A white petal aisle for the bridal party to walk down is framed with arched bows from trees and flowering branches. Dangling flowers, which appear fake but are indeed long open wreaths of white and creamy petals, hang with lights from the fabricated forest ceiling.
The seats are massive logs turned into pews and glazed so as not to snag clothing.
I’ve never seen anything like it.
The groomsmen who wait next to the minister are the handsomest I’ve ever seen.
Matt and Brady are smokeshows. Carson is pretty, a proper square-jawed beauty.
Mike is rugged but handsome, nevertheless. And Lawrence is something else altogether.
Seeing him in the tailored suit isn’t unusual; he’s always wearing suits for games. But this one clings to him in a way I envy. He’s beautiful and my brain replays that moment under the shooting stars when he turned and stared at me. I felt seen for the first time in a long time.
As the music changes, so does he.
The bridesmaids start walking down the glittery enchanted forest. I don’t recognize the first couple until Bev and they all look amazing, except Natalie Banks who is more. She’s a goddess in her lavender gown.
Sami Ford brings to mind something from a magazine. She shines like a light, effervescent and bright.
My eyes drift back to Lori’s, finding wonder on his face. It’s palpable and for some sick reason I can’t tear my gaze from it, trying to figure out if Bev’s right and his attraction to her is obvious. I’m curious if he’s hurt or if Bev’s superpower hasn’t actually figured Lawrence out.
If he is wounded by this, I have a strange desire to take it away, soothe it for him. I understand that feeling, though mine wound up with me standing in the rain, smelling of mud, watching the person I love betray me.
I barely notice the ceremony, I stare at him so hard.
I realize it’s over when Sami’s kissing Matt and everyone cheers. As if coming out of a daze, I lick my lips and take a deep breath as they walk down the aisle. Bev grips Lori, but it doesn’t change the misery on his face. If anything, she seems to make him more uncomfortable.
The wedding party is whisked off for photos as we’re directed to drive our golf carts to the big red barn where the reception will be.
Still seated and a bit overwhelmed if I’m being honest, I take my first real breath as Sukii slips her fingers into mine. “That was intense.” She wipes her eyes with a silk handkerchief.
“It was the most beautiful wedding I’ve seen. I can’t comprehend everything I watched and heard,” I admit. “Even the music was entrancing.” It was raw and reminded me of my mom playing piano while I sat under it coloring.
“I agree. The acoustic music, weird fairy forest, the smell of jasmine flowers, and the perfect decor with combinations of delicate and rough were mesmerizing. Adding the beautiful guests, ridiculous clothing, and two people who seem more in love than any two I’ve ever seen, and I am confident this wedding will never be topped.” Sukii wipes her flawless makeup again as she sighs. “I mean, why would any of us bother getting married now? It’ll never be like this.”
“Nope.” She’s right. This is the sort of wedding girls don’t even know they dream of having. We stand and walk out of the fairy forest.
“Shall we go get a drink?” Sukii asks and nods at our golf cart.
“Let’s go.” I offer her my arm. She takes it and we cling to each other, walking in a weirdly dread-filled silence. There’s a tremble in our fingers that matches.
We follow a steady stream of carts up to the big red barn, driving to where the golf-cart valet points.
Sukii parks and turns to me, speaking softly, “Let’s have fun—real fun—okay?”
“You mean like no holds barred?”
“We are never going to a billionaire’s wedding again. I wanna rock this.” She lifts her pinky finger. “Swear, whatever happens tonight, stays here.”
“Okay, that sounds aggressive. But I’m in. Responsibly. Don’t do anything Stan would fire you for.” I wrap my pinky around hers and we shake.
“Let’s break some hearts and make this party a night no one will forget.”
“Deal.” I smile and force myself to keep any judgements I’ve had about her and Cap in the back of my mind.
The reception is as stunning as the wedding. The red barn has been transformed into a similarly enchanted forest. We pause in the doorway and stare, taking it all in.
Rich Fairfield sees us and walks over with a big smile.
“You both look beautiful,” he offers and holds out his arms for us so he might escort us in.
“Thanks,” Sukii says softly. “That wedding was everything.”
“It most certainly was.” Rich grins as he strolls to the table where we’ve been assigned seating. “Save me a dance.” He pulls out our chairs for us.
“Thanks,” I mutter and sit.
Sukii lifts the flute of ice-cold champagne and sips. “Oh my God, this is amazing.”
“To Stan, for forcing us into the weirdest and most fabulous weekend two average office girls could ever experience!” I lift my drink and we clink the delicate glasses.
Sukii’s right, it’s delicious.
“Stan is missing out,” Sukii says, scanning about as the tables fill with beautiful people who somehow seem like accents and accessories to the room. As if they knew how to dress for the occasion.
My quiet reverie is interrupted by a voice, “You’re Jennifer Snowdon?” A woman walks up. She’s older but ageless in the way rich people are.
“I am.” My stomach tightens as I prepare
