Page 56 of Forgotten Desires

Kimberly places the note and the football back in the box. “Do you need help getting dressed?”

I nod. “That would be great.”

Phoebe smiles and walks over, unzipping the bag the gown is in.

It’s simple, elegant, and exactly what I wanted. It’s a long silk backless gown with a sweetheart neckline. The fabric pools right at the small of my back, creating beautiful layers. The train is short, but it seemed perfect for a beach wedding.

When I turn to see myself in the mirror, I gasp. My red hair is pinned to one side, curled in a wave that’s classic and timeless. My makeup is subtle and soft. I almost wouldn’t recognize this woman in the mirror.

“Oh, Brynlee, you’re absolutely stunning,” Phoebe says from beside me.

Kimberly, who will be my sister shortly, nods. “Seriously, Crew is going to lose it. You really are a vision.”

I smile and inhale deeply. “Thank you both.”

There’s another knock on the door and Phoebe opens it and tells whoever we’ll be just a minute.

“It was Ash. They’re ready for you.”

Ready. Right. Ready to get married.

Ready to walk to Crew and become his wife.

Dear God.

Kimberly pulls me in for a brief hug. “I know we just met, and you don’t know me, but I know my brother. He talked about you to me a few years ago. Talked about the trip here and how he met the only person he ever imagined sharing a life with. I told him he should find you, tell you the truth and explain what an idiot he is. I’m glad he listened. I’m truly happy you both were able to find each other.”

My hands start to shake and I fight back tears. How wrong she is in some ways. We did fall in love here. We shared our hopes and dreams, and all I hoped for was this exact moment. Only in the fantasy, we were getting married for other reasons.

Still, part of me, that part that caught a football and fell in love with a boy, is banging on the walls of my heart, desperate to feel more.

I won’t let her out, though. I won’t let myself believe the lie. I can’t end up wrecked worse than I was before.

I meant what I said to him about being broken.

I need to be stronger this time. I’ve taught myself how, and the wall around my heart was erected for a reason.

“Thank you,” I say, holding back the emotions with all my strength. I look to them both. “Can I just have a few moments?”

They each squeeze my hand and then leave.

I turn back to the mirror. I fix my necklace, the one my mother gave me before she died. It’s a heart-shaped diamond pendant that her mother gave her. “Oh, Brynlee, I hope your heart is as hard as this stone. Otherwise, it’ll become dust if you let him in even a bit.”

Then I grab my bouquet and walk to my brother, ready to marry a man who has the power to obliterate me.

fifteen

CARSON

“To the bride and groom! May they find many years of happiness!” Ford says after giving the worst best man speech in history.

Everyone toasts and Brynn shakes her head as she sips her sparkling cider that we had to hide since no one knows about her surgery. “Sorry about that,” I say to her as I place my glass down.

“Who doesn’t love telling both sides of the family how we slept together on spring break?”

I sigh. “I’ll dock his pay for a few weeks.”

She grins. “It’s no less than he deserves.”

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