“Where?”
I turn back. She stopped two steps higher than where I landed. The happiness that seemed to come from the inside when we were filing for the marriage license is wiped clean from her face. “What’s wrong?”
“This is happening really fast.” She takes one step down, bringing us closer, and basically eye level. “I know I wanted it, but it’s like I didn’t take time to acclimate to the idea, and now we’re here in a hurry from place to place to get stuff done, and I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing.”
“You’re not supposed to. It’s not every day we get married.” Running my hands along her waist, I try to give her comfort. “You’re not alone in this. As for the errands, I want you to get a dress that you love, one that will make you feel as beautiful as you are to me when you look back at the photos. Not one you just happened to pack.”
“I didn’t even think about photos. I haven’t had time to think about any of it, and it’s all hitting at the same time now.”
“Hey, don’t stress. We have four hours until we need to be back, and I have you covered.” I start walking down the steps with her, and say, “All you need to do is go back to my apartment.”
The tension has eased from her face, and I’ve earned a smile from her. “What’s at your apartment?”
“Everything you need. Dresses, hair, makeup. Lunch because I don’t want you starving when you say I do.”
When we reach the sidewalk, she stops again. “How’d you do all that on short notice?”
“It’s New York, baby. This city never sleeps. I also have a lot of connections. Might as well use them.” I see the black car I hired pull up to the curb and guide her to it. I open the door, and she slips inside. I lean down but don’t get in. “I’ll see you back here at one forty-five, okay?”
“Wait.” Stopping me from closing the door, she asks, “You’re not coming with me?”
“I have a few errands of my own. I’ll be right here at this very spot waiting for you, though. I promise.” Dipping down, I steal a kiss. “Call me if you need anything. Oh, it’s all covered so don’t worry about money. They’re taken care of.”
Her palm is still pressed to the door when tears flood her eyes. Threatening to tip over her lower lids, she tilts her head back. She takes a breath, then looks back at me. “Thank you.”
I nod and shut the door. Rubbing my chest, I try to loosen the knot that’s formed. Weddings are supposed to be emotional, but I didn’t expect it to hit so hard. I twist my wrist to check the time. I throw my arm in the air to hail a cab. As soon as one pulls over, I hop in and say, “The Diamond District.”
An engineand four tires just got delivered. You sure are fucking confident.
I read the text from Tagger again and chuckle as I reply:It’s in the bag.
I look at the rings again before telling the salesperson, “I’ll take them.” I have no idea what kind of rings Lauralee would want, so I went with something that reminded me of her. Dropping my credit card on the counter, I’m buying all three—her engagement ring, the wedding band, and mine. I’m showing up prepared.
I turn back to my phone when the screen lights up again.
Tagger:Pris hasn’t said a thing, so I find it hard to believe anything is in the bag. Also, Lauralee is out of town partying. She probably met some guy in Austin.
Me:I’m not afraid of competition. Never have been. Remember in tenth grade when Sara Kinsey?—
Tagger:Stop right there. Sara Kinsey played you, dude, so don’t go dragging her into this.
Me:Truth hurts sometimes.
Tagger:You’re the one who will be hurting when I’m driving that car. Thanks for buying the new engine and tires.
I know him. It doesn’t matter if I win or lose this bet, he’d make sure I got the car. But he sure does like to fuck with me. Touché.
I take the ring boxes and tuck them in my pockets. No need to advertise that I just spent a shitload of money when walking in this part of town. I catch a cab and head to the next stop to get my suit that I sent out to get pressed while we were at the courthouse earlier.
After changing at my office, I grab a bagel to eat on the way back to meet her. I want to be standing there when the car arrives to deliver her. I made her a promise I intend to keep, knowing I’m about to make another I will always honor.
I stand on the sidewalk for a few minutes, getting stares from passersby. One woman even asked for my number.“I’m taken.” That was the easiest phrase I’ve uttered recently.
Spying the car coming from around the corner, I straighten my stance and wait. The car stops, and I don’t wait for the driver. I pull the door open myself, too anxious to stand by.
She comes from the shadow of the back seat, her feet landing on the pavement as she takes my hand. When I see her, my whole world stops.
Her hair is down with shiny, soft waves framing her face, the depth of colors on display. The light makeup accentuates her natural beauty instead of detracting from it. The dress fits her ribs and chest but flares out from there, and when the wind blows, the skirt flutters. It’s her, all of it. Knowing she didn’t change who she is at heart makes me love her even more.
