Page 46 of Fauxmance

Everyone in attendance seemed to inhale as she entered the room.

There was a halo of light around Jas, though I couldn't identify the source, making the white of her dress shine bright like a star. Her entire being was radiant. As she began her walk down the staircase, the dress my mother had designed hugged her every curve, fitting her like a glove, the train flowing like water behind her. She made it to the last step, her face aglow.

I heard another intake of breath, and my eyes shifted to the groom.

Cole was just as happy, though I could see even from here that he looked a bit teary-eyed. He stared at Jasmine like she was the only other person in the room, like he couldn't wait to spend the rest of their lives together, like she was his whole world. And that made me tear up.

I did a quick scan of the guests, and sure enough. Everyone's eyes were on my sister. I was so happy for her. I felt a tear slide down my face and did nothing to stop it. Ah, she'd gotten her moment just like she'd always wanted. Except—

Something made me glance back at the groomsmen, and when I did, I realized I'd been wrong. At least one pair of eyes were on me.

They belonged to Hayden, and as our gazes collided, I couldn't look away.

Why was he looking at me?

No one ever looked twice at me when my beautiful older sister was in the vicinity.

Not least of which when she looked like a cross between an angel-fairy princess-goddess as she did now.

And yet…he did.

I couldn't tell you much about the rest of the wedding. I was lucid enough to perform all of my maid of honor duties, taking my sister's bouquet so she could stand hand-in-hand with Cole, giving it back at the end of their vows, following behind them as the ceremony ended, but it was all a blur.

I could tell you the exact shade of gray Hayden's eyes were.

And that was worrisome.

CHAPTER 9

"I never thought we were the type of family who goes to the bathroom together," I said.

"Well," my sister said from inside one of the stalls, "I never thought you'd be keeping things from me. But here we are."

I sighed. "I told you already, Jas. You were so stressed about the wedding. I didn't want to add even more to your plate."

"Nope, sorry, not buying it. Be honest, Magnolia. You were afraid I'd blow a gasket if I knew about Sean."

I was afraid of that.

But I remained silent, not wanting to either confirm or deny the fact.

Jasmine had grabbed and pulled me in here before either of us could make it to the reception. I had to admit the bathroom was impressive. Like everything else at Haven House, they'd obviously spared no expense with the marble walls, the extra-large stalls and the chandelier-like light fixtures. There was even a velvet fainting couch in the middle of it all. I was currently sitting there, waiting silently for Jas, close by in case she needed anything.

"Hey, how's that bag thing working out?" I asked. "Do you need any help?"

"No, thank you," she said. "The bag is perfect, and as advertised, I was able to keep my gorgeous bridal gown on and still relieve myself. This thing is amazing."

That made me smile. I'd seen the garment on TV, the perfect bridal companion, and knew it was something Jasmine—and any bride—would appreciate.

"I'm so glad you like it," I said.

"I do," she said then added, "but that doesn't mean you're off the hook."

"Sean dumped me," I said, noticing that it didn't hurt as much to say as I'd thought it would. "He wasn't overly nice about it, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just…it wasn't something I was excited to share."

Jasmine was quiet a beat. "But you honestly thought I'd be mad atyou? Over whathedid? I can't believe you'd think so little of me, Magnolia."

I squirmed for a moment on the couch. "It wasn't that exactly. I just didn't want to ruin the wedding."

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