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ROSE
I stare at myself in the mirror as the hair stylist fixes the last of my curls. The reflection in the back mirror allows me to see the hairstyle better. A messy updo is what she called it. I wasn’t sure if I wanted anything messy, but then she showed me a picture.
It was a messy but beautiful bun. What made it extraordinary were the fresh roses she had placed on the girl’s hair in the photograph. In the past, I’d have asked for the same style without a second thought. Instead, I asked if she could replace the flowers with something else. Now secured in my hair is a silver hair-vine covering the major arch of the updo. Freshwater pearls shine under the light from the ceiling. My makeup is sober for an evening church wedding followed by a grand reception, but it’s the maximum primping I’ve ever received.
Since I’ve been back from St. Peppers, Zander’s words keep buzzing in my ears. He said I give him hope for a beautiful future that he wants to share with me. Sometimes I wonder how I got this lucky. This man, fancied by every other girl, wants a future with me. But why?
I don’t doubt his love. In fact, he’s the one who showed me what love truly means. But I’m afraid to think about our future together.
Will he still love me the same when my flaws bare themselves?
Will he still love me when I struggle to interact with his quick-witted business associates or their wives while we’re at some stuffy office party?
Won’t he be upset if I don’t want to go to such a party?
I’m not an expert on relationships, but I know people fall out of love for much less. And this scares the hell out of me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to bear the pain of losing Zander, and more than that, see him embarrassed because of me.
“Rose, you look beautiful.” Sophia looks at me in the mirror, a weird expression, possibly one of surprise, etched on her face.
“Thanks,” I reply sheepishly. Sophia only arrived yesterday morning and met Oscar and his family during the pre-wedding dinner. I thought the mother of the bride would be more involved in the wedding preparations, but not always, I guess.
“You are most welcome.” She pecks me on the forehead before taking my hand and leading me to the window, away from the other ladies. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to meet Zander and talk to him for a while.”
“Um… really?” I’m surprised by her request. So far, she hasn’t asked me anything about Zander. Even when Kristy brought up Zander and his brothers multiple times, Sophia showed no interest.
She nods. “Introduce us during the reception. I can have a word with him before I leave tomorrow.”
“You’re leaving already?”
“Yes. I’m only a few hours’ drive. Kristy can visit me anytime she wants.” Sophia doesn’t need to explicitly mention I’m not as welcomed as Kristy in her home. My previous excitement lessens, and the familiar feeling of loneliness revisits me. Before my mood sobers further, a tweet sound from my phone alerts me of a text, and my lips twitch into a smile.
Zander: We’re at the venue. Dying to see you.
“Is that him?”
I jerk to look up at Sophia. How easily he turns my mood; his words already made me forget Sophia and whatever she was saying.
I nod to her as Zander’s next message arrives.
Zander: Dying to kiss you, taste you, hug you. Meet me soon.
My face heats with anticipation.
“Don’t forget to introduce us.” Sophia raises her eyebrow at me as she glances at my blushing face.
* * *
Standing at the altar behind Kristy, I look around and find Zander sitting in the third row with Zach and Zane. The three brothers stand out in the crowd of expensive suits and fancy dresses.
Zander looks breathtaking in his black tux and bow tie, his hair slicked back as if he just stepped off the screen of an old movie. He gives me a once-over, his sensual stare gazing at some parts of my body longer than others, making me delirious.
How does he do it, turn me into a hot mess by just one look?
The officiant starts the ceremony, but I have no clue what’s going on. I’m totally lost in Zander and the way he’s staring at me. We’re pulled back to reality by the loud claps and cheers of everyone around, and I realize the ceremony is already over.
I hug Kristy, who is beaming with happiness. “I’m so happy for you, Kris.”
“Thank you so much. I’m happy for you too.” She squeezes me back and looks in the direction of the three Teager men.
