I wandered aimlessly through the gallery until Lindsey chased me down, insisting that it was time for me to change into my dress. I’d completely lost track of the hour. I realized I hadn’t seen Daniel all day, and I told her so.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “He’s coming.”
As if he wouldn’t.
I was kept sequestered after that - God forbid anyone should see THE DRESS - but Lindsey wouldn’t stop offering to get me things. Water? Champagne? Food? Juice? More food? I hated to keep saying no to her, but I really felt if I ate something I might throw up.
When I heard the music start playing, my stomach actually lurched.
Lindsey rushed in.
“Okay, we’ve got about ten minutes until go-time. How’re you feeling?”
“Sick,” I said, truthfully, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I tried to arrange my face into something that looked a little more like happiness, like I was marrying the man I loved. I vaguely succeeded.
“I have to go take my place,” Lindsey said, after a few moments. “Just take some deep breaths. The band will switch over when they see you coming.”
I sat there alone, waiting until the clock ticked over to the next hour, and then stood and walked out into the hallway.
My shoes clicked on the marble floor as I approached the carpet, and everyone turned to look. I was clutching my bouquet like a shield. I forced myself to stare straight ahead, looking at the officiant standing behind the pulpit, focusing on just putting one foot in front of the other. I didn’t dare look at Daniel.
I didn’t dare.
But I did.
He met my eyes and smiled - a little hesitantly, but his intent was obviously to give me courage to go on. I had to appreciate that. Lindsey was beaming next to him. I wondered if his conscience was eating him alive, lying to her like this. Mine certainly would, if I had any family who actually cared about me.
I forced a smile as I reached the front of the hall. Daniel took both of my hands and held them gently as the officiant spoke. Thankfully, we weren’t doing any complicated vows. I just had to say “I do” when I was prompted. I was pretty sure I could handle that.
“…in sickness and in health…as long as you both shall live?”
Shit, I hadn’t been paying attention. Which one of us was he talking to?
I waited for a beat. Daniel watched me expectantly.
Me, then. Okay.
“I do,” I blurted out.
“You may kiss the bride.”
I barely felt it when his lips pressed against mine - briefly, but long enough for the whole place to erupt in cheers.
We held hands and ran, handfuls of flower petals raining down on us from the guests - that was a nice touch. Daniel pulled me aside, into the room where I’d gotten dressed, closing the door behind him.
I don’t know why I was expecting him to grab me by the shoulders and shove me up against the wall, kissing me passionately and telling me how much he wanted me. I knew it wasn’t going to happen. Instead, he pulled out a chair and sat down, resting his elbows on his knees and rubbing his temples.
“Well, we survived that much,” I said, helpfully.
“Yes,” he said, dully. “But there’s still the reception.”
“With food and drinks,” I reminded him. “So…silver lining, huh?”
He let out a huff of laughter. “I don’t think I could eat now if I tried.”
“Yeah, me neither,” I admitted. “So…what? Should we just leave and let them assume we wanted to start the honeymoon early?”
“They’re already assuming that,” he said. “Everyone saw me drag you in here. Let them. I just need a minute to clear my head.”
“Just one minute?” I smiled. “You might want to wait a little longer than that, to keep up appearances.”
He gave me a withering glance.
“Sorry, sorry,” I muttered. “Trying to bring a little levity to the situation.”
In the end, we did end up going to the reception. My stomach had settled a little, so I ate a few tiny sandwiches and downed a great deal of champagne. I talked and laughed with everyone I knew, and some people I didn’t know. I recognized quite a few faces from the office (including Lisa, who I studiously avoided) but Daniel had somehow managed to fully populate the place, and as I worked my way around the room, I learned they were from every imaginable time and location - business connections, former accountants, even one of his business professors. Daniel certainly did a better job of keeping up with people than I did. Either that, or people were much more apt to drop everything and run to the wedding of a billionaire they knew than some girl they barely remembered.