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Maddy knocks for me early, with her hair up in rollers. She’s bubbling with excitement as she holds out a bright floral summer dress to me with an off the shoulder cut and a frilly hem.
“It was my plan B for today, it would totally look better on you though.” She smiles widely and waits for a response. I didn’t tell them how upset I was after Brax called to say he wasn’t coming home last night. But I doubt I did a good job of hiding it.
“It’s really pretty,” I tell her, putting on a brave face and trying not to think about what Brax got up to last night.
“Grace come on, we have to get up to the lodge and get Ella ready.” She rolls her eyes.
“Of course, let me just put something on.” I look down at Brax’s T-shirt, the one I’d pathetically chosen to sleep in last night to feel close to him.
“Hurry up then.” She hops from foot to foot impatiently.
I don’t keep her waiting long, grabbing a rapid shower and piling my wet hair on top of my head before pulling on a fresh T-shirt and some shorts from the pile of clothes she's already lent me. Then, grabbing the dress I’ll be wearing later, I follow her out.
“So last night was fun. I think we’re gonna miss you when you go home,” she makes conversation as we walk up the hill toward Ella and Nyx’s lodge.
“I'm wondering if anything will ever be the same again,” I admit, wondering how the life I knew before can feel so far away from reality now. So much has happened, I don’t know what day of the week it is. I actually feel myself starting to cry and I don’t know where to begin with the reasons why.
“Hey…” Maddy stops walking and turns to face me. “Only happy tears today, okay. It’s taken me some getting used to, but this club isn’t a bad place. We take care of our own. Nothing’s gonna happen to you, not while the Dirty Souls have your back,” she smiles. “We’re gonna have a magical day, and we’ll figure everything else out when the time comes.”
“Sounds good to me.” I nod, drying my eyes, grateful for her kindness. Maddy is a good person, she doesn’t judge me despite knowing that I have a boyfriend at home. “Come on, let’s not keep the bride waiting.” I take her hand and drag her the rest of the way up the hill.
We find Ella calm and collected when we get to the lodge. Dylan’s playing happily in his playpen while she eats toast in her robe at the kitchen table.
“Morning,” Maddy bursts in and hugs her straight away, and I follow in after her. “Have you showered?” Maddy asks, laying out the suitcase she’s carrying on the table and unpacking countless products.
“What’s up, you look sad?” I stop and look at Ella, I get that today’s a big day and she’s nervous. But she looks a little worried.
“I text my best friend Abby a few days ago to tell her about the wedding. I’m sure she’s still in Europe, but I thought she might have text me back. Or at least text today to say good luck.” She slides her cell back inside her robe pocket and looks up cheerily.
“Ella, she’s probably ashamed of herself for the way she treated you. I’m sure when she gets back, she’ll be in touch,” Maddy points out after making a fuss of Dylan.
“It’s been months. And Abby always made such an effort with special occasions. I just can’t believe she’d ignore me, especially over something so important. Maybe I should call her. Let her know the past is in the past.”
“You’re getting married today, you still have to shower and Mom will be here to do your hair at ten. You can call Abby tomorrow when you’re Mrs. Anderson. Gracie, get that champagne popped.” Maddy calls over to me, already setting to work and rubbing some cream into her face.
I do as I’m ordered, managing to find some flutes in the cupboard and popping open the bottle.
“Did Nyx stay here last night?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
“No, he stayed with Tac, sweet isn’t it.” She looks over at me and smiles before she explains, “Tac’s kinda been like a father to Nyx, he’s his best man today.”
“I hope Brax has remembered to get to the barn before the guests start arriving. Was he up before you left?” Maddy asks, holding her hand out to assess the paintjob she’s started on her nails.
“Brax didn’t come home last night.” I try to act like that fact doesn’t bother me, as I place a glass in front of them both and grab one for myself.
“Oh.” I don’t miss the glance that the two girls give one another. “Boys will be boys,” Maddy says, scrunching her shoulders and looking kinda awkward. “Here’s to the assholes who have stolen our hearts.” She lifts up her glass and giggles. And I decide to drink to that toast, because the girl couldn’t be any more accurate.
“How was it last night?” As I open the door, it disturbs Brax from where he’s propped up against the wall sleeping. He grunts me an answer as he wakes himself up, stretching his arms out and cracking his neck.
“Drink.” I take the tape off Abby’s mouth and offer her some water, which she gulps down desperately. And when I go to tape her back up, she begs me not to.
“Please don’t, I promise I won’t scream.”
“You got one chance,” I warn her, lighting up another cigarette and checking my phone for the time. I’m getting married in less than a fucking hour. I should be having a drink at the bar with the brothers and celebrating, not dealing with this.
The door creaks open and Jessie strolls inside, looking pretty fuckin’ sharp in the tux he’s wearing.
“Got your message to pick up Brax’s su… what the fuck?” He grinds to a halt when he sees the girl tied to the chair.
