Page 74 of Jingle Bell Jilt
I pull back quickly, knowing if I start kissing her again, we might never leave the airport.
“Are you okay staying with me or should we find you a nearby hotel?” We lived together for a week, so I’m not sure that a hotel is necessary. But then, I had not been granted ‘benefits’ then.
“Whatever’s easiest. I didn’t really give you any notice that you’d have a house guest.”
“As far as I’m concerned, you’re not a house guest. You’re coming home.”
EPILOGUE
EVAN
Ican’t believe we’re here. It’s two days before Christmas, for goodness sake. But then, I can’t believe Nathan is already getting married after only dating this girl for nine months. Although he dated Shay for two years, and it didn’t work out. So maybe time isn’t a big deal.
I sit in the chair of the hotel ballroom, looking around at all the decorations. Is this what Shay’s wedding with him had looked like?
I don’t like thinking about it. I glance over and pick up her hand, resting it on my thigh, just as a reminder that she picked me.
When we got the invitation, I asked Shay if she wanted to blow it off. But she said she was completely fine. So here we are. I wasn’t sure I believed her at first, but as I sneak sly glances at her, she seems completely unaffected by the wedding. She really doesn’t care that Nathan is marrying someone else.
I lift her hand to my lips.
She smiles and I subconsciously pat my pocket, making sure my little surprise is still there.
Nathan isn’t the only one that will remember this day.
We sit and wait. The crowd is getting a little restless. I stretch my legs out in front of me as much as I can and glance at my watch. I let out a gasp and Shay frowns at me. Not so much an angry frown as a what-is-wrong frown.
I lift my watch to her, and her brows raise. The ceremony is more than thirty minutes late.
“He wouldn’t,” I whisper to Shay.
“I can’t say I’d be surprised.” She glances back down the aisle. “The mother of the bride is running around like a crazy person back there,” she says through closed teeth.
I fold my arms, tucking Shay’s hand against my chest. “He’s such an idiot. Did he learn nothing the last time?”
She looks at me like that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever said. Which it probably is. “Has he said anything to you?”
I shake my head. “We don’t talk about women anymore. It’s for the best.” I watch the best man standing at the front of the room. I know him, vaguely. He and Nathan work together. The guy’s gaze is pinballing all over the room. He obviously doesn’t know what’s happening. Or maybe he does and that’s why he won’t make eye contact.
“Was that guy supposed to be the best man at your wedding?”
Shay squints up at the front. “No. I don’t know that guy very well.” She lifts her brows. “Jeremy was supposed to be Nathan’s best man at our wedding. He was so mad at Nathan, I don’t think he would agree to do it again.”
“This guy might not either.”
We wait for another hour before the mother of the bride comes in and tells everyone that the wedding has been canceled. She looks a combination of hostile-angry and brokenhearted—likely for what her daughter is going through. I can’t say I blame her.
The crowd files out. They whisper and cast curious glances at Shay. I slide my arm around her and pull her into me, not wanting any of them to think she isn’t better off.
We wait for everyone to leave, just like we do on the airplane. Shay is a big fan of being the last person out of anywhere.
Finally, we stand up and I stretch my back.
“It’s a shame this is all going to waste.” Shay pushes out her lips, her hands on her hips.
That’s right. This beautifully decorated room is just going to sit here with no one getting married. No one making happy memories. Unless—I pat my pocket. This isn’t what I had planned, but maybe it’s even better. It’s definitely warmer than the outdoor ice rink.
I grab Shay’s hand and lead her up to the floral arch where Nathan and Sabrina were supposed to say their vows. Now’s the time. I’m going to do it.
