Total pages in book: 14
Estimated words: 12204 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 61(@200wpm)___ 49(@250wpm)___ 41(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 12204 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 61(@200wpm)___ 49(@250wpm)___ 41(@300wpm)
The next time I jerk awake, I see the sun streaming in from under the curtains that are pulled closed. I glance to the other side of the bed to see that it’s empty, but there is a note. What time is it? Crap.
My Sweet Caroline,
I know you mentioned you had work to handle today, but I also have an event I need to be at. Text me when you’re done. We’re far from over.
Xoxox
Colden
He left his number scribbled at the bottom of the note, and I realize that I might be extending my trip. My plan was to get the bride into her dress and then check out. It sounds like Colden wants to meet back up later, and I’m not letting what could be love slip through my fingers.
I get dressed quickly and make it up to my room to get myself together before I head down to the bride’s suite. When I enter, I see a handful of bridesmaids all rushing around getting their makeup and hair done.
“Caroline!” The bride has a giant smile on her face as she jumps up when she sees me. It makes me wonder if that’s how I’ll be on my wedding day. Colden’s blue eyes and dark hair come to mind, along with that dimple in his left cheek.
For a bride, Milly isn’t stressed at all. I know she wants everything to go off without a hitch, but when I hear her talk about her soon-to-be husband, I know at the end of the day all that matters is that they are married.
“Are you ready to put this dress on?” The wedding isn’t for a few hours, but there are a million pictures to be taken.
“So ready,” she says as I go over to the rack and help her into it.
“I think Milly here is the first bride I’ve ever known that the white dress holds true to,” one of her bridesmaids teases her, and Milly’s cheeks turn a bright pink.
“I wanted this to be special. There’s nothing wrong with saving yourself.”
“I’m only teasing you,” her friend says. “It’s sweet, but I don’t know how you did it. Your husband is as handsome as they come.”
“Watch it.” Milly playfully glares at her friend as I hook the last button on the dress and it fits as perfectly as I knew it would. My job here is done.
“I love it.” Milly spins around and gives me a hug. “Thank you so much. You have no idea how you’ve made this day even more perfect for me.”
“You’re welcome.” I smile, loving that I get to be a small part of her happiness.
“You can come to the wedding if you like,” Milly offers.
“Sorry, I have plans, but I would love to see some pictures at some point.”
“Will do.” She kisses me on the cheek before I try to make my exit. All I can think about is texting Colden, but I’m stopped from walking out the double doors.
“Hold up. The groom is out there,” one of the bridesmaids at the door tells me. “We don’t want him getting a peek at her yet.”
“Tradition,” I say in understanding.
My curiosity gets the better of me, though, and I glance through the peephole. I’ve never met Milly’s almost husband, and I’d like to get a glimpse of her groom.
All the air leaves my lungs when I see him in a tux on the other side of the door. It’s the same man I spent the night before in bed with. I can even still smell him on me. Thank god Milly hadn't. What would I have said?
I stumble back away from the door as reality comes crashing down all around me. “You okay?” one of the girls asks.
“I just need to get going. Is there another exit?”
“Yeah,” she says and points to the other side of the room. “It’s the service hallway, but I’m sure if you’re in a rush you can use it.”
“Thanks,” I mutter before I turn and get the hell out of there.
Guilt eats me alive as I pack up my hotel room, needing to get out of here. Part of me wonders if I should tell the bride. I have no clue what the right thing to do is. I stare at the note Colden left me. He wanted to meet up again today? Was he going to slide me in between saying “I do” and the wedding reception? I shove the stupid note down into my purse. I should toss it out, but for some reason I can’t bring myself to do it.
Not only because it might be all I’ll ever have of him but also because after last night, I might have more of him than I know. Only time will tell. If that does end up being the case, I’ll have to use that number one day, but what are the odds?