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3
Danielle
Was this some game that he liked to play? One day he wore his white collar, the next he just dressed in a black suit. I didn’t care if Father Bennett was standing in the nude, I wasn’t going to look at him. Mostly because he stirred up feelings in me that weren’t right. If I got a moment alone with him, I was going to tell him that too. Holding my tongue wasn’t something I was good at.
Right now, I had more important things to do, like remember not to trip while walking down the aisle. I never enjoyed being the center of attention, and I certainly didn’t want to make a fool of myself. Why did Lori choose these shoes? Not only weren’t these shoes practical for a wedding, but I was already five foot eight. I looked and felt like a giant in these six-inch stilettos. My feet were killing me, and my ankles felt wobbly – a bad combination since the wedding was only just about to start. I could only imagine what I’d feel like when the night was over.
At least the pain is a distraction from the desire. I’d rather not be feeling either right now.
The music started, and that was my cue to walk towards Katherine who was standing behind the flower covered arbor. I hadn’t met her before, but for someone who performs weddings, I’d have thought she’d look less…uncomfortable standing there. She seemed more jittery than me.
When I got closer, I could see Katherine didn’t just look nervous, but maybe ill. She had dark circles under her eyes and looked pale. Ellen had mentioned that Katherine couldn’t attend the rehearsal because she hadn’t been feeling well. I had a feeling that hadn’t changed much. I felt bad for her. No one wanted to be out when they were sick, but she was a very important part of this wedding. Without her, Ellen and Lori couldn’t get married and her brother, Father Bennett, couldn’t stand in for her this time.
As I took my place beside the arbor, I gave Katherine a sympathetic nod. She smiled, but I could tell it was forced. We both turned our attention to the doors that had just opened. The music changed and it was time, the two brides were about to join us.
Somehow, they’d been able to keep their wedding gowns a secret, not just from each other, but from everyone. Lori came down the aisle first, absolutely glowing in a lace mermaid dress that showed off her full-figured curves.
Ellen entered next in a stunning tulle ballgown with a heart-shaped. Lori seemed just as surprised at Ellen’s choice of attire as I felt, and even more delighted.
The expressions on their faces were perfectly aligned, shining joy at one another and out to their gathered guests. They turned to face Katherine, and all thoughts of Father Bennett left me as the room filled with happiness and anticipation.
Lori and Ellen had written their own vows, and after all was said and done, there wasn’t a dry eye in the hall. For a moment, I almost believed that I too might be able to find love again. But I wasn’t looking, and after what my ex put me through, I wasn’t sure I wanted to risk that again. I obviously wasn’t the best judge of character. The last thing I needed was another man that thought he was God’s gift to women. I’d rather be…alone.
I didn’t judge anyone for who they loved, but I was only attracted to men. I bit back my chuckle. Lori and Ellen don’t have to worry about that anymore.
“I now pronounce you wed. You may now seal this union with a kiss, symbolizing the beginning of the rest of your lives,” Katherine said.
At that moment it dawned on me: if their marriage didn’t survive, our friendship would never be the same. I couldn’t choose a side like I had done before. I loved them both.
You two had better not split up, because I don’t think I could ever say goodbye to either of you.
It was horrible thinking like this just moments after they’d pledged their love and devotion in front of family and friends, but I couldn’t help it. I was still cynical. I no longer believed in happily-ever-after. Just the here and now.
Lori and Ellen practically danced their way through the aisle, absolutely beaming. When I turned to follow, I saw Katherine sway slightly and grab hold onto the wedding arbor, and it almost toppled over onto her. I dropped my bouquet and reached out for Katherine instead. No one seemed to have even noticed what was going on as they all were dancing around Ellen and Lori.
“Whoa, are you okay?” I asked, knowing that she wasn’t.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I haven’t been able to hold much down lately.”
“Sick?” I asked. She didn’t strike me as the woman who’d have shown up today hung over, but then again, I didn’t know her.
She nodded. “They call it morning sickness but for some odd reason, it seems to last all day.”
I was glad she wasn’t seriously ill but being pregnant sounded miserable. “I’ve
never had children, but I hear pregnancy has its challenges. At least in the first trimester,” I said. It wasn’t because I couldn’t have any, but because my ex-husband didn’t want any. Guess he figured he couldn’t be the center of attention if he needed to compete with a baby. I should’ve opened my eyes to what a jerk he was long ago and maybe I would’ve had a family. Just with someone else.
“I hope so,” she sighed. She looked around and asked, “Have you seen my brother?”
The hot and sexy man I’m trying not to think about? I even see him when I close my eyes.
“I’m sure he’s somewhere close by,” I said. At that very moment, I felt his hand on mine and instantly that spark flared again.
What the hell!
I pulled my hand away, turned to meet his eyes, and snapped, “Keep your hands off me.”
He removed his hand, surprised by my abrupt tone. I didn’t care. He had a lot of nerve touching me.
