dad made sure your name is not on the list.” It felt good to be a bitch and stand up to him. Usually, I avoid arguments.
His tone serious, “Fine, Nora. Tomorrow. Promise me you’ll see me tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow,” I state and hang up. I probably shouldn’t have promised him a thing, but maybe seeing him will give me the push I need to let him go.
After the photographer has finished taking pictures of Jenny and the bridal party, we wait for the ceremony to begin. We stand in a large white outdoor tent furnished with several tables, chairs, mirrors, and of course, lots of wine. Very luxurious for a tent.
I manage to stay calm. I hate being the center of attention. Even though it’s Jenny’s wedding day, I will still be on display for a few seconds before she makes her grand entrance.
I talk with the bridal party and family members who stop by to wish Jenny luck and happiness. I can hear the piano playing “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and start getting nervous.
My eyes wander over to Jenny and my father. Jenny’s bright smile and unshed tears bring a lump to my throat. Her white gown with a beaded bodice pools out into ruffles down to the ground around her. It couldn’t have been more beautiful or more Jenny.
My father cradles Jenny’s arm in his and whispers something in her ear. I’m sure they are words of encouragement. We had a great childhood, and our parents were supportive of everything we did, even though they had their own opinions. We didn’t lack family drama, but we knew our parents loved us, unconditionally.
My turn to walk down the aisle comes quicker than I expect. The music changes to “A Thousand Years” and the processional begins. I start my journey, hoping not to trip. I’m not known for my gracefulness. I can’t believe my sister chose an outdoor wedding. The aisle made from heart-shaped stepping stones has me shaking my head.
Thank God the weather turned out to be gorgeous or Bridezilla would have made everyone pay, severely. The cloudless blue sky makes the perfect backdrop for the ceremony. White chairs with pale pink bows wrapped around each chair make up two sections of horizontal rows, gracing each side of the aisle facing the altar.
As I walk toward my destination, the look on Max’s face radiates pure joy. I love Max, and I really love him for Jenny. He stands six foot four and stocky, works out daily, and works in real estate.
I give Max an encouraging smile as my eyes drift to the bright blue-eyed man beside him. Jase’s lips turn up into a sexy smirk, probably when he saw that that my face had turned either pale or bright red. I can’t quite gauge if I feel embarrassed or shocked at my reaction to him.
God, he’s gorgeous. Jenny has chosen a more casual style for the guy’s wardrobe. They are wearing tan pants, a matching vest, and white shirts with the sleeves rolled up to their elbows. All four groomsmen are handsome in their own right, but Jase looked like he should be on the cover of a magazine.
He doesn’t take his eyes or knowing smirk off of me. I become more nervous with every step. Finally, I reach my destination, turn to face the aisle, and try concentrating on the beautiful bride walking down the aisle.
The ceremony went perfectly and Max dipped Jenny dramatically in a kiss when they were pronounced husband and wife. A very long kiss. I think I heard my father clear his throat. After the newlyweds retreated down the aisle, my turn with Jase came.
Jase stands at my side offering his elbow. I nervously keep my eyes focused on Jenny and Max instead of looking at Jase. When we reach the end, he leans over and I feel his warm lips on my cheek.
He whispers, “Thanks for walking me down the aisle.” I can’t catch my breath. Before I figure out what the hell happened to my lungs, he disappears.
I don’t know where he went, because I’m stuck in this trance. A Jase-induced trance caused by the scorching heat coming from where his lips had