Page 123 of The Marriage Narrative
“The wedding coordinator is already here,” Nora added. “Your schedule starts in an hour.”
Facials at ten.
Hair at eleven.
Makeup at two.
Bridal party photos at four.
Ceremony at five.
“Ready?” Her dad looked so handsome in his tuxedo.
Heart feeling brilliantly full, she adjusted the pale orange zinnia boutonniere on his left lapel. “Thank you for being here.”
“I would’ve been at the first one.”
She chuckled. “You know me—always have to do everything backward and learn the hard way.”
“And you always get there in the end. I love you, baby girl.” He held out his arm for her to take. The music changed as the processional ended and the double doors opened on cue.
During their venue tour, she’d asked to have the ceremony in the lush botanical conservatory but was swiftly overruled. They’d be way too exposed in the greenhouse—uninvited spectators might film from the outside and media with drones could set up shop right above them. Their wedding coordinator had respectfully agreed but then winked at Zinnia.
The generically nice midsized estate room had been transformed into a secret garden. Everything Zinnia wanted, moved indoors and re-created with custom-made fabric bouquets, vibrant ribbons, and elegant greenery. An early evening sunset made the stained-glass windows glow, and that light hit what had to be dozens of small mirrors hidden inside the expansive silk wisteria vine canopy. It created a warm and dreamy effect like walking through beloved memories that had grown hazy with age.
Jordan was waiting for her at the altar. Right where he’d promised to be, with Grace and Fiona, and his best man, Wylie.
Zinnia expected to be anxious, for her heart to try and escape her chest, nerves shredded down to nubs, and her lungs close tocollapsing. She thought she’d have to lean on her dad to make sure she didn’t trip or fall over.
Turned out, she was great. Fantastic. Never felt better as she basically floated all the way down the aisle—a solid week of practicing her bride smile for pictures instantly forgotten.
Her dad gave his blessing and kissed her on the cheek before taking his seat.
Jordan had a determined glint in his eye, a gentle smile on his face, and he had never looked more handsome. “Hi.”
“Hi.”Jesus, she sounded like a delirious alien high on laughing gas.
The cameras pushed in close from all sides as the music came to a melodic end. Their officiant began the opening remarks. Since this wedding wasn’t a do-over, and was being heavily recorded, they’d decided to stick to the standard vows again.
They were saving their real ones for the first moment they were alone.
Jordan put the second wedding band on Zinnia’s ring finger—they’d picked out a matching set together. After she did the same, the officiant began the pronouncement.
“With the unconditional love and full support of their friends and family in attendance today, I now present—”
“Wait!” Beatrix was suddenly standing in the middle of the aisle. “Jordan, please don’t do this.”
“Oh, sorry, this isn’t that kind of wedding,” the officiant said loudly. “They’re already married. So, if you could just sit down—”
“Jordan,” Beatrix said firmly. “I need you to listen to me. You can’t marry her.”
“But he already did. Can she not hear me?” the officiant asked.
“That night, at the twins’ birthday party, you said you compared every person you’ve ever dated to me. You said you don’t love her the way you loved me.”
The crowd reacted with a unifiedgasp.
Jordan’s wide-eyed horrified gaze flicked from Beatrix to Zinnia and her heart sank. She immediately knew he’d really said those things.
