Craig is in rare form tonight. He’s relentlessly teasing Sienna about all of the men that are here tonight. I make the mistake of telling him that it reminded me of a “Bachelorette: Men Tell All” episode. I should have known he would take that and run. He will be lucky if he still has a job tomorrow, but it’s kind of funny.
Back to our wedding—our first dance is so magical. As we are dancing, I actually forget that we are at our reception. I feel as if we are the only two people in the world. Cole’s description was that he felt like we were alone, dancing on the beach in Hawaii. I hit him on the arm; he really needs to get over it because we are already married. I promise him that when we renew our vows in twenty years we can do it alone in Hawaii.
When I finally remember that we’re still in California, I look around the reception. The first thing I see is Stephy dancing with Jeff. I thought she came with a date. “What is Jeff doing with Stephy?” I ask Cole. He looks over and smiles. “He asked about her a little while ago, and because Sienna hasn’t paid the slightest bit of attention to him, I told him to go for it.”
“Where’s her date?” I say, looking around. Typical Stephy, she probably ditched him already. Good for him though, that guy dodged a bullet. I bet he doesn’t even know how lucky he is.
“I don’t know, but Jeff’s a great guy; so if she likes him, then I say go for it. Sienna already had her chance, and she didn’t want to be with him, so he is free to date anyone else, and you have to admit that Stephy isn’t that bad.”
What’s he saying? Are we about to have our first fight as a married couple? Luckily, the song ends and Sienna calls us over for the toasts. During his toast, Jeff blabs on for a while and tells some story about deep-sea fishing off the Canadian coast and how he and Cole applied to be Canadian citizens. I have no idea what the purpose of him telling that story is, but of course, it’s probably just the alcohol talking.
After the toasts, Susan introduces me to the president of her garden club. I try not to act surprised when she tells me that she received my application to join. I glance at Susan who gives me two thumbs up. Oh my gosh, this is really going to suck. I have no choice because I can’t be blacklisted before even moving into that neighborhood. So, I do what any new daughter-in-law would do and tell her I’m looking forward to it. While we are talking about the meetings for the next five months (five!), Grandmother is walking by complaining to one of her friends about the cupcakes.
“I don’t know why they would choose cupcakes?” She emphasizes cupcakes as if it’s a dirty word. “Supposedly, it’s some kind of trendy new thing. Seems juvenile to me.” I can’t believe she’s still talking about the cupcakes. Is it really that big of a deal?
I notice Craig whispering to Sienna. He grabs her hand and pulls her out of the ballroom. Something’s going on, so I decide to follow them, and any reason to get out of this garden club discussion is worth it. On my way to the door, Aunt Kate stops me and tells me congratulations. She was another person I was trying to avoid only because of everything that happened with my cousins.
“It’s a beautiful wedding,” she says, pulling me in for an awkward hug.
“Thanks, Aunt K! I’m so glad you could come.” I don’t know what to say. Should I bring it up? She doesn’t say anything, so I don’t say anything.
I escape Aunt Kate and rush to the door to follow Sienna and Craig. I’m shocked at what I find in the hallway. “What the @#$*!” I say louder than I should have. A few people must hear me because they turn to look at me. As if Luke crashing wasn’t enough, this is ridiculous and I can see the horror on Sienna’s face.
Chapter 15
“Excuse me, can I ask what you are doing at my wedding?” I demand.
There, standing in the lobby with Sienna and Craig, is Carrie, Sienna’s former boss and her friend Elizabeth—probably two of the worst human beings ever.
They both give me a once over, clearly examining my wedding gown. My gown is exquisite, so I know they aren’t judging it unless there is a bead or a stitch out of place that I can’t see. I do a quick check of the front.
“Oh yes, I remember you,” Elizabeth says. “Didn’t I have to ask you to leave an event at my home?”
So this is a true story and not one of my finer moments. I was helping Sienna with an event, had a little too much wine, and got caught making out in the coat closet with Elizabeth’s boy toy of the week. When she found us, she quickly, and not so quietly, asked me to leave. That doesn’t matter though because that was a million years ago, so I just ignore her.
“I’m sorry but this is a private event, and I don’t remember sending you an invite.”
“Are you enjoying everything?” Carrie asks me, completely ignoring my comment. I look back and forth between Sienna and Carrie. I’m so confused right now. Why is she asking me if I’m enjoying it? Of course I am; it’s my wedding.
“Excuse me? Why do you care?”
The two women look at each other and smile. Sienna still hasn’t had much to say since I joined them.
“I don’t believe this. You’re two of the owners aren’t you?” Sienna exclaims. “This all makes sense now; this is why you were so accommodating when we were looking for a venue.”
“Oh love. I’m proud of you and your little company.” Carrie puts her hand on Sienna’s shoulder and she moves away. “I’m glad I was able to help you when you were in such a bind.”
Sienna looks as if she’s about to explode. She had worked for Carrie for several years and was getting ready to start her own company when she found out about Carrie and Luke. I don’t think she’s had any interaction with her since leaving the company, at least until we ran into her at the spa. I’m wondering what she’s up to, and I’m sure Sienna is wondering the same thing.
“Thank you for checking in with us. This wedding is a huge success as are all of my events so feel free to leave now.” She walks back into the ballroom before Carrie can say another word.
I’m still standing in the lobby with these evil women, and I really want to ask her why she seems so eager to help Sienna. Carrie doesn’t ever help anyone except for herself.
“OK, you can tell me what you’re up to,” I say, folding my arms. “After your history with Sienna, I find too hard to believe that you would be so willing to help her.
“I have no idea what you are talking about,” she replies innocently. “This is business and this is what we do. We have events here regardless of whose company plans them. Speaking of events, shouldn’t you be getting back to your wedding?” She’s so smug; I would love to slap that fake smile right off her face.
As much as I want to get to the bottom of this nonsense, she’s right; I don’t want to miss another second of my wedding. If Sienna can turn and walk away from this, then I can too. I don’t say another word and head back to my reception.
I find Sienna talking to Ace, and she’s a complete mess. I don’t blame her one bit though. First, Ellie brings Luke, and then Carrie shows up. It’s almost as if they are trying to get back at her by using my wedding.
“Madie, I feel so awful. I obviously have a lot of baggage, and I thought for sure I was past all of this.”
“Stop it. This is not your fault.” I grab her hands. “Ellie brought Luke here to piss me off. I don’t think that has anything to do with you at all.”
“I told her the same thing,” Ace agrees. “Luke is not bright enough to come up with that plan on his own.” I laugh because that’s so true. Ellie is cunning and manipulative and this has her name written all over it.
Cole, my new husband (squeal), comes up behind me and pulls me out onto the dance floor. I explain everything that just happened with Carrie and Elizabeth. Even he thinks that something doesn’t add up. “It’s almost as if this was all part of some elaborate plan?” I tell him.
“Babe, it’s our wedding. Don’t worry about all of this.” I can tell he is tired of all of the drama, and I am too. I promise myself that I’m going to enjoy the rest of this d
ay no matter what happens.
When it comes time to throw my bouquet, I call all the single women. Sienna, Stephy, and Ellie are all standing in the front. Is it completely childish of me to hope that neither of my cousins catch it? I count to three, and I throw it. Sienna almost had her hands around it when Ellie came in a grabbed it from her.
“YES! This is perfect timing! Luke, baby, look at this!” She throws her arms around his neck, and they start passionately kissing. Both of them are definitely buzzed. Ellie is not one who would normally act like this in public. So either this is all for show or she’s almost drunk.
Grandmother doesn’t look happy at all, and this could possibly be the first time she has ever been noticeably upset with Ellie, at least when I have been around. I can’t imagine that those girls have ever disappointed her in some way. Who knows, I guess there’s a first time for everything? There I go again, obsessing over this. I probably should make an appointment with a therapist as soon as I get back from my honeymoon.
“It looks like someone is getting lucky tonight,” Cole says with a mischievous grin.
He’s gross.
“Excuse me, everyone.” I spin around in a panic to see Ellie with the microphone. She and Luke have stopped making out just in time to get her hands on the microphone. Someone needs to stop her because you never know what will come out of her mouth, especially considering the fact that she was a bridesmaid and now she’s not.
“I’m sorry to interrupt this great party, but I just want to tell my cousin Madison that I’m so happy for her, and I think we can all agree that this wedding has been great.” The guests all cheer loudly, and I stand frozen in my Jimmy Choos.
“While I’m up here, I have an announcement to make because my whole family is here for this celebration. Mom, Grandmother, Aunt Karen, Uncle Bill, my sister Stephanie, and Madison, I want to announce that . . . I’m engaged!” She starts jumping up and down like a child in a toy store. She holds up her left hand to show a gorgeous ring. Luke joins her behind the microphone, and they kiss again. What kind of sick and twisted show are they putting on? This has to be a nightmare that I’m going to wake up from. Ellie is going to marry Luke? He’s going to be a part of my family? I turn to Sienna, and she’s in shock as is the rest of my family. Once over the shock, Grandmother, Aunt Kate, and Stephy start cheering and rush to hug Ellie and Luke. Somehow, she kept her engagement (and relationship) a complete secret, and she chose my wedding to make the announcement.
“What just happened?” Craig asks me. I don’t have a good answer, so I just shake my head slowly. “Holy crap! This wedding is going to put us at legendary status. This is fantastic!”
I shake my head at him and walk away. I’m looking for Cole when Ellie finally catches up with me.
“Madie! Isn’t this the best news? I hope you don’t mind me announcing it here. You know how hard it is to get all of our family together, so I thought it would be the perfect time.”
I’m about to say something when Luke joins us.
“Madison, I haven’t had a chance to say congrats.” He wraps his arms around me and hugs me. I don’t hug him back. “Isn’t this crazy? We’re going to be cousins.”
“I’m speechless,” I reply. “So, how long have you two been together? I had no idea.”
They look at each other and start to laugh. Ellie starts talking. “We only met a few months ago, but when you find the right one, you just know it. Right, baby?”
“Yes.” He leans in and kisses her on the nose. Gross! I feel like throwing up but I don’t want to ruin my gown.
“Madie, I know things have been rough between us, but I’m happy for you and I hope you will be happy for me, too.”
I just stand there because I feel like I’m in a weird alternate universe. Not only has this been the best night of my life, it’s also been the strangest. This isn’t even about my issues with Ellie anymore; now this is about Luke. I hope he has changed because after what he did to Sienna, I wouldn’t even wish that on Ellie.
“Ellie, are you sure about this? You don’t really know him.” I point at Luke.
I have nothing to lose by being honest with her. It may not make a difference, but at least I can say I tried just in case.
“How dare you!” She glares at me. “I find the love of my life, and you’re trying to ruin my engagement. Madison, you really are so selfish.” She starts to walk away, but I stop her.
“You can think what you want about me, but you don’t know all the history between us. Luke is a cheater and an opportunist. You . . . you can do better.” I didn’t mean to hesitate when I tell her she can do better because I think she can.
I’m completely taken off guard when Luke interrupts our conversation. “Madison, I understand how you feel and you’re right. What I did was awful, and I will always regret hurting Sienna like I did. But I’ve changed a lot in the past several months, I’ve grown up, I’ve found myself, and I love Ellie. I hope in time you will see that.”
I scowl. “So tell me this, after all the history you have with Sienna and me, why would you blindside all of us and just show up here tonight? Why not tell me beforehand? And . . . did you know that Carrie would show up tonight also? Did you know that she owns this place?”
It’s not that farfetched of a question because I still wonder if this is some big plan thrown together from the devious duo—Carrie and Luke. I did read in the tabloids that Carrie had dumped Luke months ago, but you never know what’s true and what’s not. Even if Luke knew anything, he would never admit it.
“Carrie was here? Why? I haven’t seen her in months.” He hangs his head. “That’s a part of my past that I’m not proud of and, frankly, want to forget. If I could change any of that, I would, but I can’t. I hope you and Sienna can find it in your hearts to forgive me, especially because we’re practically family now.” He grabs my hand and holds it. I slowly pull it away.
“I didn’t tell you about Luke and I because of everything that has been going on,” Ellie adds. “I didn’t want you to think that I was doing it on purpose. We haven’t exactly been on the best terms.”
She does have a point.
“Hopefully we can all move on from this and maybe we can hire Sienna to plan our wedding,” Ellie chimes in. What? She’s completely lost her mind. She can’t possibly be serious.
Before I can reply, Cole joins us. “Well, I suppose I should say congrats. I had no idea you two even knew each other.” He holds his hand out to shake Luke’s hand. I roll my eyes; Cole was always oblivious to Luke’s true nature. He always liked him despite my extreme dislike for him.
“Babe, we have more guests to thank.” I grab his hand and drag him away before he makes plans to play golf with Luke. Cole doesn’t play golf but that’s what guy friends do, right? The last thing I want to do is start having regular dinner parties with Ellie and Luke because he and Cole become besties.
“Come on, Mads, this is our wedding, so you need to stop looking so miserable. People are going to start talking,” he says with a wink. “At any time they may start to wonder if you regret marrying me.” I hit him on the arm.
“Nobody’s going to think that.”
I need to get my mind off of this family drama. “Just think, in a few short days we will be in Hawaii on our honeymoon.” He kisses my hand, and we visit with the rest of our guests.
I make my way around talking to people. Caycee and Lauren from my salon tell me that this is the most entertaining wedding they’ve ever been to.
“I hope that’s a good thing,” I say.
“YEAH!” Lauren says.
“The entertainment almost makes up for it not being at the Four Seasons.”
She looks like she may cry. I can’t believe this girl is still upset about the Four Seasons. She was probably more devastated about the location change than Grandmother.
I laugh. “I’m glad you’ve enjoyed yourself.”
“Don’t forget to pack your ‘gifts’ for your honeymoon.”
She gives me a wink. I promise her I will.
I continue to make my way around the ballroom. My parents have been sitting with Cole’s parents and have really hit it off.
“This has been such a great wedding, and how exciting for Ellie. That Luke seems like a nice guy,” Mom says. Obviously, my mom doesn’t know the connection between all of us.
“I hope she’s not making a mistake.” I didn’t mean to say that out loud, but it just came out.
“Honey, why would you say that?” I give my parents a quick synopsis of our past with Luke.
“Oh,” Mom pauses, “well, people can change. He seems very taken with her, so we can just hope for the best.”
“I guess.” I don’t bother getting into this discussion with her because it’s just not worth the trouble.
Cole joins us and my mom completely changes the subject. My parents love Cole (but who doesn’t), and my mom especially loves his comedy routines. Cole tells my parents all about some upcoming shows he has scheduled.
All things considered, my wedding is a success. I probably thank Sienna a million times. She has even met a few potential clients, so hopefully any negative publicity that’s flying around will go away. She doesn’t really say anything about the announcement of the engagement, and I don’t bring it up. She will when she’s ready. I did see Luke go over to her, and they talked for maybe a minute or two. I would have loved to be eavesdropping on that conversation.
We hug all of our family and friends and are whisked away in a rented Rolls Royce (another gift from Cole’s parents). I have no idea where this money keeps coming from. I wonder if I’ve married into some long-lost Kennedy relatives. Anyway, Cole cheers loudly and obnoxiously as we drive away, and I’m not ashamed to say that I join him.
Wedding Haters (Event to Remember Series-Book 2) Page 15
