Page 71 of Wasted

Holding my top up, I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't wait until tomorrow either.

Chapter Forty

Taylor

"You look beautiful," Bailey swooned, crossing her hands over her heart.

As I smoothed my dress, my eyes caught on the delicate lace cuffs. Forcing a smile, my gaze trailed over the white lace dress that felt like overkill for a second wedding, even if the first one was a private wedding in the courthouse, wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

"Stop it," Bailey scolded me.

My gaze lifted, meeting hers through the mirror. "What?"

"Stop thinking you don't deserve this." Her hands curled around my upper arms, and she smiled. "You do deserve this. This. Is your first marriage."

I shook my head. "No one sitting out there knows that."

"Nobody sitting out there cares."

I knew she was right, but a small part of me just wanted to grab Cole and disappear to Vegas for a long weekend to get married. Still, the other part wanted to marry my soulmate infront of the entire town of Bridgewater so everyone could see just how in love we were with each other.

A knock sounded on the door, drawing our attention to the closed door. The door eased open, and my chest tightened when Cole's mom stepped through. My eyes widened, and my lips parted as I spun around, making sure the mirror wasn't playing tricks on me.

"Today is not the day, Mom," Bailey warned, stepping in front of me like she was going to protect me from the war that was about to happen. "You should just turn around and walk out. Go home, and we can have a family discussion later."

Mrs. Montgomery's gaze shifted past Bailey to me, and her lips lifted slightly. "You look beautiful, Taylor."

A tightness gripped my chest, and I forced myself to take a deep breath.Don't read too much into this,I told myself, even as a flicker of hope threatened to ignite. I wasn't sure I could handle her rejection today. Not today.

"Mom," Bailey said, drawing Mrs. Montgomery's attention back to her. "Please just go."

She swallowed hard. "I just need a minute with Taylor, please."

"Absolutely not." Bailey crossed her arms over her chest as she shook her head profusely. "Today is not the day."

"I know." She sighed. "I'm here to apologize. I don't want to cause any problems."

"It's okay, Bay," I said. "I'll be okay."

Bailey's eyes searched my face, her brow furrowed with concern. She chewed her lower lip for a moment before asking, “Are you sure?” I nodded. She turned back to her mother. "If you cause any issues today, we will all disown you."

Mrs. Montgomery smiled softly. "I'm not here to cause any problems."

"I'll be right outside," Bailey said as she strolled to the door. "Shout if you need me."

As the door slammed shut, I felt my spine straighten involuntarily. My jaw clenched, and I lifted my gaze to meet Mrs. Montgomery's, willing my voice not to waver. I studied Mrs. Montgomery's face, searching for signs of anger and disappointment I'd grown accustomed to, but it wasn’t there. Still, I wasn't completely convinced that Cole's mother had magically forgiven me when, just a few days ago, she hated me. "We should make this quick. I'm getting married in a few minutes."

Sucking in a deep breath, she slowly exhaled. "I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I still don't understand everything, but Kylie came to visit me, and she told me everything." My eyes widened. "In a very colorful language, she told me to grow up and put me in my place."

"So you know about Caleb and me?"

Mrs. Montgomery's eyes softened. "Kylie explained about Caleb. How you married him so Cole could follow his dreams, and how Caleb did it to protect her. You both believed you were doing what was right for the person you actually loved."

"I never meant to hurt anyone."

"Oddly, I respect what you did. I respect that you chose Cole's happiness over yours."

"So you’re okay with me marrying Cole today?"

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