Page 15 of Fauxmance

"I'd be happy to." A smile lifted my lips as I thought about all of the things I admired about weddings. "Like you said, marriage vows used to include outdated phrases—though back then they really expected women to 'obey' their husbands. What a joke! Jas, my sister, would laugh her ass off at that. Nowadays, the bride and groom write their own vows. It's not about being shackled. It's a promise. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, give my heart for yours. I love you more than anyone else in this world, and I want to spend forever with you. I mean, is there anything more romantic?"

Hayden was still listening, so I kept going.

"Yes, weddings can be like a parade and some, unfortunately, do end in divorce. But they allow us to come together for something good and remind us that love is real. It's out there. My favorite part of the whole thing isn't all the frills or the big party. It's seeing my sister finally get her happily-ever-after. She's worked so hard to make this wedding perfect. It's watching the groom's face light up as he sees his soulmate walk down the aisle. Man, I love that part. It's getting to know the other bridesmaids, theirhopesand dreams. These girls are incredible. We've learned so much from each other. And after the wedding, hopefully, we'll be able to stay friends, make some of our aspirations come true, find love and change the world for good."

A moment passed.

And then another.

I wasn't sure what Hayden was thinking, but then he grinned.

"Wow," he said. "You've definitely been drinking the Kool-Aid."

I crossed my arms and looked away. "Whatever. You can laugh if you want. But I know it's an honor to be a bridesmaid. I take it very seriously."

"I can see that."

"And you know what? You're right. I'm not giving up. If nothing else, I'll go to the wedding by myself."

Hayden nodded. "Good for you. I hope it works out."

I did, too, I thought, since it was becoming more and more clear as the minutes passed by that I wasn't getting out of this situation any time soon.

"Though I doubt it will," he added. My eyes narrowed as they met his. "I don't know your sister, but brides can be tricky. Sounds like the whole escort thing is a big deal for her."

"Must you crush all of my hopes?"

"I'm just saying."

My frown could not be contained. He was being impossible.

"What do you have against weddings anyway?" I asked.

"Nothing," he said.

"Really? It's like you have a chip on your shoulder, but I don't get why."

"I had a relationship that ended badly in the past." Hayden arched a brow. "Like I said, it's nothing."

"Doesn't sound like nothing," I said under my breath.

He clucked his tongue as if I was the one being difficult. "Now, what would the other bridesmaids say about muttering?"

With a huff, I said, "Ah, go suck a lemon."

"Magnolia Wilhelmina Mills," he said. "I think you can do better than that."

I scowled. "I can't believe I told you my middle name. You obviously can't be trusted."

Hayden held up his hands. "Never said I could be. Seriously, try another insult. I just want to make sure the whole wedding thing didn't completely kill your spirit."

I gave him a fierce smile. "I hope all your teeth fall out."

"Better," he said. "Much better."

"And that you eat glass and choke on it."

"Hey now, no need to go that far." Hayden shot me a wink. "Nice one, Magnolia Wilhelmina. I'm impressed."

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