A Very Perry Wedding

by Marie Landry

  When Liam is gone, I turn to the others, clapping my hands together. “Time to eat? The smell of coffee and pastries from inside Sweet Escapes is making my mouth water.”

  The other three are silent as an indecipherable look passes between them. Gwen meets my eyes briefly, giving me a small, rueful smile as she and Evan step away and disappear inside the café. Baffled, I turn to Jasper just as his fingers clasp mine and he pulls me out of the way of the foot traffic in front of the café.

  “What’s going on?” I ask.

  “Something has come up and I need to return to Toronto sooner than expected,” Jasper says. “I’ve asked Evan and Gwen to give you a ride back since you’re all going to Bellevue anyway. I’ve already transferred your bag to Evan’s car.”

  The weight of disappointment lodges in my chest. “Oh. Okay. Is everything all right? Is it the family or—”

  “No, no, everyone in the family is fine,” he assures me. I hadn’t realized he was still holding my hand lightly until his fingers tighten around mine. The contact is reassuring, but only slightly. “It’s nothing serious, it’s just something at work that requires my attention. With the wedding coming up this weekend, I thought it was better to deal with it now.”

  “That makes sense.” The dread I’ve tried to disregard since I woke up alone this morning intensifies, making it impossible to ignore.

  Jasper releases a quiet, almost imperceptible sigh. He lifts our joined hands and clutches them to his chest. “I’m sorry about this, Willow. I’d been looking forward to the drive back with you. I thought we could stop in Maynooth to check on our dog friends.”

  Despite the lightness of his words and the small smile on his face, I can’t push aside the feeling something is wrong. “Do you regret what happened last night, Jasper?”

  “No,” he says without hesitation. “Not for a minute. You…you’re very special to me, Willow. I hope you know that.” He pauses to take a deep breath. Before I can respond, he speaks again. “I hate to leave, but I really do need to be on my way.”

  “Will you call me when you get back to Toronto so I know you got home safe?”

  His lips twitch. “You want me to call you now?”

  The unexpected and much-needed levity has me laughing and shoving gently at his chest. “I like hearing your voice.”

  His smile wavers and droops around the edges. “I like hearing yours too,” he murmurs. He releases our joined hands and grips my hips, urging me closer. We stare into each other’s eyes for a moment and then he leans in. I doubt Jasper is a fan of PDA and, with all the people passing us on the sidewalk, I expect a quick, innocent peck. His arms slip around me, though, and when his mouth meets mine, the kiss is anything but quick and innocent.

  In fact, it’s so passionate, I nearly melt into a puddle right there on the sidewalk. With our chests touching, I can feel Jasper’s heart pounding against mine. I think of what I said last night about letting our mouths and hands and bodies do the talking for us, and wonder if he’s pouring his feelings into this kiss because he doesn’t yet have the words.

  We’re both breathless when we pull apart. I rock forward on wobbly legs and Jasper steadies me with his hands on my hips. Even though he just kissed me like his life depended on it, I still can’t shake the feeling something has changed between us. And when Jasper releases me and takes a few steps back, the distance between us feels heavy, like it’s more than physical.

  “I’ll call you when I return to Toronto,” he says, his voice rough. “And I’ll see you in a few days for the wedding.”

  After telling him to drive safe, I force myself to go inside Sweet Escapes rather than watching him walk away. I find Gwen and Evan at a large round table near the back. Gwen tells me they serve full breakfasts here and that she’s already ordered for us.

  “I promise the drive home will be fun,” she says. Her voice is overly bright and she’s talking fast. “I’ve got my playlist all ready, and Evan has agreed to stop wherever we want along the way. I noticed a few cute shops and markets, plus one or two roadside antique places on the way up, so I thought we could take our time driving home and enjoy the beautiful weather.” She looks at Evan, who nods and pats her hand.

  “It’ll be great,” he says, smiling warmly at me with a face so similar to his brother’s it makes my heart twinge. I don’t think I’m imagining the sympathy in his eyes.

  “Is that okay with you?” Gwen asks. “You’re not in a hurry to get home or anything?”

  Affection swells inside me for the two people sitting across from me. I’m sure Evan knows by now that Jasper and I slept together last night, either from Jasper himself or from Gwen. The two of them are getting married in a matter of days, and yet they’re taking the time to make sure I’m okay. It makes me wonder if Jasper told them something he didn’t tell me. “I’m not in a hurry if you’re not,” I tell them. “Thank you, guys. You’re the best.”

  Our food arrives and we all dig in. Gwen and Evan’s voices as they talk to each other blend in with the din from the café around us. Something is niggling at the back of my mind. Something Jasper said or did that sent up alarm bells of some sort in the moment, but faded away almost immediately.

  When Gwen laughs loudly and leans in to kiss Evan, it hits me. That kiss with Jasper before he left—it felt an awful lot like a goodbye, and not the ‘see you later’ kind.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  “Jasper’s not going to know what hit him when he sees you.”

  I smile at Marisol’s reflection in the full-length mirror. “It is a pretty amazing dress.”

  ‘Amazing’ is an understatement. I’m in love with this dress. Mom came by Cravings unexpectedly near the end of my workday yesterday and talked me into taking an impromptu shopping trip with her. I was pleased to spend time with her, and figured I’d be her shadow as she perused clothes and tried things on. New clothes aren’t exactly in my budget, plus I had already picked out the dress I planned to wear to Gwen’s wedding. It was a few years old, but I hadn’t worn it often, and the deep red color seemed fitting for an autumn wedding.

  But then I saw this dress in the window of Liv’s Boutique downtown. The sparkly material caught my eye as we passed, and I froze. I hadn’t realized my sigh of longing had been audible until Mom was dragging me into the store, despite my protests. I tend to avoid the cute little shops in downtown Bellevue because the clothes aren’t typically made with plus-size women in mind, which means venturing inside usually ends up with me being disappointed or downright irritated.

  This dress, though—this gorgeous dark-teal cocktail dress with the sparkly overlay, sweetheart neckline, and long sheer sleeves—came in my size. Mom took advantage of my starry-eyed wonder and coaxed me into a dressing room to try it on. It had fit as if it were made for me, and when I took a fortifying breath and reached for the price tag, Mom snapped it free and told the sales associate to ring up the purchase.

  “I won’t take no for an answer,” she’d said to me before I could object. “You’ve been working so hard and you rarely do anything nice for yourself, so I’m stepping up and doing it for you.”

  “I wasn’t just talking about the dress,” Marisol says now, spraying my hair with another blast of hairspray. She came over an hour ago to do my hair and makeup for the wedding. She’ll be staying behind at my apartment to get ready for the reception while I go ahead; the ceremony is for family only, and Gwen insisted I attend because I am family.

  I blow out a shaky breath as I turn away from the mirror to face Marisol. “I’m nervous.”

  “About seeing Jasper?”

  I nod. Marisol knows what happened in Honeywell, and she also knows I’ve barely spoken to Jasper since then. It’s only been two days, but it feels like an eternity. Despite keeping his promise to call me when he returned to Toronto, he sounded exhausted, so I didn’t keep him. Since then, our communication has been limited to texts. I’ve tried not to read too much into it; his little brother is getting marri
ed today after all, and it’s a busy and exciting time.

  “Once the wedding is over, you and Jasper will have plenty of free time to talk and figure things out,” Marisol says. She sets the fancy flats she’s loaning me on the floor and holds my arm while I step into them. “In the meantime, you’re going to have fun tonight and you’re going to look like a freaking goddess while doing it.”

  I laugh, kissing her cheek. “Thank you for that boost of confidence and for helping me get ready.”

  Even with the boost to my ego, butterflies continue to cause a stir in my stomach as I drive to Bellevue Family Village. The wedding and reception are being held in the farthest section of the Village, which is closed to the public all year except for November through December when it’s Santa’s Village. I went by yesterday to get a sneak peek and was blown away at the transformation from North Pole to autumnal wonderland.

  I pull into the parking lot at the same time as Ivy. She waves at me through her window and holds up a finger while she taps away on her cell phone. I get out of the car to wait for her, turning my face toward the warm sun. Gwen and Evan planned things so there would be time to take outdoor pictures between the short ceremony and the reception, and they couldn’t have asked for a more perfect autumn day.

  “That dress!”

  I didn’t even hear Ivy get out of her car. She’s standing in front of me now, looking at my dress in the same way I imagine I did when I first saw it in the store window.

  “You look stunning,” she says. “Are those pockets?” She reaches out and runs her fingers over the folds of the skirt, letting out a sound of triumph as she sticks her fingers in the pockets. “I would never take it off.”

  “Oh, I’m living in this dress from now on,” I tell her.

  We laugh and hug, careful not to muss each other’s dresses or hairdos. Ivy looks elegant in a knee-length crimson lace dress with three-quarter sleeves. I make a mental note to thank Mom again for this dress, otherwise Ivy and I would look like we dressed to match since the dress I planned to wear was almost the exact same color. I tell her she looks gorgeous, and then help her with the bags she pulls out of the backseat of her car, offering to carry the dry cleaning bag with Hugh’s kilt.

  We head for the staff building where Gwen is getting ready. There’s a flurry of activity as we enter. Lina and Hadley are fussing around a seated Gwen; Sherée is looking serene as she nurses baby Elizabeth from a comfy-looking armchair; and a woman I don’t recognize is darting around snapping photos.

  Lina and Hadley step aside at the same time, giving me my first glimpse of the bride. Gwen had described her dress to me—blush pink, long and gauzy, with a glittering overlay and a cinched waist—but seeing her in it takes my breath away. Our eyes meet in the mirror and mine fill with tears.

  “No!” Gwen whips around to face me, fanning at her eyes with her hands. “Stop that right now. I’ve already had to reapply my makeup twice.”

  “I can’t help it,” I say with a shaky laugh as she comes forward to hug me. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”

  Hadley steps forward, laying a hand on Gwen’s shoulder. “While Gwen is all teary-eyed and before she fixes her makeup again, why don’t we do the something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?”

  We usher Gwen into a chair and gather around her. The photographer continues to snap pictures and, when I give Gwen a questioning look, she leans in and whispers, “Jasper said he knew I’d regret only getting the bare minimum photography package, so he paid for an upgrade. I’m already glad he did; I want to remember this time with you girls forever.”

  Oh god, I really hope Marisol’s waterproof mascara holds up. There are waterworks happening today whether I want them to or not.

  “I was in charge of something old,” Hadley says, handing Gwen a square jewelry box.

  Gwen pries the lid off and lets out a little gasp when she sees the antique silver heart necklace lying on a bed of blue velvet. “Is this—?”

  “Our mom’s necklace? Yeah. Dad got it for her on their honeymoon,” Hadley says.

  “This isn’t for me to keep, though, right? Surely you or Lina want this,” Gwen says, plucking the necklace from the box with unsteady fingers.

  “It’s all yours,” Hadley says, taking it from her and undoing the clasp. “Each of us has something that had special meaning to our parents. After I was born and they updated their will, they left each of us something for when we got married—or turned thirty, whichever happened first—and something for our spouses if we did get married. They obviously had no idea they would…”

  She trails off, clamping her mouth shut. Her throat works for a moment and she swallows audibly as she steps behind Gwen to put the necklace on her. “They thought they’d be here to give them out themselves, but it’s up to us now. Since Lina and I aren’t married, we each got ours when we turned thirty. She got the earrings Mom wore on her wedding day, and I got a brooch that belonged to our grandmother that I always borrowed when I played dress-up with Mom. Sherée got Mom’s favorite bracelet when she married Malcolm, and Jasper’s wife will get the necklace Mom’s mother gave her on her wedding day.” Her eyes flick to me as she says that last part, making my cheeks tingle with heat.

  Gwen looks like she’s barely holding it together as she touches the necklace where it rests above her heart. She doesn’t attempt to speak, instead turning to give Hadley a tight hug.

  “My turn next,” Lina says. “I was in charge of something borrowed, and I immediately knew I’d like to give you my good luck charm. It was the first thing a fan ever sent me, and I’ve kept it with me ever since.”

  She holds out her hand, displaying a tiny stoppered bottle in her palm. There’s a scroll inside and a silver heart charm dangling from the cork. “The paper inside is from my book, Moonlight Over Silver Lake. It’s the scene where the hero professes his love for the heroine. I thought it was fitting for today since yours and Evan’s love story is one of my personal favorites.”

  “Oh god,” Gwen groans, flapping her hands almost frantically in front of her rapidly blinking eyes. The photographer pops forward without a word and offers Gwen a tissue. She pulls herself together quickly and then, with a watery laugh, she hugs Lina before asking, “Okay, whose turn is it to make me cry next?”

  At Ivy’s nudge, I hand Gwen the jewelry box that holds my offering. “Something new. Mom helped me pick it out. She’s so happy she can be here today, and she’s touched you extended an invitation to Emilio too.”

  “Are you kidding? I can’t wait to meet your mom’s hot Latin lover,” Gwen says, and we all laugh. “Seriously, though, you know I love your mom, and I’m grateful for all she’s done for me over the years.” She opens the jewelry box and lets out another groan. “Willow.”

  I take the box from her and lift out the dainty silver bracelet. Small G and E charms dangle on either side of a larger heart with the words ‘Now and Always’ engraved on it. It’s something I’ve overheard Gwen and Evan say to each other, and I’m positive the words will be included in their vows today. After I’ve fastened the bracelet on her wrist, she grasps my hand, holding it tight and pulling me closer so she can kiss my cheek.

  Ivy clears her throat as she comes forward. “If it makes you feel better, mine isn’t sentimental, it’s just pretty and practical.”

  Gwen lets out a quivering laugh. “Thank god! I don’t think I can handle any more tears.”

  “Hopefully you’ll get them all out now before the ceremony,” Ivy says.

  Gwen shakes her head. “You know what Evan’s like. Part of the reason I fell in love with him is how in touch with his emotions he is. We’ll probably be standing up there blubbering together while Hugh does his thing.”

  “Good thing I put some tissues in here then,” Ivy says, holding out a sparkly blue drawstring pouch. “This is your something blue. It’ll hook over your wrist and is big enough for a few essentials.”

  “This is perfe
ct, thank you,” Gwen says, loosening the drawstring. “I’ll put Lina’s good luck charm in here for safe keeping.” She peers inside the pouch and bursts out laughing. She dips her fingers in and pulls out two shiny foil packets.

  “Just in case,” Ivy says, wiggling her eyebrows. “That particular ‘something new’ comes from experience since Hugh and I couldn’t wait until after our reception…”

  The others break into giggles, with my hoot of laughter being the loudest. “So that’s where you disappeared to before the cake cutting!”

  There’s a knock on the door and I offer to answer it as the others start talking over each other and laughing. I chuckle to myself when I hear Ivy’s “Have you seen my husband?” followed by Hadley’s “I bet the kilt made for easier access”.

  Jasper is standing on the other side of the door when I open it. His eyes widen as they meet mine and then trail slowly over me from head to toe and back again.

  “You’re a vision.” His awe-struck tone has my whole body flushing with pleasure. He steps forward, then hesitates before placing a quick kiss on my cheek.

  “I’m so happy to see you,” I say quietly.

  “As am I. To see you, I mean.” It appears I’m getting adorably flustered Jasper today. I can’t say I mind. I also don’t mind how unbelievably hot he looks in his charcoal-gray three-piece suit. Between finally having him here in front of me and him looking good enough to eat, I have to stop myself from leaping into his arms and professing my feelings for him while covering his face in kisses.

  “I’m sorry I’ve been scarce the last few days,” he says.

  I wave him off. “Don’t worry about it. Your little brother is getting married today. We’ll have plenty of time to talk and spend time together after the wedding.”

  “Right. Yes.” He reaches up to smooth invisible wrinkles from his vest. “I think we should find a few moments to talk alone later tonight after the festivities.”

  “I’d like that.” My bright smile is met with what I can only describe as a wince. My stomach drops. Jasper’s gaze shifts over my shoulder and his expression softens, eyes filling with affection I wish were directed at me. I turn to find Gwen standing behind me.