Page 21 of Wild Ever After
I love my friends. I value their thoughts and know they always want what is best for me, but my mind is made up and they aren’t going to like my decision.
“No, I meant I’m not going to call off the wedding.”
Silence hangs around us.
“I don’t understand,” Piper finally says. “You just said Sam is gone.”
“He is.”
Dakota gives me a small smile. “I think people will notice if your groom is missing.”
“No one knows who my groom is. Well, no one but you guys. He didn’t want his name or photo included in the articles.”
Scarlett’s face pales. “Jade, no.”
“What?” Dakota glances around, trying to piece together my plan.
“I don’t see any other way.” My voice climbs defensively. “If I don’t go through with the wedding, I’ll lose my job.”
“Then get another job.” Scarlett leans forward and her eyes widen as she stares at me like she doesn’t recognize me, or maybe who I’ve become. She doesn’t get it. She grew up with two loving parents, who provided everything she could want. She’s worked hard at her photography, don’t get me wrong, but she doesn’t know what it’s like to have nothing and no family to depend on if everything falls apart.
I hang tight to my resolve. “I love my job and I’ve worked too hard to quit now.”
“Wait a minute.” Piper raises both hands. “Did I miss something? Who are you going to marry?”
Twisting my fingers in my lap, I keep my gaze locked on my chipped pink nail polish as I open my mouth to speak.
A deep, confident voice answers before I work up the courage. “Me.”
My friends’ heads snap to the doorway where Declan stands, but his stare is locked on me.
I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Piper’s eyes are the size of saucers and Scarlett squeaks but can’t seem to make her voice work either.
I stand quickly and walk toward Declan, grabbing him and pulling him inside.
“What are you doing?” I whisper, or at least I try to whisper. My heart is beating so loudly it’s hard to tell if I manage it.
“I didn’t have your number, but Leo mentioned you were coming over today.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I mean, why did you just tell them that we’re getting married?”
“I told you the other night I would do it.”
“I appreciate how sweet you were that night. I was drunk. You were drunk. We both said things we might not have with a clearer mind.”
“I wasn’t that drunk, and I meant it. I’ll marry you.”
“You can’t just say that.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know.” I cross my arms over my chest, then immediately drop them. “Everyone thinks I’ve lost my mind. Now they are going to think you have too.”
He shrugs. “It’s none of their business.”
With a roll of my eyes, I say, “Have you met our friends?”
“Look, if you don’t want me to be the guy, fine, but I stand by my offer.”
