. “Good afternoon. For your entrée, we have four choices. First, we have a petit filet with a demi-glaze served with smashed potatoes and asparagus. Next is Jerk chicken served with coconut rice and a fruit salad. Then we have grilled pork tenderloin with Romesco sauce served with roasted root vegetables, and finally, a he recites from his handheld menu.
“What’s a Romesco sauce?” I ask.
“It’s made from roasted almonds, roasted garlic, olive oil, and fire roasted red bell peppers.”
“What would you like?” Chase asks, his fingers strumming my back.
“I think I’ll try the fish,” I answer.
“I’ll have the filet, medium, and…” he turns to me, “do you want wine or champagne?”
“Wine is fine.”
“And a bottle of your finest New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc,” he tells the waiter.
The waiter nods and moves down the table.
Looking over at the other tables, everyone is immersed in conversation. Our table is isolated since it’s a long rectangle, with Chase and I on one end of the table, Justin and Miranda on the other, and Amanda and Nathan in the middle.
Nathan and Amanda are in their own little bubble, with wedding guests coming up to wish them well in life and congratulate their new nuptials. Chase excuses himself to go talk to Justin, so I sit here and people watch while sipping my wine.
You can definitely tell this is a wealthy wedding. Everyone has on designer dresses and shoes, even though it’s a beach wedding. Without this designer bridesmaid dress on, I would feel even more out of place. It’s amazing what people do with their money. Even if I had the money, I don’t think I could spend what I know Amanda’s parents did on this wedding.
“Where are you?” Chase asks from behind me, kissing the back of my neck.
“I’m here, just thinking.”
“Don’t. I know where your brain is taking you. Stop worrying and have a good time.” Chase turns my chin slightly, bringing my eyes to his.
“How did you know—”
“You get this little crease on your forehead right above your nose when you’re thinking too hard,” he says, answering before I can get my question out as he touches my forehead, “and it’s usually about money.”
“It’s just…I grew up so different from this.”
“I know. I want to give you things you never even knew existed, because you deserve it.” Chase brushes his lips against mine. “I love that look you get when you’re excited, when you see something new. I want to see that look every day, and I will if I have my way.”
As Chase sits back down, the waiter comes to clear our appetizer plates and places a purple heirloom tomato and mozzarella Caprese salad in front of us.
“I have had an amazing weekend,” I say to Chase, gazing over the water as I pick at my salad. The view is simply spectacular. Chase eyes me speculatively.
“I know how much you love the beach,” he declares. “I want to take you to every single one.”
“That’s a lot of beaches,” I say with a giggle.
“We have nothing but time,” he says softly.
“C’mon and dance with me!” Miranda says, grabbing my arm and yanking me out of my chair.
Looking up at me, Chase can’t do anything but laugh. “Bye,” he chuckles.
Miranda drags me to the middle of the dance floor so we can dance to the Cupid Shuffle. I kick off my shoes—there is no way I can shuffle with heels on—and Miranda follows suit. As the music gets going, a few more people join us on the dance floor, and Amanda comes running over, yelling, “Wait for me!”
Seeing how much fun we’re having, the DJ decides to go all nightclub on us and plays Wobble. The only people dancing are the three of us and a couple of Amanda’s friends from college. This is not the typical music you’d play at an elite wedding.
After a few songs, I get tired and decide to sit back down. Once the crowd disperses from the dance floor, the music changes to something a little classier. Chase and the guys had gathered together, watching us while we danced like fools. Seeing me walk off the dance floor, he pulls away from their huddle and saunters over to join me. Putting his hands on my neck, he murmurs near my ear, “Having a good time?”
I turn my head so I can see his face. “Actually, yes, I am.”
“I love watching you and seeing you happy. It makes me happy.”
“Just being here with you makes me happy,” I murmur, looking up at him. Smiling, he kisses the top of my head.
“Would you like another glass of wine?” I love how he asks what I want. It’s so refreshing, being able to answer yes or no.
“Yes, please.” He motions a waiter over and requests another bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
“What would you like to do tomorrow? Our flight isn’t until the evening.”
“I don’t know. Maybe just relax on the beach?”
“Whatever you want.” Whatever I want. I like the sound of that.
With the salads long gone, our entrée’s are finally delivered. My fish looks and smells fantastic. Chase’s filet looks equally as mouthwatering. As everyone sits to eat, a lone person in the crowd starts tapping their water glass with their knife. Soon, everyone is making the clanking noise. Nathan, knowing full well what it means, grabs Amanda and kisses her like a good groom should. Everyone cheers and goes back to their meals. Chase turns and kisses me.
“That was meant for the bride and groom,” I scold.
“Wishful thinking,” he quickly answers with his panty-dropping smile. That dimple gets me every time.
After dinner, the DJ plays a few more slow songs and Chase leads
me to the dance floor. Singing along to Edwin McCain’s I Could Not Ask For More, he takes the lead and I move with him. As he murmurs the lyrics in my ear, the sentiment behind them is apparent in his actions. The way he’s holding me, they’re not just words to a song, but a feeling he’s describing.
Dancing with Chase is so natural, I don’t want this feeling to end. Laying my head on his chest, I listen to his soothing breaths as we sway. As the song changes, he holds me close. I love the way he holds me tight, it’s comforting to feel so cherished.
The music stops abruptly as the DJ announces it’s time for the bride to throw her bouquet. Single women make a mad dash for the dance floor. I try to make an exit, but Miranda sees me and grabs my hand. “Oh, no you don’t. You are single, therefore you need to be here with me.” Since Miranda is constantly the center of attention, she places us front and center, directly behind where Amanda will be standing.
As Amanda makes her way onto the dance floor, Sheila hands her a fake throwaway bouquet. “Everyone ready?” she shrieks. The estrogen-fueled crowd responds with yells and waves. Amanda turns around, counts to two, and on three, heaves it over her shoulder. Right. At. Me. There is no stopping it—it hits me square in the chest and there’s no chance of me dropping it. Miranda appears upset, but then extremely happy it’s me.
“Yay, Olivia!” Amanda cheers, jumping up and down. I spy Chase across the crowd, smiling from ear to ear.
As the women leave the area, the men begin to gather. I’m escorted off to the side as Amanda is pulled to the middle of the dance floor and asked to sit on a chair. Stripper music sounds through the speakers and Nathan gets down on his knees, burying his hands under Amanda’s dress. She giggles and squirms as he reaches higher. Smiling, Nathan’s head disappears under her dress and reappears a moment later with the garter in his teeth. The men go crazy as Nathan maneuvers it from around her leg and off her foot, then stands and takes a bow.
Lost Without You: Book 2 in the Chasing Olivia Series Page 11
