Page 35 of Vapor

“Finally. The fun part!” Lacy rushes off to another part of the store where bridesmaid dresses in every color of the rainbow hang on endless racks.“Since you really wanted pink, we’ll do that for the bridesmaids. Pink is perfectly acceptable.”

“If you say so.”

“Have you thought about who your other bridesmaids will be? I’m the maid-of-honor, of course.”

“Naturally.”

“Who else have you invited?”

“No one.”

“What? Why not?”

“I’m not really close to any of the other women I know. Besides, you’ll be there and that’s all I need.”

“As flattered as I am, you need bridesmaids. How many groomsmen does Justin have?”

“I don’t know.”

“Ask him. Then we can find the correct number of bridesmaids for you. The sides need to be equal.” Lacy holds up a bubblegum-pink satin halter top dress.“What about this one?”

“If you like it, then we’ll get it.”

“Don’t you think it’s pretty?” she asks.

“I won’t be the one wearing it, so it doesn’t matter to me.” I shrug.

“Well, I love it, so we’ll take it.”

Sitting in silence, I watch Gloria nip and tuck the dress until Lacy’s satisfied with her reflection.

On the long ride home, Lacy chatters about plans for my wedding. She doesn’t stop to ask for my thoughts on anything because she must realize I don’t care.

When we arrive at my house, Lacy follows me in. We find our father sitting at his desk in the study.

Lacy wraps her arms around him.“Daddy, wait until you see her wedding dress! It’s perfection!”

“I’m relieved you found something,” Father says, sliding his gaze to me.“Are you happy with it?”

“It’s pretty,” I say because I know it’s what they expect me to do. Over the last twenty years, I’ve figured out what they want, and I’ve conformed to it. There’s no point in starting a fight.

In fact, the more I think about things, the more I wonder if I should pretend that I’ve changed my mind and that I’m excited for the wedding. If they believe me, then they’ll be less suspicious of my motives leading up to the wedding. I might need their trust if I’m going to escape before Broussard slides the ring on my finger.

“I’m sorry I’ve been dragging my feet about everything. I’m just nervous.” I press my hand to my belly for emphasis.

“Of course you are,” Lacy says sympathetically.“Getting married is a huge step in life. We’re so lucky that Daddy found us good husbands.”

“I only want what’s best for you,” he says, smiling at Lacy.

“We know,” she says, grinning back.“I’m so happy with Xavier. And… I’m late.”

“Have you taken a test yet?” Dad asks, hopeful.

“I will tomorrow. I’ve been waiting for enough time to pass to make sure I get accurate results.”

“That’s my girl. Xavier and I will be thrilled to welcome a new child into the family.” Dad beams.

“I hope it’s positive,” I say with as much enthusiasm as I can muster.

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