“You’re going to be an awesome doctor.” He beams at me.
“Surgeon. I’m going to be a fucking amazing surgeon.”
“Fuck yes!”
“YOU’RE HERE! There’s your robe. Sit down in the makeup chair and let’s get this party started!” Cassy’s outlook on marrying Royce today is different.
Her excitement rubs off on me as I hang my dress on the rack. Stepping into the bathroom, I change out of my clothes and put on the satin robe with my name on the left breast. It hits just at the knees. It’s the same color as the dress I’ll be wearing today.
“Morning, everyone!” I say, taking my seat in front of a very sexy man. His sweater covers thick arms and flat abs, and his jeans hug him in all the right places. His forearms are covered in tattoos. He doesn’t look like your typical hairdresser.
“I’m Brett. Talk to me about your hair and makeup.” He grins at me, and if I wasn’t in love with Carson, I’d slip him my number. What girl wouldn’t want a boyfriend who could do a blowout?
Wait, did I say the “L” word?
He takes out my ponytail, distracting me from my thoughts as he fluffs out my hair and runs a brush through it. I love when people play with my hair. It makes me feel so relaxed.
“I think half up, half down. I’d like to go heavy on the makeup. A smokey eye? What do you think?” I ask.
“The dress is plum, so I think we can do a braided side design, and then for makeup a brown smokey instead of black. This way it’s not so harsh. We’ll do a lash and a purple lip. Your skin tone is perfect for that color.”
“Excellent,” I say, grabbing the mimosa Desi hands me.
“How you doing, love?” She’s unsure of how to talk to me, and I don’t blame her. The last time she saw me I was drunk and yelling at my mother.
“Excited. Royce came by this morning and got me hyped. It’s a beautiful day to get married. The weather is gorgeous.”
“Was he nervous?” Cassy asks, chuckling to herself. “Last night, he looked like he was going to puke when we said goodnight.”
“He was nervous, but we ate breakfast and talked. It was the first time we’ve been alone since Tilly died.”
Instantly, my cheeks flame with embarrassment. The words slipped from me. Talking about my sister so much has kept her in my mind, but for once I don’t feel sad.
“I’m sorry for your loss. We had no idea,” Desi says as she slides into her heels. She’s ready to put on her dress. Her makeup highlights her beautiful eyes, and her hairstyle makes her look like a goddess. I can’t help to be a little jealous.
My phone dings, and I look down at the message. It’s from Ashton.
A: What are you wearing?
Me: Seriously?
A: I’m always serious about naked women.
Me: You’re horrible. And I’m wearing a robe. It has my name on it.
A: I’m sure Carson is going to love taking it off you later.
Me: Wait! What do you mean?
A: He’s your date. You’re welcome.
Me: Ashton! We talked about this. I can’t see him anymore.
A: Suck it up, darling. You guys are worth a shot. ;)
Did he just give me the wink emoji? I’m going to throttle him.
I reply with an angry face emoji.
A: You’re welcome.
I throw my phone on the counter in front of me. Stupid meddling surfer boy and his stupid plans. Though, a part of me feels butterflies in my stomach. I’m going to see Carson again. One more time before this is all over. One more chance to kiss him.
“Everything okay?” Emerson asks, absently running her hands through Gwen’s hair. Her daughter leans against her. It’s such a beautiful display of love. I want that one day.
“Yes, just that my date plans have changed. I was bringing Ashton, but he had to cancel. I was okay with going stag, but now it appears I’m bringing someone else.”
“Who?” Cassy perks up.
“Carson. The lifeguard who saved me. We have . . . something. It can’t work, though, I’m not ready for something heavy.”
“You sound like someone I know.” Desi smirks, her gaze going to Emerson. “It’s a special thing to be with someone. Especially after being single for so long. Put yourself out there.”
“I hate to agree with Desi, but she’s right. If I hadn’t taken a chance with Grant, we wouldn’t be living this life. I pushed him away for a long time before I came to my senses.”
“I’m not in a good place right now. I have a lot of healing to do.”
I’m not fooling anyone, including myself. I could have both, but my fear of hurting Carson or losing him makes me sick to my stomach. It’s better this way.
“Enough with the heavy,” Cassy says, saving me. “I’m getting married!”
Holding up her glass, we cheer to her new beginning. Royce is lucky to have her. And so am I.
CARSON
This isn’t my first time at a wedding, yet I’m more nervous than I’ve ever been. My tux feels too tight around my arms, my shoes too shiny, my watch too heavy. I haven’t been Carson Stagg in a long time.
This isn’t who I am anymore, yet here I am, waiting for a woman who is slowly becoming my everything. It’s been a week, plus one night of passion, and I’m hooked.
“Carson?” a voice calls out behind me. Turning around, I see an intimidating guy striding over. He looks like a cop.
“Yeah,” I say, holding out my hand.
“Grant. I’m Emerson’s husband. She’s Cassy’s friend.” He takes my hand, his grip a little rougher than I expected.
“Cassy asked me to come find you since you don’t know anyone here. The ceremony is supposed to start in a few minutes. Let’s go have a seat in our section.”
He leads me past guests until we reach a row of white
