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“It’s no big deal. You’re overreacting, Elaina.”
“No big deal? My dress is ruined. It cost a fortune. So is my hair and makeup. Things I paid a lot of money to get perfect for this day. But none of that matters to you, does it? You humiliated me, Elliott. For what? A laugh?”
“You’re blowing this out of proportion.”
“Is she?” I cut in. “I know better than anyone how cruel you can be when you want to. This is just another example.”
“This isn’t about you, Dylan. Stay out of it,” he snaps.
I grab his shirt and jerk him forward. “You made a promise not to do this shit, and then you did it, anyway. What a fucking dick you are, Elliott. I should haul you outside and beat the crap out of you.”
“Don’t bother. He’s not worth it,” Elaina says.
That gets asshole’s attention. “Come on, sweetheart. I said I was sorry.”
I release him with a shove, and he stumbles back. “Like that’s all it’ll take to fix this? Go back to your guests, Elliott.”
“Fine. Stay in there, Elaina. I’m going to get a drink.” He stalks away, practically shoving Maggie out of his way with a glare.
Once he’s gone, I turn to his bride. “Do you have the marriage license?”
“I have it,” Maggie volunteers. “It’s in the tote bag she gave me for safekeeping.”
“Why do you want to know about the marriage license?” Elaina asks.
I lift my chin to Maggie. “Could you go get the bag?”
She nods and hurries off.
I meet Elaina’s eyes. “If you don’t file the license, you’re not legally married.”
“But the ceremony…”
“Doesn’t matter. Here’s your chance to end this before it begins.” I can tell she’s thinking about it, and I feel this could be my one good deed in this life—to warn her off Elliott and save her from a life of misery.
Maggie dashes back with the bag and passes it over.
I peer down into it, seeing the long white envelope “Hey, do you have a change of clothes in this tote?”
“Yes,” Elaina replies. “Why?”
“Slip out of that beautiful dress and come with me. I want to tell you about my brother before you go in there and let him talk you into believing that stunt was all in fun.”
She bites her pretty lip, considering for a moment. “All right. Give me ten minutes.”
“I’ll help you,” Maggie offers and slips inside.
The door closes, and good to her word, it’s only ten minutes before they reappear, Maggie with the gown over her arm. But my eyes are all for Elaina. She’s dressed in a pair of leggings and an off the shoulder soft sweater in autumn gold that make her honey blonde hair and green eyes pop. Her makeup is fixed, and her hair is twisted in a messy bun which shows off her long slender neck and bare shoulders.
She was beautiful in the wedding gown, but somehow, I find her even more stunning.
“I’ll just take this to my car, honey,” Maggie says, the wedding gown over her arm.
“Thanks, Mag.” Elaina hikes the tote bag on her shoulder.
After Maggie hurries off, I take Elaina’s hand and lead her to the bank of elevators, hitting the up button. It’s the first time we’ve touched, and I like the feel of her hand in mine.
“Where are we going?” she asks.
