Steal My Heart, Trevor (Best Friends To Forever Book 2) Page 17

  “We better keep walking.” Emily cast her eyes to the sky. “Looks like it’s going to rain.”

  Was it really going to rain? Or was Emily rescuing her? Relieved, Bryn lengthened her stride.

  “Cripes, I hope it won’t rain for my wedding.” Emily groaned. “Hadn’t thought about that.”

  “Never bother worry ‘til worry bothers you.” Bryn’s mind clouded. “Or something like that.”

  Emily wrinkled her nose. “What the heck does that mean?”

  Bryn blushed. Where was her head today? “I’m really not sure. Just something my mama always said.”

  “Don’t even think about it. Of course it won’t rain.” Josie began with her usual bravado. Then her face shifted. “But maybe you should order some tents just in case.”

  “Oh, Mama’s got that covered,” Emily said with a laugh. “She’s having a great time with this wedding. I’m glad it’s not far away. Did you both get your invitations?”

  “Yep.” Josie said and Bryn nodded. “You bet.”

  Where did time go? Confused and hurt by Trevor’s silence, Bryn threw herself into the wedding plans.

  The days before Emily’s wedding were like pages of a calendar being ripped off by the wind. But for Bryn? Time dragged. Malcolm was giving her a wide berth. So much for being friends. And Trevor never called.

  As the days passed, Bryn had to come to terms with that. No way, would she call Trevor again, just to hear some phony excuse. She got the message. But the unspoken words hurt. Every time she passed the glider sitting in the afternoon sun, her heart took her back to that Sunday with Trevor. Rubbing one shoulder, she could almost feel his arm around her again.

  What if something had happened to Trevor or the children? Malcolm’s words came back to her. Take a chance. Uneasy, she looked up Trevor’s address and got in her car one evening. This was a huge step but she had to take it. Chuckling, she thought back to the night Josie and Emily had driven out to Jackson’s house to see if Victoria was there. Then her smile faded. This was different. Her heart beat overtime in her chest. She’d never done anything this bold. That drive was the longest thirty minutes of her life.

  When she reached the house, she expelled a breath. Oh, my. She hadn’t expected anything this grand. His mother’s car sat in the circle in front of the impressive red brick home. Bryn parked across the street, working the steering wheel with her hands. She just couldn’t ring the bell with his mother there.

  A side door burst open. The girls tumbled out, running and shrieking with laughter. Crouched over, Trevor came after them, and she craned her neck to see what was going on. From the shaggy blue thing he had on his head, he was playing the Cookie Monster.

  He was adorable as he chased the girls around the yard. They looked so happy. She didn’t know what to think. Trevor had never lied to her. But she didn’t know what to think. When they’d disappeared back inside, she started her car. Maybe it was time to accept it.

  Remembering his mother’s words as she drove home, Bryn wasn't about to overstep her bounds. She didn't have the heart for more rejection. So she got busy preparing for Emily's wedding.

  Bryn had offered her house for a bridal shower and of course Josie would co-host. Glad for any diversion, she went to the library and researched party games. When she ran into Malcolm, everything felt fine. A nod, a quick hello. Of course he was tucked in a corner, probably working on the website.

  Josie helped decorate the cottage and Bryn ordered a cake from Victoria. “What’s with the green pail on your counter?” Josie asked when they took a break from decorating.

  “That’s Sheldon.”

  “Is he snoozing?” Josie peered down.

  “I don’t know. Maybe.” Scooting the pail into a corner, she wondered if she should give up. When she lifted the tiny shell and peeked inside, all she saw was green. The turtle’s eyes were closed.

  “Hmm.” Josie threw her a curious look. They grabbed crepe paper and started streaming it across the living room.

  On the night of the shower, Bryn gathered bouquets from her picking garden, adding some of the blazingly beautiful pink and orange hibiscus. She set up card tables for the bride bingo game, which Josie thought was total nonsense. Bryn had to agree. But seeing Emily's mama and her neighbor Miss Charlotte laugh with delight at the flamingo totes they’d won, she was glad they’d gone to the effort.

  Emily seemed so pleased with her gifts. Josie took notes on who had given what so Emily could write her thank you notes. Gathering the discarded bows, Bryn created a bouquet for Emily. Victoria had supplied tea sandwiches and heart-shaped cookies with the letters E and J entwined. Considering that Victoria had once had eyes on Jackson, her contribution seemed generous. Everything seemed to be coming together...for everyone else.

  That night, the spirit was light. Bryn’s blue mood lifted. Emily looked so cute in the shoulder-length bridal veil Bryn had picked up. Josie had given her pearl earrings for the occasion, baubles that were so huge they quivered every time Emily turned her head.

  In just a week they would be helping dress Emily at home before trooping off to the gazebo, where the wedding would be held. Emily’s parents had rented a white tent for the reception, just in case it rained.

  After the bridal shower, Bryn turned her attention to the turtles. The hatchlings were hitting their peak. At least once a week she released a group into the marsh, often with Nanny at her side. But Sheldon wasn’t ready to go.

  How she wanted to pick up the phone and invite Annabelle and Daisy to watch these little fellows make their way out into the tall reeds. But Trevor hadn’t gotten in touch with her, and she just couldn’t call. What if his mother answered again? The thought of another run-in with Mrs. Daniels made Bryn physically sick. And Trevor’s silence? That kept her on the sofa watching Hallmark movies, the green pail tucked next to her.

  ***

  Finally Emily’s wedding was here. Bryn had spent the entire morning decorating the gazebo. Then she turned her attention to the tent, making sure that the white lilies trailed just so from the centerpiece set on every table.

  Then it was on to Laverne’s Curls, the hair salon that had moved into a corner slot near Victoria’s Pantry. Oh, how they giggled over their champagne as Laverne and her staff made them look beautiful. Emily was happier than Bryn had ever seen her.

  This was the day every girl plans for. Bryn had expected Emily’s excitement to shower her with its spell. But for Bryn, something was missing. Two weeks with no word from Trevor.

  Finally she left the group and dashed home to dress. When she slipped into her peach cocktail dress from Coralee’s, she tried to feel the magic the dress had promised when she tried it on. But, nothing. The heart-shaped neckline, the tiny cap sleeves over her arms...the thrill was gone. Blinded by silly tears, Bryn had to do her eye makeup twice. What was this? Time to give herself a stern talking-to. And she had plenty of her mama’s words to bolster her.

  Was she sad because she wasn't the girl getting married? Bryn dug deeper. Or was it because she hadn’t heard from Trevor? Didn’t friends call each other? Something felt terribly wrong, but she couldn’t work up the nerve to call him.

  Time to get to Emily’s so she slipped into her three-inch sandals, admiring her pedicure, which she’d done herself. “Bye, Sheldon.” She looked down at the little guy. Was he still in the same spot? It had been so busy. But she thought he was just where she’d left him. Not a good sign. “I’ll be back soon.”

  Even her turtle was rejecting her.

  Locking up her cottage, Bryn jumped into her car and was at Emily’s parents’ house in three minutes flat. Josie was already there, looking smashing in her lime green dress. Her tan set off the color, such a lively green that it looked as if it had been plucked from a bush. Josie didn’t have to worry about freckling.

  Upstairs in Emily's bedroom, the three of them giggled as they helped dress the bride. Of course she looked beautiful in her gown and veil with the tiara. But the most
beautiful thing about her was the happiness shining from her eyes.

  Before too long her mother appeared at the door. “Emily? Are you girls ready, sweetheart? We should be headed to the square. Your guests will be waiting.”

  The giggling gave way to breathlessness. Feeling like women on stilts, they took their time going down the stairs. Bryn and Josie helped keep Emily’s gown off the carpet.

  “Has Jackson seen your dress?” Bryn asked.

  Emily gave her a look of sheer horror. “Are you kidding me? You know the rules for the wedding. The groom can't see you in your dress before the wedding. Very bad luck.”

  While Emily's father drove them over in an SUV rented for the occasion, they talked about who was coming to the wedding and how wonderful the Biltmore would be for a honeymoon. Knowing Jackson, he would arrange everything so that it was perfect but in an understated way.

  As Emily’s father pulled up to the square, the familiar brick buildings blurred in front of Bryn’s eyes. Dusk was falling and next to the gazebo the tent glowed. Outside the reception area, chairs were arranged in a wide arc in front of the fountain.

  Had anything ever looked so heartbreakingly perfect? Bryn could hardly ignore the lump in her throat. But she blinked, smiled and flitted around, checking everything.

  Emily's mother had cordoned off part of the large reception tent with screens so the wedding party was out of sight. The three clustered together giggling and adjusting Emily’s gown. As she was ushered into the tent, Bryn caught a glimpse of the rows of white chairs with bouquets of the pink calla lilies on the last chair in each row, with ribbons cascading to the grass. At least it wasn't raining. Inside the tent the air was crisp and cool from the air conditioning units. Added to that, fans whispered luxuriously overhead.

  Finally, the sweet strains of organ music reached her ears. When the wedding march began, Emily's mother disappeared after giving Emily a careful kiss that didn’t disturb her makeup. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”

  “Thanks, Mama.” And then Emily sent her on her way.

  Everyone was seated. The coast was clear. Motioning to them, Emily’s father stood guard at the entrance of the tent. The three of them crept out and positioned themselves. Seated among the guests, a little girl turned her head and announced, “Mama, look at that pretty lady.”

  Of course everyone turned with the swish of Sunday dresses and suits that were probably feeling a bit warm. Emily’s mother was seated. It was time.

  “You go first,” Bryn pleaded with Josie.

  “No problem.” Josie was a girl who didn’t mind leading the way. Oh, how Bryn admired her for that. In her lime green dress, Josie looked sleek and gorgeous, her shoulder length hair swept away from her face and amazing eyes.

  Giving Emily and Bryn a wink, Josie began the short walk to where Jackson stood waiting. Behind him were his two groomsmen, Malcolm and a buddy from work. Now Bryn got ready and with a nod from Josie, started down the aisle. She faltered a bit as she glanced down at the peach roses, but it wasn’t about her heels. No, it was about the roses. But she got it together through the rows of murmuring guests to join Josie. They both turned to look back. The organist switched to “Here Comes the Bride.” Everyone turned to look.

  Smiling back at her friend, Bryn watched Emily slip her arm through her father’s. This must be such an emotional time for him. Father and daughter came down the aisle nodding and smiling as some people took pictures. Quick on her feet, the professional photographer slipped from one angle to another.

  Jackson and Malcolm appeared. The second groomsman was someone who worked for Jackson. Hands clasped in front of him, Malcolm looked uncomfortable in the suit but storybook handsome.

  Just not her storybook.

  As the crowd quieted, Mr. Sommers gave his only child a kiss before joining his wife in the front row. She was already dabbing at her eyes. Right behind them, Miss Charlotte sat next to a gentleman who looked very happy to be there with her. Bryn had seen him at Victoria’s open house.

  Glancing at the rows of chairs, Bryn was glad to see that all her lilies had held up. Now she could relax. The music faded and the minister stepped up. Emily and Jackson had written their own vows and they smiled as they recited personal pledges that brought a few chuckles. Who else would promise to never use a roll of duct tape on a leaky pipe? Bryn thought she recalled hearing about that episode. The gathering of friends and family smiled, laughed and cried.

  Bryn wanted that. Oh how she wanted that.

  But with the right man. And he would have to want it too.

  Before long Emily became Mrs. Jackson Hart. Bryn had never seen anything so beautiful and she was glad she’d tucked a tissue in her hand. The keyboard jolted her into action with a robust recessional. Jackson and Emily almost ran down the aisle. Relieved that she ended up partnered with Jackson’s friend from work, she hoped Josie didn’t mind taking Malcolm’s arm. Josie had very set ideas about keeping her personal life separate from her professional duties.

  Turning, they walked down the short aisle between the white chairs and joined Emily at the entrance of the tent in a short reception line. When Josie joined her, Bryn was surprised to see damp cheeks. Of course Josie was swiping at them as if they were attracting gnats.

  This wasn’t like her. Josie wasn’t emotional. “Josie, whatever is going on?”

  Her friend gave her a bleary smile. “Have you ever seen anything so beautiful in your entire life?”

  Nope. Never. “Aw, Josie.” With a shake of her head, Bryn gave her friend a tight hug. The last few weeks had been tough for them. Before Emily returned to town, Bryn and Josie had been inseparable. Bryn didn’t want to ruin their friendship and she might have come darn close.

  Jackson and Emily moved inside. With fans whispering overhead, excitement drifted to the upper level of the tent. Bryn felt hungry. Stations were set up with roasted peppers, all kinds of olives and slivers of toasted bread laden with pesto. Waiters circulated with flutes of champagne.

  A quick visual sweep of the tables reassured Bryn that her arrangements looked beautiful. Champagne in one hand, she skirted each table, just to check.

  “Nice job on the flowers, Bryn.” Malcolm stood there, hands in his pockets.

  “Just taking care of business.”

  His eyes cast around as if looking for someone or something.

  “Are you here with someone special?” Bryn asked, thinking maybe he’d brought someone he’d met on the camping trip.

  Even under the deep tan, she could see a blush burning.

  “Josie brought me as her plus one.” And he looked totally uncomfortable about that.

  “Of course.” Bryn laughed. “That would be Josie.”

  Confusion drifted over his features. “Well, guess I better go find my table.” With that, Malcolm wandered off.

  Each table was numbered. If he came with Josie, Malcolm might end up at her table and that was just fine. Sweetwater Creek was a small community. She had to get used to seeing him around.

  The noise level dipped as people found their seats. As she expected, Malcolm followed Josie to their table. Giving Bryn a raised eyebrow, Josie took the seat between them.

  “It's all right,” Bryn murmured. “Everything's fine.”

  After the first course there were speeches and more cheers. Emily looked so happy. One of Jackson's buddies proposed a toast. Of course he told the story, with a few embellishments, of how the bride and groom had become more than friends. What they’d shared and what they might share in the future.

  After the cutting of the cake and more toasts, a quartet began to play. The first dance was for the bride and groom, who seemed to glow in a halo of love. As they circled the dance floor, suddenly Bryn needed some air. The syrupy-sweet love songs were getting to her. She certainly didn’t want Malcolm to ask her to dance.

  “Excuse me,” she murmured. Slipping out into the darkness, she made her way to the fountain. With the bench firm beneath her, Bryn felt a
wave of nostalgia sweep over her. Everything in life changed. That’s how it worked. Tonight she wasn’t fine with that. She’d never been good with change.

  “Hey.” With a rustle of silk chiffon, Josie sat down beside her. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing.” The word hung in the air between them. “So you brought Malcolm as your plus one, huh?”

  “Is that all right with you?” Josie gave her a long look. A look that Bryn tried to read without success in the soft glow of the gaslights. “Have you changed your mind?”

  How could Josie think that? “Don't be silly. Of course not.”

  Josie opened her mouth and closed it. Bryn could almost hear the snap of her jaw. Then she dropped her eyes, studying her lime green shoes.

  Resting her head against the back bench, Bryn looked up. “Isn’t it a beautiful night? I’m so happy that everything worked out for Emily.”

  Looking up, Josie said. “You’re next, lady.”

  “Oh no. Not me.” Bryn snorted. “Do you have a magic ball or something?”

  “So where is Trevor?” Josie always got right to the point.

  “I have no idea. I called and left a message. He never called back.”

  “Whoa.” Josie pulled back in amazement. “That's a surprise.”

  “Tell me about it. Then I drove past his house.” She was kind of proud of that.

  “Whoa.” Josie rocked back. “Are you taking a page from my book?”

  “Do you mind?” Bryn gave her a grin.

  “Not at all. What did you find out?”

  “His mother’s car was there and he was out back...” Her voice caught.

  Josie squeezed her hand. “Doing what?”

  “Being the Cookie Monster.” Bryn chuckled, remembering him in that silly wig.

  “Hah! What fun.” With a roar, Josie slapped her thighs. “What did you say to him?”

  “I never got out of the car.”

  “Why not?” Josie peered at her as if questioning her sanity.

  “Oh, Josie that’s not me.” Bryn groaned. “I’m old fashioned enough that I still feel the man calls the woman.”