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And I fall in love with him all over again.
“Peter Robinson is here, Aly,” Marianne says, snapping me out of my trance. “That’s a good sign.”
Peter Robinson. One of our clients. Poor man barely ever leaves his house, let alone attends an event like this. Hell, even I’m terrified to walk out onto that lawn. All eyes are going to be on me. I can just imagine what they are going to be thinking.
“Of course he’s here.” Lyndsey grabs my veil from off the chair. “He loves Aly. You’re like the daughter he never had. Or maybe you’re the daughter he soon will have.”
I spin around to face Lyndsey, my mouth falling open.
“Oh, come on.” She laughs, rolling a shoulder forward. “You must have seen how he and your mom get along with one another. They are adorable.”
Marianne nods. “It’s true. It’s good to have someone who understands what you’re going through. Peter barely left his bed for the first three months after his wife passed away. But since he met Nora at the support group, I’ve just seen a light shine in him again. Nora too.”
I have to admit, it is something special. I never thought my mother would move on after all she’d been through. I never even thought she would be half as happy as she was now. She still has her bad days. But they have grown so far and few between since her stay in hospital that I’ve allowed myself to hope.
That’s been, in part, thanks to Peter.
“Yes, love is in the air.”
I smile to myself, turning back to face my reflection. This smile, it’s an act. Good God. How am I going to walk out there? There have to be hundreds of people. All wondering about the woman who snatched the billionaire playboy from the beautiful blonde heiress and caused him to turn his back on the family business for good.
No pressure.
Damn.
Why do I do this to myself? I need a distraction. “So what about you, Lyndsey? When are you going to find Mr. Perfect?”
“Don’t try to marry me off just yet. I actually enjoy being a free spirit,” Lyndsey says, appearing behind me in the mirror. She slides the veil on the crown of my head, careful not to mangle the creative masterpiece my hair stylist designed. “I’ll just stick to the whole matchmaking aspect of true love. You know, kind of like how I helped you two get together.
“Say what now?” Marianne moves beside Lyndsey, her eyes issuing a clear warning.
I hold back a laugh, failing miserably in the process. “You got us together?”
“Of course. I was your guiding force,” Lyndsey explains, clutching her chest innocently. “I had to get you loosened up to even take that chance.”
“No, no.” Marianne waves a finger in the air. “I’m pretty sure I helped them get together. I was the one who told her to confront Zach about being a stubborn ass and where to find him outside of school.”
“Don’t I get any credit in all of this?” I ask.
“Yes, of course, sweetie.” Lyndsey strokes my shoulder. “This is your big day. You did it all on your own. No help from your loving friends who only support and push you equally.”
My hands flatten against my stomach. I smooth the invisible wrinkles with my palms. I can do this. Who cares what any of those people think? The ones who matter will know my heart is in the right place. They will look at me the same way they do any bride. No judgment, just love, and happiness.
And Zach will be there.
I can just look at him and know everything will be alright.
The door swings open.
Zach leans in, trying to shield his eyes the best he can. “Pardon me, ladies, but I need to borrow my bride for a moment.”
A series of shrieks echo throughout the room as Lyndsey and Marianne try to shove him back out the door.
“You’re not supposed to see the bride before the wedding, Zach.” Marianne swats him with her hand. “It’s bad luck. Get out!”
Zach sighs and pushes his way inside, shutting the door behind him. “I’m not worried about bad luck.”
His eyes find mine, and I have to resist leaping into his arms. He looks so handsome in his tuxedo. It’s not the first time I’ve seen him in one, and yet this looks entirely different. All amusement fades from his face, the arrogant smile fleeing his lips. His eyes stroke along the length of my dress, and instantly my body flushes with heat. I’m imagining every place he’s ever touched me, how that touch will be mine alone for the rest of our lives.
