Always A Bridesmaid (Left At the Altar)

by Richards, Jana

  * * *

  Always a Bridesmaid

  By

  Jana Richards

  Uncial Press Aloha, Oregon

  2014

  * * *

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events described herein are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-60174-176-9

  Always a Bridesmaid

  Copyright © 2014 by Jana Richards

  Cover design

  Copyright © 2014 by Judith B. Glad

  Photo: man in tuxedo ©Giobbi Photo: woman in blue ©auremar

  All rights reserved. Except for use in review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five (5) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Published by Uncial Press,

  an imprint of GCT, Inc.

  Visit us at http://www.uncialpress.com

  * * *

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  * * *

  Dedicated to my writing group, Lover's Knot, for their endless patience in listening to and critiquing various versions of "Always a Bridesmaid" many, many times. Thank you!

  * * *

  Chapter One

  This was it. Definitely. She'd never be a bridesmaid again. She really meant it this time.

  Daniella DiPietro pasted a smile on her face as she walked slowly down the aisle to the strains of "Here Comes the Bride." The three inch heels the bride insisted she wear pinched her toes, and the bridesmaid dress, though stylish, was an uncomfortable size too small. When Chantal Campbell's first bridesmaid suddenly backed out and Dani reluctantly accepted the job, she was stuck with the ill-fitting dress, since there was no time to order one that fit properly. A seamstress did her best with alterations, and a sturdy pair of Spanx helped contain her curvy figure within the slim, strapless column of bright pink satin, but the sweetheart neckline exposed much more of her ample cleavage than she felt happy showing. She felt like an exhibitionist, with her breasts practically spilling out of the dress. One false move and she'd flash the congregation.

  Dani clamped down on her embarrassment. The things she did in the name of friendship.

  Friendship? Though they'd been friends in university, she hadn't spoken to the bride in years. But she'd remained friends with Fiona, Chantal's sister, and when she begged her to help, Dani simply couldn't say no. What a soft touch she was.

  She watched Zach Morrison, the groom, as he waited at the front of the church for his bride, his eyes focused on the door through which she was about to enter. Lordy, he was even more gorgeous now then the last time she'd seen him, some eight years ago. His thick, dark hair was a little too long to be considered proper business length, but not so long as to fall into Eighties rock star territory. The dark strands curled around his ears and the nape of his neck, and one lock fell rakishly across his forehead. A long list of attributes completed the picture: prominent cheek bones, a strong jaw and an elegantly shaped mouth, not to mention broad shoulders, slim hips and blue eyes to die for. But even more important, Zach was a nice guy. Maybe too nice for Chantal.

  This wasn't their first trip to the rodeo. Eight years ago, they'd been engaged until Chantal had called it off, and then unexpectedly married someone else.

  But here they were, eight years and two divorces later--both Chantal's--and about to marry. Perhaps it was meant to be. For Zach's sake, Dani hoped Chantal treated him right this time.

  Finally she reached the front of the church and took her place. A moment later, Fiona joined her. Tall, slim Fee looked like a runway model in the bridesmaid gown instead of an overstuffed pink sausage like her. Despite starving herself the last couple of weeks, the dress was still too tight. As if reading her thoughts, her stomach rumbled ominously. She was hungry enough to gnaw off her own arm.

  Finally the bride made her entrance through the church doors on her father's arm, looking radiant and gorgeous. As usual, Chantal was the most beautiful woman in the room. Her elegant strapless gown was a white silk confection that fit her perfect size two figure flawlessly. Her glorious blonde curls had been artfully arranged in a chic updo that showed off her long, graceful neck and creamy shoulders.

  Dani swallowed her rising envy. She felt as though she'd been tossed in a time machine and sent back eight years to the days when she'd played ugly duckling to Chantal's beautiful swan.

  She didn't enjoy feeling envious any more than she enjoyed feeling like an ugly duckling, not when she'd worked so hard to get past both emotions.

  Chantal reached the altar and took Zach's hand. The minister began the marriage liturgy, the usual stuff about love being patient and kind, bearing all things, and so on and so on. Dani stopped listening, too uncomfortable to concentrate. Besides, she'd heard the spiel more times than she cared to remember. She occupied herself by calculating the number of hours until she could peel off the gown and throw on a pair of comfy sweatpants.

  Suddenly the doors of the church crashed open. A man shouted, "You can't marry him, Chantal! I love you and I know you love me!"

  Dani turned to stare, along with everyone else in the congregation. The man in the doorway wore a rumpled grey suit, with his red-and-blue striped tie hanging askew. His blonde hair stood on end and his hands were fisted at his sides.

  "Who the hell is that, Chantal?" Zach's question was urgent. "What's he talking about?"

  Chantal's face turned whiter than her dress. "He's my first husband," she said in an undertone. Turning to the blonde-haired man, she yelled, "How dare you disrupt my wedding, Harry! Go home."

  Harry strode down the aisle toward Chantal. "No! I can't let you make the biggest mistake of your life by marrying this guy. You know it would be wrong."

  Zach moved to stand between Chantal and the intruder. "What's he talking about, Chantal?"

  Harry stopped and raised his hands. "I don't have any quarrel with you, Zach. She's never going to make you happy. She still loves me. She told me so last night."

  Dani heard everyone in the congregation gasp in unison. Was Chantal in love with this guy? If she was, why were they all here, supposedly celebrating her union with Zach? The thought must have also occurred to him. She had a front row seat to the disbelief clouding his eyes.

  "Is this true? Are you in love with him?" he said.

  "No! I love you! You've got to believe me."

  "Tell him the truth, Chantal. Tell him you were in my bed just two nights ago. Tell him!"

  She bit her lip. "I swear, it didn't mean anything. Last minute nerves got the best of me."

  For a moment Zach said nothing. His face betrayed no emoti
on. But Dani saw his throat work, as if he were holding back a torrent of feelings.

  "So what he's saying is true? You've been sleeping with him since we got back together?"

  Chantal lifted her chin and raised tear-filled eyes to his. "It was only the one time, I swear! I didn't mean for it to happen."

  For several long seconds he stared into her eyes as if trying to delve into her innermost thoughts. Finally he straightened his shoulders and gave her an almost imperceptible nod. "If you want him, then go. I'm done." Without another word he marched to a side door.

  "Zach wait, I'm sorry! Please, don't go! I love you!"

  He opened the door and left the sanctuary. The click of the latch echoed in the quiet church.

  Shocked silence greeted his departure. Dani stood motionless, too stunned to even breathe. Mike, one of Zach's groomsmen, quickly left through the same side door. Dani hoped he found Zach and made sure he was okay. Her heart ached at the thought of the devastation he must be experiencing.

  Chantal remained at the front of the church, still staring toward the side door. Harry approached her and touched her hand.

  "Come with me, darling. Let's get out of here."

  She recoiled from his touch. "Don't you dare touch me! This is all your fault!"

  "I couldn't let you marry him. I love you."

  "You've ruined everything!"

  She began to cry, tears running down her cheeks and ruining her makeup. Dani put her arm around her shoulders. Though she hated what she'd done to Zach, Chantal was genuinely hurting, and Dani couldn't bear to kick a girl when she was down.

  Todd, the second groomsman and Fiona's boyfriend, grabbed Harry's left arm while Chantal's father grabbed his right.

  "It's time for you to go," Foster Campbell said as he pulled Harry away from his daughter. "You've caused enough trouble for one day."

  "Chantal, I love you! We can make it work this time, I know we can. Call me!" Harry cried before they tossed him out the door.

  Fiona leaned close to her sister. "Is it true? Did you really sleep with Harry just two days ago?"

  Chantal raised her chin defiantly. "I made a mistake, okay? Everybody makes mistakes."

  "A mistake? A mistake is when you put too much sugar in your coffee, not when you cheat on your fiancé! That's something else entirely."

  "And of course you're so perfect, you've never done anything wrong."

  "At least I've never humiliated my family in front of everyone they know." Fiona snapped.

  People in the congregation watched with keen interest, some of them pulling out cell phones to take pictures. In minutes, this fiasco would be all over the Internet. Dani could imagine the title of the YouTube video: Two-timing Bride dumped at the altar.

  She stepped between Fiona and Chantal and whispered, "Let's save this argument for somewhere a little less public."

  Todd returned and escorted Chantal and Fiona to one of the waiting limos. Chantal kept her chin up, her expression haughty, as if daring anyone to remark on her behavior.

  Dani gave her high marks for having plenty of nerve.

  Chantal's parents followed closely behind them. Foster practically carried his sobbing wife down the aisle.

  "What's going to happen to all the flower arrangements? And the reception? My beautiful reception is ruined!" It was so like Margaret Campbell to worry about flower arrangements and receptions when her daughter had just broken a good man's heart.

  Shaking off her uncharitable thoughts, Dani gritted her teeth and headed back up the aisle. As the only member of the wedding party left, it fell to her to usher the guests from the church, since the minister didn't seem capable of doing it. She held up her hand to get everyone's attention.

  She raised her voice. "Excuse me please. As you've probably already guessed, there will be no wedding today. The family requests that you all please leave the church quietly and quickly. Thank you for your cooperation and patience."

  Fortunately, Mike returned and he helped her shepherd the guests from the church.

  Once people began leaving, she took him aside. "How's Zach? Is he okay?"

  He shook his head. "I don't know. I couldn't find him. He must have hailed a cab and gone back to his apartment."

  Her heart went out to Zach. He had to be traumatized by this turn of events. A wave of anger swept over her. How could Chantal do this to him? "You'll check on him, make sure he's okay?"

  "As soon as we're done here." He nodded toward the front of the church. "What about Zach's mom and Chantal's grandfather? What should we do with them?"

  She followed his gaze to the front pew where an older gentleman sat alone with a dark haired woman, both looking upset and bewildered. Despite all the tumult, they hadn't left their seats. Dani had met Chantal's grandfather, Campbell J. Campbell, years before and had found him to be a rather intimidating character. But at the moment he looked frail and vulnerable. She took a deep breath. "Don't worry, I'll look after them. You see about Zach."

  "I will."

  Whispering and gossiping, the congregation filed out of the church. Soon it was empty. Dani said goodbye to Mike, giving him her cell phone number so he could call her when he'd found Zach. She felt uneasy about him being alone, and wouldn't relax until she knew he was with friends.

  But worrying about Zach would have to wait. She still had things to take care of.

  She approached Zach's mother and Chantal's grandfather. Mr. Campbell was holding Adele Morrison's hand. Zach's mother had worked for years as Camp Campbell's housekeeper and personal assistant. Their association had been the reason Zach and Chantal had met in the first place.

  "There's a car waiting outside," Dani said gently. "It can take you back to your house. Why don't you let me help you to it?"

  Adele blinked back tears, clearly fighting to hold herself together. She rose to her feet and helped Camp get to his. The elderly gentleman leaned heavily on his cane as he offered her his arm.

  "Chin up, my dear. We have nothing to be embarrassed about."

  Adele took a fortifying breath and looped her arm through his. "Yes, you're right. Let's get out of here."

  They walked out of the church and down the steps to the sidewalk, their heads held high. Dani was struck by their dignity, although she sensed in Camp a repressed anger waiting to be unleashed. For her part, she only wanted to escape the church and get away from the curious stares of guests still milling about, no doubt hoping to hear some juicy gossip.

  By the time they reached the second limo, the car carrying Fiona and Todd and the others was pulling away from the curb. Dani helped Camp, and then Adele into the vehicle. She was about to enter the limo herself when Adele let out a cry.

  "Oh no! My purse! I must have left it in the church."

  "I can find it for you," Dani soothed. "What does it look like?"

  "It's a small black beaded clutch." She looked close to tears again. "I'm so sorry to be such a nuisance."

  "Of course you're not a nuisance." Dani gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'll find it and bring it to you, okay?"

  Adele gave her a tremulous smile. "You're very kind. Thank you."

  "You're welcome."

  She knocked on the window to get the limo driver's attention, and asked him to wait while she ran inside and looked for the purse. Hiking up her dress, she trudged back up the stairs of the church, toes screaming in protest. The only good news about this fiasco was that she could ditch the killer shoes and devil dress sooner than she'd expected.

  The minister was alone in the church when she reentered. He hurried down the aisle toward her, vestments flapping.

  "My goodness, what a turn of events!" he said. "I've never had anything like this happen at one of my weddings. It's very disconcerting for me."

  "I'm sure it is." It wasn't exactly a bowl of cherries for the bride and groom either.

  "Some people just aren't cut out for marriage. I blame it on the Internet. It's the Devil's tool, you know."

  She wa
sn't sure how to respond to that. Edging around the minister she said, "If you'll excuse me, I need to retrieve a lost purse."

  "Of course," he said, as if giving her his blessing. "I have an appointment I need to get to as well. Good day, miss."

  She breathed a sigh of relief, glad he was leaving. "Good day."

  As soon as he left the church, she hurried to the front pew where Adele had been seated. Sure enough, a small beaded bag lay on the floor under the second row of pews. First she tried to move the bag with her foot, but her dress was too tight to allow much leg movement. So she hitched up her dress and got down on her hands and knees to retrieve it. Her legs and feet instantly tangled in the fabric. "Damn it all to hell. I hate this bloody dress!"

  "What are you doing down there?"

  Startled, she banged her head on the pew.

  "Ouch. Damn it."

  Instant embarrassment filled her. She was on the floor on her hands and knees with her rear end facing the man, not exactly her best feature.

  But at least he wasn't viewing her from the front. The dress could barely contain her bosom as she leaned forward. Why couldn't she have normal-sized boobs like everybody else?

  "I just need to pick up this purse. I'll be out of here in a jiffy."

  As she stretched out her hand to grab the bag, her knee caught in the material. Before she could disentangle herself, the sound of fabric ripping in two echoed in the empty church. A moment later she felt a rush of cool air across her backside. Her stomach lurched in panic.

  "Oh God!"

  She reached a hand behind her and felt the large hole where the seam had given way. She desperately tried to pull the two pieces of material together while tears of humiliation threatened to fall. But she'd be damned if she'd cry in front of whoever was currently behind her and getting a close up view of her underwear.

  How exactly did she gracefully get herself out of this ridiculous situation?

  "Do you need help getting up?" His voice sounded familiar. Was it Zach? Oh God!