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When we break apart, her cheeks are flushed. I might have crossed a line, but we are in public after all. Who knows? There might be someone looking. At least, that’ll be my defense when she inevitably scolds me.
But she doesn’t. Instead, she stands up and walks to the end of the row, where a field of flowers starts. She picks a few blooms and comes back next to me. Choosing a long stem of grass, she ties it around the flowers to form a bouquet before placing it on my mom’s grave.
“There,” she says, standing up again. She gives me a little pat on the shoulder and a smile that soothes my heart. “I’ll let you say goodbye. Meet you back at the room.”
And just like that, she leaves. Once she’s out of earshot, I say, “Mom, this is the woman I’m going to marry. And I might just be the luckiest man in the world.”
24
Wedding Day
Jane
The wedding is taking place in a beautiful flower garden not far from the hotel, and it’s magnificent. The arch is made of lavender-colored roses, white lilies, and climbing vines, and the aisle is set up in a secluded corner, high bushes of purple lilacs and white hydrangeas cordoning it off from the rest of the garden. It’s like we’re in a labyrinth, nothing but flowers and plants surrounding us. The delicate aromas and bird songs contribute to the romantic setting. I get why they chose this place to tie the knot.
Colton and I are seated toward the middle on the groom’s side. We haven’t talked to the bride and groom yet, but Colton waved at Wade when he stepped under the wedding arch alongside his brother. Since Wade is a professional soccer player, most of the people on our side look straight off a sportswear commercial. Perfect features, neatly styled hair. Wade, too, is particularly good looking. He kind of makes me think of the main character in “Peaky Blinders”—fitting, considering we’re in the UK.
I’m wearing a rose-gold satin dress I bought with Marcie and Jules, and Colton matched the color of his pocket square with my dress.
When the wedding march begins, I start fidgeting nervously. I’m not the one getting married. I have nothing to be anxious about. Except that the musical cue also means the wedding is officially on, and so is a long afternoon of pretending.
But when the bride steps into the aisle, my anxiety washes away. Roxy’s dress is beautiful—an off-shoulder ball gown covered in 3D flower lace—and her beaming expression matches Wade’s. Her dad is walking her down the aisle, struggling to rein in his tears.
The corners of my eyes prickle as well, partly because I’m a sympathetic crier, but mostly because I can’t help thinking of my own wedding, how no one will be there to walk me down the aisle. The marriage is fake, Jane. Get over it! The number of times I’ve had to repeat this to myself lately is frankly embarrassing.
I spent hours picking out the napkins we’ll use for the reception, but does it really matter? I listened to countless bands before making my choice, but who cares? I fought Agnes on the location, but why? It’s all pointless.
When I come back to reality, Wade and Roxy are exchanging vows. They look so deeply in love, stealing glances and secret, meaningful smiles. It kind of reminds me of our engagement dinner, when Colton and I were on stage. Except those were secret scheming smiles. Not the same smiles Wade and Roxy are exchanging, I’m sure.
They recite their vows and close the ceremony by kissing passionately under the applause of the guests. It was a truly beautiful moment between two people who were clearly in love. I can’t help but dread how difficult it’ll be to fake it when Colton and I are saying our own vows. Not that pretending to be smitten with Colton would be hard. But faking it while also trying to hide my feelings definitely will.
My life is a mess.
After the ceremony, we get in line to congratulate the newlyweds.
“Colton, how are you, mate?” Wade takes Colton into a bro hug. “So glad you could make it.”
“Congratulations to both of you,” Colton says, then turns to Roxy. “Nice to see you again.”
“You too,” she says with a warm smile. We haven’t even met yet, but she immediately strikes me as a very kind girl.
“Roxy, Wade. I want you to meet Jane, my fiancée,” Colton says, placing a hand on my lower back. My instinct is to shrink from his touch, because I’m afraid it might melt the sleek fabric on my body. But then I remember it’s within the rules of the contract.
“Hi,” I say, shaking both of their hands. “So nice to meet you. It was a beautiful ceremony. Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Roxy gushes.
“We are thrilled to meet you,” Wade says, flashing a bright smile. “It’ll be your turn soon. Never imagined this man would ever get married!”
“You’re one to talk,” Colton teases back with an amused smile. “Everyone thought you’d stay celibate until the end of your career.”
Wade just rolls his eyes. “I wasn’t celibate. I was just waiting for the right person,” he says, turning to Roxy and kissing her on the cheek.
“Love looks good on you, Hunt,” Colton says with a strong British accent that makes me do a double take. Who is this man standing next to me? I was managing okay on this trip until now, but I’m teetering on the edge. And that accent might just be my downfall.
Wade glances between the two of us. “You too.”
I force a smile.
