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I was surveying the area, with Lane and Emma next to me. Lane had asked to speak with her privately before we made final plans for the wedding day. Emma had returned somewhat distant, and I tried not to think much of it. I knew how her father could be.
“This all looks great,” I said.
“Not a penny was spared,” said Lane proudly.
“Try this sample the vendor gave us,” Emma said. She led me away to a sample tray, and then whispered to me. “We have to get out before the first meal is served.” Her voice sounded confident, but I could feel her shaky breaths against my cheek.
I didn’t even nod, and just said, “I walk to the bathroom right at 5:25, and you do the same.”
Emma was clearly frazzled, but we didn’t have much time to talk privately. She handed me a sample of some beef tenderloin that melted in my mouth. It was sometimes hard to remember that you’re in the heart of evil when you got to live so well.
The accommodations for our wedding were breathtaking at times. Lane had arranged for a full big band to perform, and I asked him when the first dance would be.
“I won’t know the band schedule until Karen gets back. She’s out on a supply run. These things can get pretty complicated for the cook staff,” Lane said. “Just ask her when she gets back.”
I didn’t. Most likely, I would be gone by then, but I didn’t want anyone to suspect Emma and I were up to anything. The events leading up to the first rehearsal dinner were pretty slow. We had a lot to do, but it seemed like time was passing by slower than a snail tripping. I had tried on several suits and had a tailor working with me. I didn’t know if I could trust him, so the fitting was mostly silent.
“Lift your arm up,” the tailor instructed. He made his measurements, as I admired my own reflection. My eyes shone brilliantly, my posture had improved, and my skin had a slight sheen that I attributed to good health. WIth all of the danger slowly building up, I couldn’t help but feel more alive. We finished the fitting, and the tailor said he’d take the suit I picked.
“I can take it now,” I said, wanting to be able to alter the suit on my own.
The tailor gulped. “Mr. Price said that I was to take the suit for it to be delivered to you the day of the wedding.”
I could see the fear written in his face. “I’ll deal with Lane myself, don’t worry.” I tooke the suit.
I felt sorry for that poor tailor, but it was his life or mine. I was going to stop at nothing to make my escape as easy as possible. We were to leave for the restroom at 5:25, but what I didn’t tell Emma was that I was going to cause an even bigger distraction by shooting at her father. I didn’t plan on hitting him, but it had to look like the shot had come from the Reeds.
In a way, it would.
I returned to meet with Emma one last time the night before the wedding. Emma was telling me about everything she had dealt with, including overseeing the cooks and bakers.
“Your father wasn’t in charge of that?” I asked. “It seems like he’s in control of everything.”
“Oh no, I just wanted to try the food again,” she admitted, and we laughed.
That night was our last night of passion before we risked everything. Escaping her father yet again would be no easy task, but I had made some additional arrangements that would ensure our escape.
The next morning was the big day. Lane approached me.
“Don’t even think of double crossing me,” he hissed. He had nothing going for him that could stop me. I was quick, and wise. As long as I kept my calm, Lane could find no wrong in me.
Emma was getting ready elsewhere, as was customary. I had several people catering to my every need, the one nice thing about doing anything under Lane’s direction. There would be no issues with money, and I was quite comfortable.
When we made our way to the ceremony, I saw Emma with Karen. Both Karen and Lane would give us away, something I thought of as odd.
Lane walked with me to the waiting spot, and a priest came out. Lane and I went first, a comical sight, but as the only other person who could “give me away” was Braden Reed, Lane decided he wanted to walk me down the aisle like I was his little prisoner.We’ll get even, Lane…
Karen walked Emma down, and I could hardly believe just how much more gorgeous she had become. She was in all white, and her red hair shone perfectly, adorned with a white flower. She was perfect, my angel.
When she came up, I could see the excitement in her face. She knew today was special, both in that it could be our last day together, and in the fact that it was our wedding day.
The priest said something, and I bumbled.
“I have vows to read,” I said.
Even though the situation was not ideal, I wanted Emma to know how much I wanted her. I wanted her to know that I was in it for the long haul and that I would go to the greatest of lengths to take care of her.
“Emma, you are the one,” I said. “You are the one who has awakened a fire within me like no other. Without you, my life means nothing. Our love will be born very soon, and I couldn’t think of a better person to start a family with.”
