Page 118 of Temporary Vows
“That’s normal. Just enjoy being in this amazing building. Look at it. It’s magical,” she says in a wistful tone.
The usher smiles back at us and points ahead. “Wait until you see the grand hall.”
We both grin back at her like giddy schoolgirls.
We turn down the hallway and are greeted by more beauty.
Fresh flowers stand in tall arrangements. White roses, fuchsia orchids, and orange lilies like the ones I carry in my bouquet.
Paintings of scenic landscapes hang between the arches, and above me, the ceiling is covered in murals. I’m convinced I’ve strayed into a dream.
Ahead, a large set of double doors awaits, wide open.
We’re here.
No turning back now.
The tangled nerves in my stomach grow tighter. I try to breathe through it.
The usher reaches the door first and smiles back at us. “Ready?” she asks in a lilting voice.
I nod and take in another breath. This one is for clarity, to guide me in the first steps into my new life.
I’m getting married to Dorian Vale. I’m going to need all the clarity I can muster.
Skylar takes her place behind me, then the first notes of theWedding Marchbegin, carried through the hall by the graceful sound of violins.
“Go.” The usher beckons me forward.
I move.
I take two steps forward, then I’m inside the hall, and my gaze finds Dorian instantly.
He stands at the end of the aisle beside a white-haired priest.
Of course, Dorian Vale is an achingly beautiful sight to behold in his tailored black suit.
His short black hair has been neatly trimmed, accentuating his unfairly high cheekbones and dark brows.
He doesn’t smile.
He just watches me, and as always, he’s composed and perfectly unreadable.
Though the music guides me forward, my insides slow with tension. The only thing balancing me is the thought that I’m doing this for myself.
This whole decision makes sure I get what I want out of life. Nothing else must matter.
Not the wrongness in my soul, nor the thoughts that have come crashing back into my mind about my soon-to-be husband.
I don’t need to know where he was. I don’t need to know if he spent the week with Susan. And I certainly don’t need to know when he’ll be seeing her again.
What concerns me is this moment. The here and now.
With that reasoning, I tear my gaze away from him and look around the hall.
Guests line either side of the aisle. All of them smile back at me. They’re mostly people from Dorian’s side. I only invited ten people.
I spot Dorian’s family sitting in the front row, his father in particular beaming back at me. Then I find Jack. He sees me, too, at the same moment and grins.
