Page 166 of Don't Leave Me

“You’re going to be my wife today, Hana,” he said softly, gazing up at me with wide eyes, grazing my ass gently.

I gave him a smile. “Yes, I am,” I nodded, putting my hands to his shoulders.

He suddenly looked nervous.

“You’re not going to try anything today, are you?” he probed, his voice low, the scary Jack seeping through but I knew he was trying his best to hide it.

“No,” I shook my head, pushing back the lump in my throat. “I love you, Jack,” I whispered, putting my hands to his face.

He gave me a soft smile. “I love you, Hana. This is all for us,” he pulled me closer. “Now let’s shower.”

“You are really wearing this on your wedding day? I mean, you look super cute and all, but you should be wearing a dress and heels, babe!” Emily exclaimed to me after Jack answered the door for her and Adam, promptly on time for our 8:30 AM departure.

I looked over at Jack. He grinned at me and shrugged his shoulder; he was wearing a button up black shirt and black jeans, donning the black boots he always wore. I looked down at my black jeans, my only pair of heeled boots that Jack (or Jess?) had took from my wardrobe, and a silky black top that had the back cut out.

“I don’t have anything else to wear,” I explained, eyeing Emily’s almost identical outfit to mine.

“Well lucky you! I brought this gorgeous vintage dress I found in Greenpoint, I haven’t even worn it yet, but it will be perfect! Come on,” Emily took my hand. “Give us like 10 minutes,” she called out to Jack and Adam.

I looked over at Jack. I couldn’t ask him out loud if it was okay, but I think he could tell by my terrified eyes what I was thinking.

“It’s alright, sweetheart. We have time. Go on,” he smiled at me, but I could see the nervousness in his eyes.

And then Emily and I were out in the hallway, alone, walking briskly and excitedly.

“It’s probably too big for you, but it’ll still look nice. You’re a size 2, aren’t you? God I hate you. I can’t squeeze in anything under a 4, if I really squeeze,” Emily laughed, her hand still in mine.

I looked over at her, still shocked to be without Jack. She turned to me, giving me her dimpled smile as we stopped at the elevator. “You okay? Nervous?”

“I’m just really happy you’re here,” I admitted, all of my feelings rushing up from my chest.

She smiled wider and put her hand up to her chest.

“I would never miss this day. I’m so happy you are finally with who you’remeantto be with,” she said earnestly, then the elevator doors pinged open.

We went two floors down and went into their room, somehow already messy after only there for twelve hours.

“I already hung it up. I didn’t want it to wrinkle. Here,” she opened up closet near the bed and revealed a gorgeous black tea-length mermaid dress, the ruched lace subtle and classy.

“This is gorgeous. It’s vintage?” I mused, running my hand over it, already making my mind up that I wanted to wear it.

“That’s what the lady said. From the 50’s I guess. I’m sure it’s been modified, but it sure is gorgeous, isn’t it?” Emily beamed.

I could see her eyeing me from the corner of my eye, barely containing her excitement.

“I’d love to try it on,” I admitted. Emily squealed with delight.

Three minutes later, I was looking at myself in the mirror, the dress hugging my body, Emily’s dark red heels on my feet and completing my outfit. I felt absolutely stunning.

“You look fuckingamazing,” Emily said with the utmost seriousness, standing beside me and staring into the mirror. “And with that red lipstick? You are the most beautiful bride ever,” she went on – she was always my biggest fan.

“Black isn’t too…gothic, too weird for a bride?” I asked, loving the dress but always second guessing myself.

Emily laughed. “This is no ordinary wedding, Hana. You werenotmeant to be a normal bride. You were meant to stand out,” she raised her eyebrows at me.

I smiled at her. She was so sure of me, of what was going on, of this whole situation. Her confidence, her complete certainty, was infectious.

“Let’s go show Jack!” she exclaimed, taking my hand.

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