Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 151044 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151044 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
I wanted to. I wanted to give him exactly what he asked, but I couldn’t. “Just get here and everything will be perfect. I promise. Everything is going to be fine.”
If I kept telling myself everything would be fine it would eventually happen, right?
“You’re not telling me something. You said there was bride drama. What happened? Did you and Elle have another fight?”
I didn’t want to lie. “No. It was stupid. One of my…accessories turned out to be broken. I handled it.”
“An accessory? You’re sure that’s all that’s going on.”
“Yes. Everything’s…fine.” And in the big picture, it was. I had Hale. I was safe. Elara was safe. My dad was not going to overshadow those blessings. “I love you and I can’t wait to see you.”
He sighed and I could tell he wanted me to give him more. “What was it—the accessory that broke? I’m sure we can replace it if it has you this upset.”
He was so good to me. “No one will even realize it’s missing. Besides, it didn’t fit anyway. I’m over it.”
“You don’t sound like you’re over it. I can tell you’re upset. If it’s something you want, Rayne, let’s replace it.”
Too numb and empty to think up more excuses, I said, “Please drop it, Hale.” Even talking proved too strenuous. “I’m exhausted and I haven’t eaten all day. I just want to go to bed and start over. I don’t want to think about it anymore.”
“You’re sure?”
“Very.”
He sighed. “Fine. Get some sleep, baby. I’ll be there tomorrow morning and we can talk more then.”
“Okay.”
“And answer your phone.”
As soon as we ended the call I turned my phone back on and collapsed into bed, drawing the pillow over my face.
I’d eventually tell Hale the truth but tomorrow seemed too soon. Ideally, I’d like to push all this family drama under the rug until after the wedding, but knowing Hale that wouldn’t happen.
He liked to attack problems head on. He was extremely solution oriented. There was no solution here. Just a deadbeat dad and a disappointed daughter. Some things just needed time and space to process.
On Your Marks…
I’d fallen back into a restless sleep, which I awoke from several times, hungry and looking for food, but whenever I checked the cabinets and fridge my appetite disappeared.
The following morning, when my phone vibrated on the nightstand, I croaked out a hello and awoke to Seraphina’s exuberant voice.
“I have a surprise for you and Hale as soon as you get here!” She assumed I was still in Florida with Hale. “I’ve scheduled the two of you for an all-day spa treatment!”
“Oh, Phina, you didn’t have to do that.” I really wished she hadn’t.
While most women liked being massaged and rubbed down with oil, I did not. I was awkward and very particular about who touched my body. Basically, Hale was the only person I could tolerate touching me without going stiff and goofy, so massages were usually excruciatingly embarrassing, but of course Hale’s sister wouldn’t know that.
“You’ll love it! Your couples massage starts at one. It includes a ninety minute lymphatic massage to relieve any pre-wedding swelling. Plus, a hot stone treatment and a mint scalp massage. You can thank me later.”
If I had a shell, I’d climb into it and hide.
I coughed. “Thanks.”
“Uh-oh, are you getting a cold?”
I cleared the tickle from my throat. Was my nose running? Crap. I could not be sick for my wedding.
I was prepared for a breakout, stomach issues, and even a cake crash, but I hadn’t considered actual illness as a possibility. I would just will myself into perfect health.
“I’m not sick,” I croaked. “I’m just not fully awake yet.” My throat was probably swollen and sore from the lump that was in it all day yesterday.
“You should pick up some cough drops and vitamin C, just in case.”
“Cough drops are a gateway drug.” The minute I tasted eucalyptus my brain would be convinced I had the plague. A hot, steamy shower was all I needed. “I’ll be fine.”
That seemed to be my mantra now.
“I hope so. Also, I’ve sent your clothes to the hotel. Everything’s been pressed and steamed, but it should be uncovered and hung right away. Have the butler see to it.”
I couldn’t ask Percy to do that, so I banked on twenty minutes of organizing my wardrobe myself.
“Okay.” I pinched my nose, convinced my sinuses felt off from crying.
“I spoke to Devyn this morning and everything’s all set for tonight. The bar has your signature cocktail ready to go and shuttles will transport guests from the hotel to the restaurant at six thirty.”
It was finally happening. Everything we planned was starting to unravel and take shape. There was no going back now and I couldn’t tell if the tingle in my stomach was anxiety or excitement. “Okay. Thanks—for everything, Phina.”