Daughters Of The Bride(138)

Had that really happened? Had David really turned on her like that? She looked up and saw him racing out of the parking lot. He nearly hit a car driving in, then turned right and was gone.

“You’re okay,” she whispered as she made her way back to the hotel. “You’re fine. Everything is fine.” Or it would be. She would go sit in the lobby for a few minutes and calm down. Then she would spend the rest of her life being grateful she hadn’t made a horrible mistake.

She’d barely walked into the main building when she spotted Courtney. Her sister crossed to her.

“Whatever you think you’re doing, you’re coming with me,” Courtney said forcefully. “Come on.”

Sienna welcomed the distraction. “What’s wrong?”

“Rachel and Greg have locked themselves in the linen closet. My staff thinks they’re having sex. Not only do we need them for pictures, but Lucy has to start turndown service, so she needs to get in there. I’m going to interrupt them. There’s a very good chance I’ll see something that will scar me for life. If I have to see it, you do, too. So you’re coming with me.”

Sienna pulled Courtney to a stop, then hugged her. “I love you so much. Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Being exactly what I needed this second.” What a great distraction. Screw David. He was out of her life and that made her happy. If Rachel and Greg were having sex in the linen closet, good for them, too.

“After we break up the sex thing, let’s grab a glass of champagne,” Sienna said with a laugh.

“Absolutely!”



The lobby of the grand old hotel had been transformed into a pink paradise. Pink flowers and pink bunting hung everywhere. Pink wooden chairs had been set up to create a center aisle with a pink runner of family photos. The champagne fountain flowed with pink, um, rosé, champagne.

Hotel guests were being checked in at the portico outside and then led to their rooms. Once the ceremony was over, the lobby would once again get back to what it was, but for now it was the perfect place for the ceremony.

In the ballroom, the tables were set for the dinner. There was more champagne. Pink settees made up conversation areas. The white dining chairs had been draped with pink covers. Monogrammed pink covers. Rose gold–colored chargers decorated the table. The DJ had embraced the spirit of the event and had shown up in a pink tux. Courtney was going to tip him extra for that.

Now she stood in back of the lobby and watched as the last of the guests were seated. Everything had come together perfectly. She should be happy and relieved. Instead, she felt...empty. The deep sense of loss had started a few days ago and only grew. Once the panic of pulling off the event had faded, she found herself feeling it acutely. It had taken her a while to figure out what was wrong, but now she knew.

Quinn.

She looked at him, at the end of the aisle, with a beaming Neil. Quinn wore all black—his tux, his shirt, his tie. Her body ached for him, but while that was interesting, it wasn’t as important as the pain in her heart.

She missed him. Worse, she was starting to realize what she’d lost with him. He’d offered his heart and she bolted. Out of fear. He’d terrified her. Love—how could anyone do that? How could anyone take the chance?

Rachel moved next to her. The three of them would be walking down the aisle one by one, in order of age. Greg walked by with Josh. Greg grabbed a quick kiss from Rachel, then winked at Courtney before taking his seat.

“I don’t care what you say,” her sister murmured. “Yes, I had sex in the linen closet. I would do it again if I could. In fact, I may do it later. I’m in love and there’s nothing you can say to make me feel guilty.”

Courtney smiled. “I’m mostly happy for you. A little embarrassed and a lot grateful you weren’t naked when Sienna and I found you.”

Rachel grinned. “It was so hot. Seriously. You work here. I can’t believe you’ve never done it in the linen closet. There’s a table and everything.”

Courtney gave her a little push. “That’s your cue.”

Sienna came up to her next. Her sister had already told her about the breakup.

“Still okay?” Courtney asked.

“Never better. I’m a little jealous about the hot sex, though. I won’t be getting any of that for a while.” They hugged. “I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Sienna started walking.

Courtney squared her shoulders, clutched her pink bouquet in her hand and waited until it was her turn. She did love her family, she thought happily. They were—

She loved them. The thought repeated itself about fifteen times in her head. She loved them and it was fine. Sure, there had been tough times, but they’d gotten through them. She loved them. So was her problem romantic versus regular love?