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Gram grabs my left hand, her thumb prodding at the engagement ring. “It is not every day that someone becomes a Gladstone. Of course, I’m sure.”
I try to smile though I still feel some guilt for the farce this has all become.
I can only imagine how much worse I would feel if Chase and I were still cold to each other. Thankfully, this wedding is only half a lie now. And I’m ready to spend the rest of my life proving to everyone just how true my feelings for Chase are.
It won’t take much for me to fully love him. And maybe having a wedding before that is putting the cart before the horse but fuck it. I’m an artist. We’re always doing things backward.
About fifteen minutes before the wedding is supposed to start, I am left alone in the pantry, my holding room to make sure I remain out of sight until my cue.
My father and I were shooting the shit for a bit, but then he had to rush off to the bathroom. “Nerves,” he said with an uneasy smile, grabbing his stomach.
It’s good, though, that I have a moment alone. I need it. The past two months have been a constant rigamarole. Fifteen minutes, right before my wedding to Chase Gladstone, is a necessity at this point.
I have faith, and hope, that this will all work out for the best. I have no reason to believe it won’t.
Chase has turned into a different man in just a few weeks. Opening his heart to me. Showing me what kind of commitment he can really give.
This is only as pretend as the two of us say it is. And I don’t believe it’s pretend anymore.
I think this is just the beginning.
The door to the pantry creaks open. “Jude?”
“Chase?” I ask in shock. I rush to the door and keep him from opening it further. “What are you –”
“I just wanted to say something before the ceremony.”
I pause. His voice sounds very serious and grave. The kind of Chase that goes to court and pleads his case. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah… yes…” His voice lightens the slightest bit. “Um, are you?”
I smile to myself, leaning on the door. “Yes. I’m actually excited.”
Now, Chase pauses. “I just need you to know that I’m going to do what needs to be done today. I don’t want you to worry or –”
“Chase! You’re not supposed to see the bride before the wedding, crazy kid!” I hear my dad cry out.
I retreat from the door.Do what needs to be done…What the hell does that mean?
“Sorry, Mr. Parry, I just –”
“Ha! You’re impatient. I understand. I’ve been in your shoes. Won’t be long now, son,” my dad says in his friendliest twang. “Now you go on…”
I hear Chase’s dress shoes click through the kitchen. Then, silence. My dad finally opens the door and smiles. “You found a good one, Jude. Can’t wait fifteen minutes for you, huh?”
I smile. “Yeah, Dad.”
I don’t have the heart to tell him I’m pretty positive whatever Chase had on his mind wasn’t about his excitement to marry me.
I am numb as I walk down the aisle. I am blinded to everything but Chase.
He’s not even looking at me.
Something is wrong. Totally wrong.
However, I have to persist. I put on my most winning smile. My father lifts the veil, and kisses my cheek, his tears dripping onto my face. I wick it away as soon as his back is turned.
As he guides me toward Chase, my father says, “Take good care of her.”
