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I pull out my phone, rereading Aiden’s text.
So sorry, Alice. Flight got canceled. I’ll be there tomorrow. Promise.His words are formal and brief, and I was sad he didn’t call. But I just typed back a brief reply.
No problem. Can’t wait until tomorrow. Headed to the rehearsal now.His response?
Have fun.I want to hear his voice. See his face.
I’ve got no reason to assume the worst but I can’t help fear he missed the plane on purpose...that he may not come at all.
Just when I need him more than ever.Chapter TenOf course, my flight is fucking delayed.
I tried to get a private plane out, but everything was booked, and since the weather was bad, I had no choice but to bide my time, knowing Alice was out at a rehearsal dinner, probably looking fucking hot as hell, and having a blast.
I didn’t call her, even though I wanted to so fucking badly. The last thing she needs is me to get all clingy.
But damn, tomorrow I won’t let her out of my sight.
The next morning, I’m more than anxious to get on the plane, and when I finally unbuckle my seat after we take off, I take a deep sigh of relief. I will see Alice in a matter of hours.
When I land in Seattle, I take an Uber to a ferry dock.
I get on a boat to a place called Bainbridge Island to the fancy-ass resort where her sister is getting married.
On the ferry, I go into a bathroom and change for the wedding. I don’t do suit coats or ties, but my mom told me I should wear a suit.
The wedding is outside, and the last thing I want is some fucking tie around my neck. There’s a reason I need the great outdoors around me, instead of the suffocating feel of the city.
“But you should show her that you are a man of means,” Mom had said, but I just scoffed.
“If that’s what she wants, I don’t want her.”
I may have a fuck-ton of cash, but money doesn’t mean very much to me, especially after Sheila. Still, I listened to my mom’s advice and got an Armani suit that she approved of.
But only because Alice means something to me and I know this wedding means something to her
When the ferry docks, I get a car, knowing I’m already cutting it close with getting to the wedding on time. I don’t want to be late, but this was out of my control.
When I show up at the Bainbridge resort, I’m led inside a massive lodge that looks a hell of a lot like my parents’ place.
In the lobby, I get a room key and I hand over my bags. The concierge tells me that they’ll deliver my bags to my room.
I go through a set of doors, realizing the wedding is starting in just a few minutes.
When I got off the plane, I texted Alice, letting her know I’d be here soon, but I never heard back. I assume she’s busy with wedding preparations, probably taking family photos and shit. When my brother and sister got married, I went through the circus, so I understand how busy this day is when you are a family member.
Still, I feel bad realizing I’m just cutting it so damn close. I hate that I can’t see her before the wedding starts, but an usher shows me to my seat and hands me a program and that’s that.
I refuse to pull out my phone like an asshole, instead, I hold my breath waiting for the wedding party to enter.
Waiting until I see my girl.
The groom and his groomsmen walk to the front. The ceremony has a gorgeous backdrop and the Puget Sound glistens in the July sun. All around us are thick cedar trees and lilac bushes. It’s a beautiful venue, and I can see why someone would want to get married here. In a lot of ways, it’s reminiscent of Alaska. In the distance, I see a mountain range with white peaks.
I appreciate that even though it’s a fancy wedding, I don’t feel entirely out of place.
But as I look around, and run my hand over my beard, that plenty of people are looking in my direction.
Music starts and bridesmaids begin walking down the aisle, there’s four of them, none of them Alice.
Then the maid of honor makes her entrance. Alice. Her eyes dart around the rows of people, looking for someone. I see her lip tremble, fear in her eyes.
Shit, she was scared I wouldn’t be here. I hate that missing my flight caused her any worry.
Knowing I need to ease her anxiety, I stand.
Okay, maybe you’re only supposed to stand up when the bride enters, but Alice is the one who takes my breath away.
A few people in the audience snicker, but I just shrug. The faux pas is worth it when Alice sees me, her face lighting up when her eyes land on mine. Relief washes over her and I give her a grin that is full of promise.
