With his arm raised up over the door, his size dominating mine, I step back a few paces. I can smell a tinge of alcohol permeating from his body, and his singlet is hanging loosely giving me a glimpse of the beefy chest that used to get me hot and bothered. Correction, the beefy chest that still gets me hot and bothered. "What are you doing here?" I ask with a shaky breath, my heart pounding at the way he is looking at me. Something tells me he's not here for a friendly and well-mannered chat."May I come in?" Is all he says, but the antagonism in his tone is clear."Aren't you supposed to be making sure my brother is getting a lap dance or something? Actually, don't tell me," I tease, smiling nervously.He remains deadpan. "Are you going to let me in or not?" Shrugging my shoulders, I turn around and keep the door open and I hear him walk in, closing it behind him. He probably wants to ask something about Hansley, some advice I can give perhaps."Why aren't you with my brother
"No I said afternoon garden chic, not wild jungle chic!" I bark down the phone, pacing around the room in my black sling-backs.Jackie calls from the other side of the room. "Oh god, I hope they don't screw it up."Placing my hand over the phone receiver, I call out to her. "Do you think this is the first wedding I've planned? Trust me on this, I'm not going to let you down."I take my hand off the receiver. "And flowers. The room needs to scream flowers, flowers, flowers. I want nothing but pink peonies. Not ones picked from the bloody garden, but delicately arranged centrepieces on every table. And candles, they need to be long, white and tapered. Not melted tea lights, you got that? I'll be there shortly to check it all, so you need to have some extra supplied in case it's not enough."Out from the corner of my ear, I hear heels clacking on the floor. "Okay, call me right back to confirm when it's all set. Bye." I hang up and turn around, gasping at the sight of Jackie in her
The reception is a success! The room is beautiful. With a delicate arrangement of pink peonies on every table, a white sash on the back of every chair and a large chandelier hanging in the centre of the room, it is glamorous. The food caused me a bit of grief though. The chicken skewers were slightly colder than I would have liked, and the pork came out ten minutes late. Nonetheless, all the food is finished, every single morsel and not one guest has complained about being hungry at the end of the night. The real showstopper was the cake, and I'm glad I persevered with using Linda because it was absolutely delicious. With five layers of cream filled French Vanilla sponge, the delicately tiered cake was then topped off with balsamic strawberries and pink cream roses. Like a work of art, it was painful to see it cut up and it was easily consumed by all the guests in a snap. It's 9PM and everyone has finished dinner, and all the guests are suitably liquored up.Sitting at the head tabl
BOOK SEVEN: LONDON No, no, no, no, no.This can't be real; this has to be some sort of sick joke. Surely. There is no way in hell I got so drunk, and then got hitched to my brother's best friend. On the night of my brother's wedding. It's way too made up, not even my worst enemy would wish this on me. I'm a wedding planner, I pride myself on creating the best weddings and here I am sitting with a cheap gold band from god knows where. And to think it happened because I decided to cut loose, after so long. Not to mention, I actually encouraged Tristan to drink! Shaking my head, I hop out of bed. That glass of water is desperately needed right now. Stumbling to my feet, I pace towards the kitchenette and grab two glasses, filling them to the brim. I'll ignore how woozy my stomach and head feel right now because this news has completely woken me up. Downing the glass of water, I feel better instantly. God, water is delicious sometimes. I fill it again before I take both glasse
He's got to be joking me. We have a potential legal crisis here, and he wants to do that. Right now? No, I have to push him away. Not to mention I'm with Edmund. Edmund! Oh god, I almost forgot about the man I'm dating. And I'm here, letting my ex hold me like this? Trying to loosen my hand from his grip, he doesn't let go, instead holding me tighter."You are being ridiculous," I chide. Those whiskey eyes blaze up at me. "Actually, you are.""Come again?""You are worrying about something you can't control. Why?"I inhale quietly. "I know, you're right" "Besides, what if this was meant to be?"My heart patters with warmth at his abrupt comment. Is he trying to say No, he's just kidding around, being the cad he always is. He doesn't believe in fate; he doesn't believe in soul mates. I scoff, rolling my eyes. "Uh-uh, yeah sure, I doubt that"A stunned gasp leaves me when my body starts to go aflame and I look down to see Tristan slide to sit on the edge of the bed, both hi
In the space of a minute or so, I've been pulled out of my blissful stupor and sucked back down to earth. So much for seventh heaven. Seventh hell, more like.I should be relieved, overjoyed at the announcement but all I can do is stand here naked, hovering over the dining table, clutching the phone tightly. All I can do is breathe, and even that seems difficult right now. I'm not actually married to Tristan, it was all make-believe. A make-believe fairy tale I was all too happy to interject myself into. "Missy, are you still there?" she asks. "Is there anything else you require from us?"I had no idea I paused for so long. "Oh, sorry bad reception. Ahem, no, nothing else. Thank you for following up.""Of course, my pleasure. We hope you guys had a wonderful experience and that you enjoy the rings. Have a great day!" The phone hangs up, and it takes me a moment to clear my head. "Babe, what's wrong?" Tristan asks, sounding concerned. "Come to bed, you must be cold."Shaking m
Pacing around the room, I play with my fingers as I wait nervously. Don't be afraid, just tell him. He'll understand, I know it. As I continue rehearsing what I need to say, my door knocks. Okay, he's here. Taking a deep inhalation, I shuffle to the door and open it to greet the person on the other side."Hi darl!" Gabe leans in to give me an air kiss, before holding up a cheese platter and packet of crackers in front of me. "Okay, gossip time. I think the occasion calls for cheese and crackers."He has no idea what I've got in store for him. I grin as I take the food from him. "I'll get the bottle of wine. But I'm making chicken fajitas, so keep your stomach free for them."Closing the door behind him, Gabe saunters in looking like his fabulous self in a navy crested jacket and white pants. I put the cheese and crackers on the dining table, before grabbing the silver glittery gift bag sitting on one of the chairs. "Here, just a little something for helping out. How was it bac
"Call us the second you get there, alright?" Mom repeats herself for the fifth time in two hours. I am standing outside my favourite Japanese restaurant on Bridge Street in Wynyard, saying my final goodbyes for the night. Gabe has gone home and it's just me and my family, who won't let me get into my car and drive back home. It's my farewell party with my loved ones, and I've spent the night laughing, getting sentimental and emotional with my parents, Hansley, Jackie, and Gabe. My flight is tomorrow morning, and because I would find it too difficult to say goodbye to any of them at the airport, I suggested dinner instead. Less invasive this way."I get there at six in the evening, it will be three in the morning for you. I'll just text you first," I insist and she scowls at me."Fine, but as soon as you get off the plane, alright? I don't care what time. I just need to know you are safe. I will be expecting a text at 3AM," she insists, her tone unyieldingly stern. I nod at her dogg