“I thought the brides were supposed to be the difficult ones.”
Kate laughs. “Oh gosh no. Moms are the worst, second only to the rare but horrendous groomzillas.”
“You should be nominated for sainthood,” I mumble, brushing a stray thread off one of the tables.
“It just takes a little patience.” She adjusts one of the centerpieces, turning it a millimeter at a time until she’s satisfied with its placement. “You’re doing very well for your first time, especially considering I only had a day to prep you before throwing you into the action.”
I don’t mean to relish in this small bit of praise, but I haven’t felt anything even close to competent since I woke up in this candy-colored hellscape and it feels nice. “Thanks,” I say, and I mean it.
Maybe I can do this after all. Maybe Kate can teach me how to smile and nod while a stranger berates me. I mean, if anything, my family might have perfectly prepared me for this job. The next time someone gives me attitude, I’ll just pretend I’m dealing with Grandmother when she’s on one of her tirades—keep the eyes engaged but shut down my emotions. I’ve been doing that my whole life.
What I’m not prepared to handle is a bride with cold feet. And when today’s bride, Emily, grips my arm in a hold not unlike her future mother-in-law’s, her eyes wide with fear, I don’t know what to do. Honestly, Kate should be the one in the bridal suite, fluffing the dress and fixing the train as we get Emily ready to take the long walk down the aisle, but she’s off wrangling the wedding party.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” Emily whispers, her French manicured nails digging into my skin.
I try desperately to channel Kate or Mimi, fuck even Ben could probably handle this better than I can. “What do youmean?” I’m stalling, hoping and praying Kate will push through the door and work her magic.
“I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Thismeaning…?”
She looks at me like I’m an idiot. “Walk down that aisle and get married.”
“Pledging your entire life to one person is a pretty bonkers concept when you think about it.” The words slip out before I can stop them. I fake laugh as if it can cover my mistake.
“Exactly. Like am I really going to commit the whole rest of my existence to a man who doesn’t even know how to load a dishwasher?”
“Yes?” Hopefully, because if not, I think I can probably say goodbye to my chances of getting home. Something tells me a career as a successful wedding planner doesn’t start with your first wedding ending in, well, zero marrying. “I mean, that’s just one little flaw. Everyone has flaws. Certainly he has other good qualities to make up for it?”
She snorts. “Like how he leaves every single light on and every single cupboard open?”
“Charming personality quirks!” My voice rises unnaturally high. “Emily, it’s normal to be nervous before making such a huge, life-altering decision, but you and Tim love each other.” The words burn my throat because I know love is never enough, but I’m selfish enough to keep pushing this woman if it means I don’t have to completely botch another career path.
Emily tosses her bouquet on the couch. “I don’t think I should do this.”
I grab the flowers before they can get crushed and shovethem back in her hands. “Emily, you’ve gotten this far, babe, think about how disappointed everyone will be if you call it off now.” My stomach turns because why the hell should she care how disappointedeveryone elsewill be? This is her life and her decision to make.
She sinks down onto the couch, her head falling into her hands. “I don’t think he really loves me. And I don’t think I love him either.”
Fuck it. I sit down next to her. “Then let’s get the fuck out of here.”
She turns her head to meet my gaze, her eyes wide. “Are you serious?”
“Fuck yeah, I’m serious. If you don’t love him, why the hell would you marry him?”
“We were high school sweethearts. Our families are best friends. It was just expected, you know? And I do care about him, but maybe that isn’t enough.” Tears start to fill her eyes.
I hand her a tissue. “Just because it’s expected doesn’t mean it’s right. Have you talked to Tim about this at all?”
She shakes her head. “He’s my best friend. I didn’t want to hurt him.”
“If he really cares about you, then he’ll want you to be happy.” I pat her on the knee in a way I hope is comforting. “Besides, why are you more worried about his feelings than you are about yours? That’s how women end up in untenable situations with the garbage bags we call men. Do you really want to end up alone and miserable in a year or two, saddled with Tim’s kid and unable to make a life for yourself?”
Blowing her nose loudly, she looks at me with wet eyes. “You really think that’s what could happen?”
I may have imparted too much personal info there, but I don’t let it slow me down. “It’s a real possibility, Em. I’ve seen it happen.” I push to my feet. “Let me go get Kate.”
Before I have the chance to leave and go find out what the hell to do now, Kate pushes into the room, a bright yet harried smile on her face. “Everything okay in here?”
