Her Guardians Lost(76)

Tonight wasn’t about me, though. I was as ready as I could ever be with my white fitted dress on. I thought it was quite apt what with the wedding tomorrow. I had the radio quietly playing in the background.

I was determined not to wallow tonight. I was determined to keep my head held high and enjoy the evening. Tonight was about two very important men in my life—men who were getting married tomorrow.

Looking in the mirror, I glanced at the scar that would forever be etched on my skin. It was a reminder of the events that took place only a couple months ago. My shoulder was healing nicely, but my heart was forever void of the one person who could not be here to share this special occasion with me. As I stared into the mirror, it made me think about how much my life would be missing. I knew that, without Stephen, I was going to remain a spinster.

I laughed a little, thinking how true it would be that I could really wear white at my wedding. That was something else I was destined to be without Stephen—a virgin.

Still staring in the mirror, my thoughts drifted to the sound of the radio. The hairs picked up on the back of my neck as I felt the warm embrace. “Stephen?” I whispered. The tingles came again just as the sound of Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran filled the air.

Closing my eyes, I hugged myself as I felt his loving arms around me. “This isn’t fair, Stephen. I wish you were here.”

I felt a tingle on my cheek. It made me smile as I cupped my face, wanting so much to capture that kiss and hold onto it.

I listened to the words as Taylor Swift sang, “All I know since yesterday is everything has changed.”

“We didn’t meet yesterday, Stephen.” I smiled as I closed my eyes, savouring the moment.

You’re all my yesterdays.

I felt a tear trickle down my face. “And you’re all my tomorrows,” I whispered back. “Oh, Stephen. When is it going to end? Why is it that I can’t be with you? Why are we being kept apart?”

The sound of silence filled the air as I willed my brain to remember something, anything.

The sound of knocking jolted me out of my daydream. Stephen’s warm presence disappeared, leaving me alone again.

Gathering my composure, I wiped a tear away and opened the door. Simeon was standing there in a very smart blue shirt and navy trousers. His hair was a mass of waves, making his eyes stand out even more.

He drank me in as I stared at the most gorgeous face I had ever seen. Without even thinking, I pulled him to me and wrapped my arms around him. I inhaled deeply and sighed, letting his aroma surround me.

“I don’t know what’s brought this on, but I’m not complaining. Do I look that good? If so, I’ll wear this all the time.”

I wasn’t in the joking mood. Instead, I gripped him tighter. For some reason, he was like my lifeline and I was afraid if I let go, I’d fall. “Just hold me,” I whispered. “Please.”

He wrapped his arms tightly around me. “Are you okay, Cassie? You’re worrying me.”

Nodding, I let go. “Yes, I’m fine. I think all this wedding stuff is overwhelming me a little.” I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

“You worry too much. I bet you’ve been sitting there wondering if you’re going to somehow spoil the day.”

“How well you know me already,” I joked. “I guess I can’t help it. I want the day to be perfect for them.”

Tightening his arm around my shoulder, Simeon pulled me to him. “And you will. I have every faith in you.”

“Thank you, Simeon. That means a lot.”

Letting his arm fall, he said, “Are you ready to go?”

Nodding, I went and grabbed my shawl and bag, then we walked out of the door.

“Did I say you look amazing tonight?” Simeon asked.

“To be honest, I don’t think I gave you a chance to say anything, but thank you. You look rather dashing yourself.” I smiled at him.

Simeon smiled back and cleared his throat. “So, the plan for the evening is to be with Chris first, then your uncle?”

“Yes. My uncle is staying in the flat, and Chris will be staying with his brother. I insisted they be as traditional as possible. Otherwise, I think they would have just had a quiet drink and retreated back to the flat together.”

“And you couldn’t have that.”

I shook my head. “Not at all.”

“You’re a real romantic at heart, aren’t you, Cassie?”

Thinking about it, I nodded. “I think a little.” Wrapping the shawl around my arms, I gripped it tight.

“You’re going to get really cold with only that on tonight,” Simeon said, concerned.

“I’ll be okay. The bars are only a ten minute walk. Besides, I have you to keep me warm, don’t I?”