Page 69 of Waiting for Redemption

* * *

“Guys, what are we doing here? We have to go, or did we suddenly forget that I have to get married in like three hours?” They haven’t told mewhereI’m getting married yet, which has my anxiety at an all-time high, but I trust these girls with my life, so I made the choice to trust them with my fake wedding too.

“Of course, we didn’t forget.That’swhat we’re doing here,” Shane says sweetly as we stop outside of the courthouse—and for some reason, my heart sinks.

Where else should a fake wedding take place?

“Oh,” I say, trying my best not to let my disappointment show. “Right. Of course.” I try playing off my initial surprise, but as always, they see right through me.

“Come on, this way.” Leah laughs, pulling me behind her. I glance at Lauren who has a smug look on her face and I can’t quite tell what she’s up to. When we stop again, I see it. Behind the courthouse is the most beautiful courtyardI’ve ever seen. There’s a large pond and the perfect view of the western horizon. The open field leading up to it has been transformed into the perfect outdoor wedding space with a flower-covered arch and exactly seven chairs.

“You didn’t.” I look at Lauren in disbelief.

“Just for today,” she whispers, laying her head on my shoulder.

I take a moment to think about the day I’ve had with Lauren and the conversations that took place in the nail salon. The manicures, the hair appointment, the dress shopping where I found a simple white dress to wear tonight, and how I actually allowed myself to get excited over those things. Pretending it’s real isn’t going to make thiseasier, it’s going to make it that much harder when I’m hit with a vivid reminder that it’snot.

“Guys, I can’t do this,” I say, feeling dizzy from all the second-guessing. “I can’t keep pretending this is all real. I mean, what the hell am I thinking? We should just grab a judge, and make it happen inside—quick and painless. Because it… it’s gonna hurt too much to act like it’s real when it isn’t.” I find myself on the verge of sobbing as they all take turns trying to calm me down. Pretending Tank and I are getting married because we’re in love is only setting myself up for heartbreak—because we’re not. I’ve been through that with him before, and I don’t plan on doing it a second time.

“Ruby. Hey,breathe,” Lauren says, taking both of my hands in hers. “Okay. No more pretending then. But the dress, the place, and the fact that we’re all here for you, none of that changes. We’ll just refocus onwhyyou’re doing this, okay? For Hendrix, right?” I nod as she regains my focus. “So then, doall of thisfor him.” She motions to the courtyard again, “Because he thinks it’s real too.” Tears begin forming in my eyes as her words sink in.

“You’re right.” I blow out a shaky breath.

“Now… We have one more thing to tell you,” Leah says, looking around at the group nervously.

“What is it?”

“You and Tank have a room atThe Vistatonight.” No one moves, I don’t even think they breathe as they await my reaction, and to my own surprise, I don’t have one. Maybe my brain is shutting down due to how absolutely overwhelming this feels. Who knows? But maybe this will give us a chance to actually talk about the last six months,andwhat the next six may possibly look like without worrying if Hendrix is listening in. Maybe having a room somewhere away from the house will be a good thing.

“Okay,” I say flatly. They all look at each other and shrug when they realize I won’t be putting up a fight.

“Let’s get you married then,” Taylor says, breaking the silence as she links her arm with mine.

“I may haveoneother surprise for you,” Lauren whispers as we walk across the street to the hotel. After seeing the last-minute venue they just took me to, I can only think of one thing it might be.

* * *

The dress.

How she found it, and how sheafforded itis beyond me, but she made it happen. As I stand here looking in the floor-length mirror in what will be mine and Tank’s room later this evening, I try my best to compartmentalize my emotions.

I feel absolutely beautiful. Exactly how a bride would hope to feel on her wedding day. Suddenly I’m worried I’ll show up to Tank in jeans and a baseball cap thinking this is just another Saturday afternoon. I should know better though. At the very least Taylor will make sure he is wearing a dress shirt for this.

“One more thing,” Lauren says, handing me a small box.

“What’s this?” I turn to face her, taking the box and opening it to reveal a beautiful silver locket that has a sapphire in the middle of it.

“Something blue,” she shrugs, looking into the box with me.

“You are the most incredible friend, you know that?”

“I do, thank you so much,” she says, making me laugh as she grabs my bouquet of fake black roses and African lilies.

Lauren and I grew very close, very quickly, after being introduced. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something between us justclicked. I love every single one of these girls I call family, but if I were going to have a Maid of Honor by my side today, there’s no doubt in my mind it would be her.

“But that’s not from me,” she says quietly, making my brows knit together skeptically.

Is it… from Tank?

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