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But there’s magic in the air today. Mack and Sidnie’s happiness is like glitter floating on the air through the yacht, and I can’t help but get some of it on me.
*
The yacht sets sail from Paihia, and begins its tour of the Bay of Islands, following which it will pass the Cavalli Islands and sail up to Doubtless Bay before looping back once again.
The yacht is a lot busier now everyone’s on board. Sidnie is already locked away with her mother, sister, and best friends getting ready for her big moment. Huxley and Mack spend a couple of hours introducing people and playing hosts while stewards go around with drinks and canapés, and then around midday everyone starts disappearing for a short rest before they get ready for the wedding.
As Sidnie’s getting ready in their cabin, Mack joins Huxley in his old cabin to change, leaving me alone in mine, at least for now. They wanted a relaxed wedding, and I thought I’d go for trousers as I didn’t want to spend the whole day trying to stop the sea breeze blowing up my skirt. I was going to pick something cream or maybe light blue to go with the ocean theme, but then my gaze fell on the outfit I ended up with, and I was lost. It’s cherry-red, with a boned bodice, shoestring straps, and wide-leg pants. It’s perfect for a summer wedding, and I rarely wear red, so it’s also a little different.
I leave my hair down but add a clip with a small red flower behind one ear, and touch up my makeup, adding a red gloss to my lips that again I rarely wear.
When I’m done, and it’s around 1:30 p.m., I take a deep breath and head up the stairs to the saloon.
I see Huxley immediately, standing with Mack in the wide doorway leading onto the deck, talking to Cameron. They’re both wearing cream linen suits and light-blue shirts, and they’re both heartbreakingly handsome.
Huxley glances around and spots me, and I have the pleasure of watching his eyes widen as he sees my outfit. He doesn’t smile as I walk toward them, and when I stop before him, he just lets his gaze slip down me, then slowly brushes it back up.
“Hey, Elizabeth,” Mack says. “Wow, you look gorgeous. Doesn’t she, Hux?”
“Mm,” he says noncommittally.
“Don’t worry about him,” Mack says, “he’s lost the power of speech, that’s all.”
Huxley shoots him a wry look, then turns away to talk to Cameron as he asks him something about the guest list.
“Look at you,” I say to Mack, not sure whether Huxley likes my outfit or not. “You scrub up well.”
“Even brushed my teeth,” he says, holding up an arm so I can hug him.
“She’s a lucky girl,” I tell him, kissing him on the cheek.
“I’m the lucky one. I still can’t believe she said yes.” He walks me away a few feet, then lets me go. “How are you doing?” he asks.
“You just worry about yourself on your wedding day, Mack Hart.”
“I’m sorry I shouted at you at Titus’s office,” he says. “You know it’s only because I’m worried about the two of you.”
“I know. But you shouldn’t be. It’s all over.”
“Yeah,” he says, “right.” He glances at Huxley, then back at me. “He’s not doing great.”
I follow his gaze, and watch Huxley laughing with Cameron. “He looks okay to me.”
“It’s a cover. He’s lost a load of weight.” He runs his gaze down me. “So have you.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“I know it’s none of my business, but you’re both killing me.” He looks genuinely pained.
My throat tightens. “Don’t. It’s hard enough as it is. I’m hanging on by my fingernails.”
“He loves you, you know.”
My eyes water. “Mack! You’ll ruin my makeup.”
He sighs, then smiles as Huxley walks up to us. I sniff and study my shoes.
“Everything all right?” Huxley asks.
