CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: The Audacious Act

The wedding preparations are a whirlwind of activity, a blur of decisions made in haste, as if time itself is impatient for the union to be solemnized. I find myself disinterestedly swept along in the tide of planning.

The theme is decided upon with little input from me. ‘Vintage elegance,’ they call it. I nod along as my never-will-be-mother-in-law discusses color schemes and decorations with the wedding planners, my mind elsewhere - Hugh and his last message to me, ‘I love you. We’ll get through this. I promise’.

I don’t know what he’s planning to make that happen, but I have mine which I’m nervous but determined to do.

The venue is also chosen—a grand ballroom in a historic mansion on the outskirts of town. I barely glance at the ornate chandeliers or the sweeping staircase as Dwight and I tour the space, his hand intertwined with mine and sometimes touching my back or the curve of my hip.

Flowers are selected with meticulous care, each bloom chosen for its symbolism and signi