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Even though the circumstances of Kate’s appearance in our lives seem a little farfetched, I can’t help but be grateful for the twist of fate. This should be a joyous day. My brother is getting married to the love of his life. And I’m left with this gaping hole in my chest, the burden of painful memories haunting me from the past.
Marriage should be a partnership. A uniting of two souls who were made for each other. At least, that’s the fairy tale. But marriage left me shattered and floundering. The institution lost all its meaning after my hellish experience.
Gladys, Arthur’s secretary, appears in the doorway. “They’re ready for you on the observation deck.”
“Thanks, Gladys.” Kate turns to face me, her eyes sparkling and her wide smile infectious. “Shall we go?”
I step to the side and sweep a dramatic bow. “After you.”
Kate grabs the bouquet of lilies and roses sitting on Arthur’s desk and swans out of the office. I follow, making sure the doors are locked behind me. When we reach the elevators, Kate takes my hand.
“Nervous?” I press the button for the observation deck.
“Yeah.” Her hand trembles, and I squeeze it tight.
“Those nerves will disappear the moment you see Arthur. I promise.” My comforting words ease her trembling.
They decided to have the ceremony in the same place where it all began on New Year’s Day—the Empire State Building. Some would say it’s romantic, like an homage to that old film, An Affair to Remember. I’m just thrilled they’re opting for a non-traditional wedding. I’m pretty sure I’d burst into flames if I set foot in a church.
When the elevator dings, I release her hand. The doors open, and Arthur’s business partner, Victor, stands waiting for us. He offers his arm to Kate.
“May I?”
Tears well up in her eyes. “I would be honored, Victor. Thank you.”
Kate slides her arm through his, and they step out into the bright May sunlight.
I slip around them and make my way toward the small area they transformed into a lovely, romantic oasis. A dozen chairs lay on either side of the makeshift red-carpet aisle. At the end of the aisle, near the railing, stands my brother in a dapper black tuxedo. Beside him stands the pastor, and off to the side is Rob, wearing a matching tuxedo and a bright blue bow tie.
My heart flutters at the sight of him standing there. Damn it, why is he so handsome?
Soft strains of music fill the air. The string quartet is an elegant touch. I make my way up the aisle and take my position to the left of the priest.
When I turn to watch Kate’s procession, I’m struck speechless. Her radiant smile only compounds the effervescent joy pouring off her in waves. She grips Victor’s arm tightly as she walks down the aisle to Arthur, her eyes shining bright. When they reach the small dais, she hugs Victor and kisses his cheek. Tears roll down her face.
Arthur takes her hand as she steps forward to take her place beside him. She turns and hands me the bouquet.
I step closer, take the flowers, and place a handkerchief in her hand.
My gaze skims over the crowd as Kate turns to Arthur. There’s only a handful of guests. Victor and his extremely pregnant wife, who looks like she’s about to burst. Gladys, Cyril, and a few other friends of the family. The music fades before coming to an end.
“Dearly beloved...” The pastor begins the ceremony, and I clutch the flowers tightly in my hands.
These words. They’re painful. They dredge up memories I would rather leave buried at the bottom of the Hudson River. I close my eyes, wishing I had something to focus on. Something to distract me from the twisting, gnawing ache that rips my head and heart apart.
When I open my eyes, my gaze fixes like a laser on Rob. I inhale sharply.
He’s not watching the ceremony or the guests. His attention is focused on me.
Only me.
The pastor recites the vows, but it’s background noise. Every fiber of my being is on fire. Rob never wavers. It’s like we are standing on the dais before the pastor and the congregation. I brace myself for panic to overwhelm me, but it never comes. Instead, a peace settles around me. We’re transported, the two of us, to a stolen moment in time amid family and friends.
Kate and Arthur repeat the vows. As they speak the words and exchange the rings, Rob flexes his jaw, pressing his lips together in a thin line. It’s almost as though he wants to speak but stops himself. Strange.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the pastor announces. “You may kiss the bride.”
Arthur sweeps Kate into a passionate embrace. The crowd erupts in cheers and applause. Rob and I remain steadfast, our gazes locked.
