“Exactly. Kendra and Holland got into it, and there was hair pulling and slapping. And Dustin is Holland’s brother, and so he and Josh got into it. And then somehow everybody was screaming and fighting, and half of my wedding party is on the outs and kicked off the property.”
My stomach fell as I shook my head. “I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine. But today’s your day.” I hoped I wasn’t stepping in it at this point. “I know you had all these plans and you’ve done so many different related activities with the group. But it is your day with Jackson.”
Kandi’s smile was brighter than the sun at that moment. “It is. And I love him so much. And I hate all of my friends right now.”
I cringed. “I’m sorry about that. I hope you guys can work it out.” I paused. “After a lot of time. And preferably not around any sharp objects.”
Kandi burst out laughing, and I let out a relieved breath that I hadn’t taken it too far. “Ewan said I would like you.”
I ignored the warmth spreading through me at that comment.
“Speaking of Ewan, I have a huge favor to ask.”
I froze, wondering where she was going with this.
“I know that he asked you here because Trish was annoying him. By the way, Trish is gone. I heard how she talked to you and him, and I’m done. She was my friend from college and in my same sorority. I shouldn’t have even had her in my wedding party.”
Guilt swamped me. “I’m so sorry. First for crashing your wedding.” I let out a hollow laugh. “And for Trish. You did not need to do anything for me. I can handle people like her.”
“You shouldn’t have to. My wedding was supposed to be happy and bright and cheery. And the people I called friends were not making it that way. I have better friends out there, I promise. I just picked the wrong ones to be close to me on this day. I’m going to figure it out. But I’m going to have Jackson at my side when I do it. Because he’s truly the best choice I’ve ever made.”
I smiled at that and reached out, gripping her hand. “See? That’s all that matters in a wedding. The person that you are marrying.”
Something I would never be doing. But I ignored the odd ache at that.
“You get it. Completely. And Ewan explained the whole fake date thing, but from the way you two are with each other…I don’t know if I believe it’s that fake.”
I pressed my lips together, unsure of what I was supposed to say.
“You don’t have to explain. However, I was wondering if you could be my fake bridesmaid?”
I froze, utterly confused, but she continued before I could put my scattered thoughts into words. “Or rather, my fake maid of honor. I’m out of women I trust that are here at the wedding. The women in my life that would normally take this place are stuck in Europe thanks to a weather issue. So I won’t even have them here. And I kicked out the people that I thought I trusted. I don’t want to say you’re my only hope. But you’re really my only hope. Ewan’s going to be standing up there for Jackson, and I want someone too.”
“But I’m a stranger,” I said quickly, feeling as though I had lost control of every situation I was currently in.
“You know Ewan. And you might say it’s only for a few days, but you guys met at an emotionally heightened situation and bonded. Fate has a silly way of changing things.”
I did not want to think about fate when it came to Ewan. Especially because I would be flying home the next day, and I wouldn’t see him again. Why did that hurt so much to think about?
“There is no one else you can ask?” I felt desperate here. Tears filled Kandi’s eyes again, and I reached out to squeeze her hand once more. “I’m sorry.”
“There are other people I could ask, but frankly, I just want a clean slate. And I know that’s horrible to ask of you, and ahugeask to begin with. But you know Ewan, and the idea of you two walking down the aisle together just makes me happy.”
A warning alarm sounded, but I couldn’t say anything. Not with the look on her face. “What is it you need me to do?” I asked, and her face brightened.
I had a feeling I had once again leaped off a cliff so high I hadn’t been expecting it.
* * *
In the end,it hadn’t taken that much effort. I had brought a pale pink dress with flowers up the sides, and it turned out it matched the decor enough I didn’t have to borrow one of the ill-fated bridesmaids dresses. That wouldn’t have been awkward at all. And with the grooms in suit coats and dark jeans, the down-home and yet elegant affair worked.
I knew people would have questions. Namely who the hell I was and how I had been invited to this. However, I wouldn’t be the one answering them. Now I stood next to Ewan waiting to go down the aisle, wondering if I could run away.
Ewan’s hand reached out, his fingers brushing along my neck.
I held back a shiver, my tongue darting out to lick my lower lip.
His gaze followed the action, and I swallowed hard. “You ready for this?” he asked, that voice a low growl.
