Page 89 of King of Hearts

“I’m the luckiest bastard alive.” He said, his eyes never leaving my own. “And I can’t wait to celebrate with you all again when I make this beautiful woman my wife.”

“Kiss her.” Someone called and Andy laughed before lifting my chin and doing just that to the pure elation of our family and friends. Looking at me adoringly, he pulled away and turned to our guests, his hand still firmly around my waist.

“Please raise your glasses to my absolutely divine wife-to-be, Arna.” Everyone cheered and Andy and I kissed again before Queeny appeared with a wine in hand.

“Since when do you drink wine?” I asked, taking the glass and having a sip before handing it back.

“Since your fiancé introduced me to something more sophisticated than the $4 Gossips bottles at the local corner store.” She remarked, as if I was beyond stupid for even asking.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Queen, I didn’t realise you’d become a woman of such class.” I mocked and then frowned as NanandAndy looked at me with faux horror.

“Honestly, Andy, you’re marrying the wrong Frost woman. But you know where I am if you change your mind.” She winked at him and I barked a laugh as Andy planted a kiss on her cheek before excusing us both to continue mingling with our guests.

“I’m so sorry.” I giggled, feeling a little tipsy from the few drinks I had already consumed to calm my nerves.

“Baby, I’m beyond used to your Nan by now. She asked me if I wore boxers or briefs earlier.”

I choked on my drink, Andy patting my back as he chuckled, nodding solemnly as if he understood and agreed with my reaction.

“Of course she did, the horny bitch.” I scoffed again, shaking my head at her obnoxious behaviour which only seemed to be getting worse. “Wait until I tell Marls.” I said, sighing, before turning in for a hug.

“She’ll be here soon.” He consoled, rubbing his hand up and down my back.

“I know. I’m not mad, the last few months have been awful for her and I can’t even imagine. I just miss her, you know. She’s my girl.” I shrugged sadly.

“Bellsy!” I turned to Dad who was gesturing for me to meet him at the backdoor to the house.

“If I’m not back in five minutes please come and disentangle me from whatever long-winded conversation I’m about to be pulled into.” I whispered.

“I will rescue you with honour.” Andy bowed as I grinned and walked towards Dad.

“Bells, Marlee is at the door, but she isn’t coming inside.”

“What?” I asked in confusion. Why wouldn’t she come to my engagement party? I knew it was a really difficult time so I hadn’t been pushing her, but she assured me she would be here tonight.

“Be gentle,” he said, reaching for my wrist, halting me, “And be prepared. She doesn’t look well.”

I nodded once, walking through the house to the front door, brushing aside Dad’s warning in my haste to see her. Although, I could have had a month to sit with my dad’s words and I still wouldn’t have been prepared for the slap I felt at seeing the state of my best-friend. Her unwashed hair was tied into a bun, her face covered in more makeup than I had seen her wear in the fifteen years we had known each other but the hopelessness in her tired eyes evoked the biggest shock of all.

“Hey, Arns. I’m sorry I’m late and I’m so sorry but I can’t stay –” Her eyes darted to the car idling at the kerb, Lucas in the driver’s seat on the phone.

I didn’t need her to apologise. I knew in my gut that my Maid of Honour was not going to be at my engagement party, even for a little while, but the last thing she needed was my guilt. Because hers was already written all over her face.

Instead, I threw myself at her. Winding my arms around her shoulders, I spoke through the emotion which sat deep in my throat at what I suspected was someone else preventing her from being here.

“Don’t apologise, I understand. I miss you.”

“I’m sorry. Things have been pretty crazy since the funeral. I just finished packing the house and it’s now on the market.”

“Oh, Marls. I would have helped you. You shouldn’t have done that alone.” I would never forget the way her voice sounded when she called to say her parents were in a horrific car accident. It wasn’t until much later that I would reflect on how she hadn’t told me for three days, or how she didn’t seem to need me at all in preparing for the funerals. A stark contrast to when she used to call me every single morning to ask if her shoes matched her outfit or what colour she should paint her nails.

“It’s okay. Lucas has helped with everything.” She shrugged ever so slightly and I wrapped my arms around her again, squeezing her a little more firmly. Instead of returning my hug she stiffened a little and I reluctantly stepped back. Taking a good look at her, I noticed how she seemed almost nervous as she again peered towards the car. I took her hand and mustered all the fake positivity I could as I ushered her to where Lucas now sat against the hood of the car at the edge of the driveway, knowing that right now was not the time to discuss the million things running through my head.

“Hey, Lucas.” I said cheerily when we got close and he turned with a tight, artificial smile.

“Congratulations, sorry we can’t stay. My sister–” I heard Marlee’s sharp, almost imperceptible, intake of breath and interjected.

“Oh, don’t be silly. Marlee was just saying you had a family emergency. We totally understand. I hope everything is okay.” Marlee looked at me, the briefest look of sadness morphing into relief before she plastered on a smile which mirrored Lucas’.

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