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“Oh, I was just telling Jess what a nice job she did,” Kayden said, winking at me.”
“You really did,” Willow agreed. “I’m impressed.”
“Thank you.” I gave her a genuine smile. “That means a lot coming from you.”
An assistant approached just then, tapping me on the shoulder. “Ms. Martin? Garrett sent me to ask you if he can have some time with each contestant, privately, before the ceremony.”
I frowned. “Do you know why?”
She shrugged. “No, I’m sorry.”
I took a deep breath, glancing at Kayden. What was he doing? I needed to find out. “I guess I’ll be right back, then.”
“He’s under the gazebo,” the assistant said, and I thanked her before hurrying to find him.
He was exactly where she said, turned away from me and looking out over the ocean, the pink and orange sky turning everything a golden hue. His wavy hair, brushed back from his face, caught the light, and I just stopped and stared at him for a moment. His tuxedo was tailored perfectly to his strong body, and it was all I could do not to go to him and throw myself in his arms.
I cleared my throat from a few yards away. “Garrett?”
He turned, his lips parting slightly as his gaze fell on me. He looked me up and down then walked toward me, his eyes warm and full of love. “You look beautiful, Jess.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, my voice unsteady. I didn’t know how long I could endure him looking at me like that. “You wanted to see me?”
“Well, I wanted to ask if I could have a few moments alone with Elizabeth and Reagan before we begin.”
Right. He hadn’t wanted to seeme. Not exactly.
“I want a moment in private to explain my choices so neither of them is blindsided. It’s a public announcement, after all. It would probably be best if they knew what was coming.”
I frowned, not wanting to think about what was coming. “I don’t see any reason why not. Just make it quick, okay? I want the timing to be right with the sunset.”
Garrett grinned, his eyes gleaming in amusement. “I wouldn’t dream of interfering with your need to control everything.”
I rolled my eyes. “Ha, ha.”
I started to turn away, but his hand shot out and grabbed mine. “Jess…”
Shaking my head, I pulled away. “I can’t do this, Garrett. Not today.”
“I just wanted to say thank you. For everything. I know I haven’t been the easiest person to work with over the past month and a half, but there’s no one I would have rather spent that time with.” He grabbed my hand again and brought it to his lips.
I had to look away. I was barely holding it together. “I have to go. I’ll send the girls to see you. But seriously, keep it quick. The sun is already setting.”
His laugh drifted on the air behind me as I rushed back to the garden, finding Elizabeth and Reagan waiting in the clearing. They both looked beautiful in their own white dresses. The assistants and stylists had gone all out. In fact, everything was absolutely perfect. I couldn’t imagine anything better than what I’d set up for them.
“Garrett would like to speak with each of you privately before the ceremony,” I told them. “He’s waiting out by the gazebo.”
“What’s going on?” Kayden asked when I returned to her.
I sighed. “I’m not sure. Garrett’s doing his own thing, as usual.”
“Hmm. Well, why don’t we greet the guests and let them know it will be a few minutes longer?”
Together, we made our way around the small crowd. I didn’t know what I would have done without Kayden by my side for strength and support. Probably collapsed in a heap of tears. But I had to be strong and keep it together. I could fall apart later.
It wasn’t long until Reagan and Elizabeth reappeared and took their places at the end of the path, right at the center of the clearing where the arches of wisteria were the thickest. There were podiums set up with additional floral arrangements and candles flickering, completing the utterly romantic vibe.
“I guess everything is ready, then,” I murmured to Kayden. “You should probably take a seat.” I gestured to where Holden, his parents, and their closest enforcers were seated in white chairs placed in a circle around the edges of the round clearing.
