by Ginny Baird
“Oh, no. You mean Meredith was right? This was a rebound thing?”
“Since when have you gotten so cozy with Meredith that she’s spilling all my secrets?”
“Since you decided not to show up for your own wedding week.”
“Okay, all right. Sheesh. You don’t have to be so mean. I already feel like the worst person on earth. Next to you, probably. I’m sure you feel even worse.”
“Thanks, Jackie. Thanks a lot.”
“And anyway, it’s not all about Rodney.”
“Let’s hope not.”
“Brent seems pretty wonderful. You’ve attested to this yourself. And he offered me something, Hopie. Something immeasurable. The kind of life I’ve always wanted.”
Hope glanced through the sliding glass doors at Brent’s rugged profile framed by the backdrop of the bay, thinking that this was the sort of life she’d always wanted, too. Only she’d never known about it until this week and meeting Brent.
“It’s just that, after we got our marriage license at the courthouse, I started getting nervous that I was making a—”
“Wait a minute. What did you say? Marriage license? What marriage license?”
“You know, the little piece of paper you sign at the courthouse that says you’re legally wed? We had to take care of that a few weeks ago before Brent’s business trip.”
A lead weight settled in Hope’s stomach. She was in a far worse fix than she’d understood. “You and Brent are already legally married?”
“Only on paper,” Jackie hastily added. “Nothing really counts until the ceremony.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell me?” Hope’s head reeled. She’d been falling in love—and making out—with a married man? What?
“What does it even matter if I get there in time?”
Hope anxiously fiddled with her hair, wrapping a strand of it around her finger. She couldn’t possibly tell Jackie she’d already kissed Brent. Much less that she’d fallen head over heels for him. “You’re right. I know you’re right.”
“Hang tight,” Jackie continued in a panic. “I’m going to do everything I can to fix this. Let’s just pray that flight at six goes off.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
Jackie paused in trepidation before replying. “There won’t be another one until tomorrow.”
Hope felt faint. “You’re not saying you’ll miss the wedding? Your own wedding, Jackie?”
“Let’s not go there,” she answered nervously. “We don’t want to jinx anything.”
…
By five o’clock, the gray skies had cleared, and a beautiful orange haze settled over the bay. Soft winds blew, and the setting sun dodged departing clouds, sending shimmering halos of light across the water. The view was breathtaking from the spot on the lawn where Eleanor had situated the altar, which was constructed from gauzy fabric draped from the enormous limb of a sturdy oak at the side of the yard that hugged the flower gardens.
Hope was embarrassed by the fluttering in her belly and the way her pulse raced as she stepped forward toward Brent, holding her homemade bouquet. She kept telling herself it was supposed to be Jackie partaking in this practice ceremony and not her. Yet she couldn’t help but believe that Brent wouldn’t be gazing at Jackie the same way he looked at her—like he was staring happily into his future.
Sally, Meredith, and Sofia stood off to one side, with Derrick and William on the other. Since the weather had improved and was predicted to hold for tomorrow, Eleanor’s crew had established seating for the immediate family and their twenty expected guests in the space between the back porch and firepit area. The chairs were strategically placed at an angle so as to provide a view of both the nuptials and the bay beyond the altar. Her mom, Parker, Elsa, Grandpa Chad, and Grandmother Margaret were all dressed nicely and seated in the front row.
Hope couldn’t imagine a more idyllic spot in which to get married. Jackie was so incredibly lucky to be marrying a guy like Brent. When she arrived in Blue Hill, Hope was going to have to step aside and let her do just that. As much as she wanted to blame Jackie for this duplicitous situation, Hope now saw that this entire fiasco was legitimately her fault.
When she’d told Jackie that no, she wouldn’t impersonate her, she should have stayed firm on that. She’d had dozens of opportunities to tell Brent and his family the truth since then, but she hadn’t. And, in her guilty heart, she knew why. She’d been attracted to Brent from the beginning, and when he’d appeared equally attracted to her, she couldn’t bear for the fantasy to end.
“So, this is where you’ll stand.” Eleanor gripped Hope’s shoulders and gently scooted her over. “Be sure to keep your body slightly turned toward the groom.”
Brent winked, and Hope’s face heated all over. Keeping her eyes on the groom definitely wouldn’t be an issue if she were the one marrying Brent. But that’s going to be Jackie’s job tomorrow, Hope reminded herself again and again and again. She peeked at her watch, privately fretting over Jackie’s flight, and Eleanor raised an eyebrow in disapproval.
“This will only take five more minutes,” she said. “We’re not going to run through the vows.”
“We’re not?” Brent asked.
“It’s best to keep that part special. You, of course, know the basic drill. The minister will ask you if you take Jackie to be your wife, and her if she takes you to be her husband. You’ll exchange rings.” She shot a look at Brent. “You have those?”
“Of course.” He cocked his chin at Derrick, who patted his jacket pocket.
“Got them right here.”
“Excellent, then.” Eleanor briskly patted Brent’s shoulders. “That’s all there is to it.” She carefully scanned the heavens. “Looks like the weather’s cooperating, too.”
Brent smiled at Hope. “Sounds like we’re all set.”
“Sounds like cocktail time,” Derrick said with a grin.
“I’ll drink to that.” Meredith grinned back, and Hope marveled to herself once again at how well they were getting along. She was also impressed by Meredith’s and her mom’s ability to keep her secret. She’d told them about Jackie’s latest delay, and both had groaned.
Eleanor nodded her goodbyes as the parents and grandparents stood from their chairs. “Won’t you stay and enjoy a drink with us?” Grandpa Chad asked graciously.
“No, thank you. Best not.” Eleanor packed her tablet away in her oversize purse, and Hope experienced a new burst of panic. What if that six o’clock flight did get canceled and Jackie couldn’t get here in time?
“Er…Eleanor?” she asked her quietly and out of the others’ earshot. “About tomorrow…”
“Yes. What about it?”
“It’s just that I’m terribly worried. Worried that my sister might not make the morning ceremony. She’s experiencing weather delays in air travel.”
“Now, that is a shame,” Eleanor said, not completely appearing concerned about it. “I always liked Hope.”
“Exactly. I mean, me, too. I love her, of course, and naturally want her here.”
“Sometimes these things can’t be helped. Sorry.” Eleanor fished her keys from her bag and strode toward the drive in a perfunctory manner. Hope chased after her, her anxiety levels rising.
“If she can’t… What I mean is, if Hope can’t make it somehow. I was wondering if there’s possibly any way to delay the wedding?”
Eleanor turned on her heel. “Delay?”
“Only by a couple of hours,” Hope explained. “Perhaps put it off until afternoon, if necessary? The reception food’s hearty. It could just as well work for dinner.”
“I don’t think so,” Eleanor said. Her gaze swept over Hope. “You of all people would understand how the logistics of a wedding are set in stone. The violinist has another engagement later in the day. So does the minister.” She waved a h
and in frustration. “And don’t even get me started on the catering issues.”
“But—”
“No buts about it, I’m afraid.” She gave Hope a sympathetic look, but Hope suspected her compassion was fake. “The show must go on, as they say.”
“The show,” Hope repeated, recalling her earlier acting role as Jackie and thinking about how much huger the consequences were now. “Sure.”
Hope’s phone emitted the alert tone, signaling she’d received at text, and Hope dashed for her clutch, which rested on one of the rear chairs. She heard Eleanor start her engine as she stared down at Jackie’s message and her entire world caved in.
All flights canceled for tonight and tomorrow.
We’ll have to swap in Boston. Will email a plan.
So sorry, Hopie. You’re a champ.
…
Ava, Meredith, and Hope went to freshen up in the carriage house before the group departed for dinner. That’s when Hope dropped the bombshell on the other two regarding Jackie’s latest text. “I’m sorry, guys,” she said wearily as they entered the kitchen. “But I’m afraid I’ve got bad news.”
Meredith gasped. “Don’t say it.”
“Jackie’s not going to make the wedding.”
Ava completely paled, and Meredith raked her hands through her curls. “Ay dios mio, I told you not to say it. No, no, no. This can’t be true.”
“How can this be?” Ava asked. “What happened?”
“Those really bad storms haven’t lifted. Nothing’s landing in Boston. Boat service out of Nantucket’s been suspended, too.”
“So, what’s going to happen?” Ava’s mouth hung open. “You’re marrying Brent?”
“He’s already married,” Hope spouted in a rush. “On paper—to Jackie.”
Meredith slapped her forehead. “The marriage license. That’s right. I remember Jackie saying something about going to get it, but that was weeks ago.”
Ava perplexedly eyed Hope. “Oh, dear.”
“Is this what Jackie wants?” Meredith asked, sounding incredulous. “For you to act as her during the ceremony?”
Hope nodded, feeling faint. “We’re making the switch in Boston. At the airport, before Brent and Jackie leave on their honeymoon.
“Hope—wait.” Ava held up her hands. “This is too much.”
Hope felt like this great big snowball had been rolling for so long she was about to get crushed under its enormous weight. “Everything’s all ready to go, Mom. The preparations…the caterers…the clergy. And—this time—the delay really isn’t Jackie’s fault. She couldn’t help the weather.”
Meredith sighed and crossed her arms. “So, you’re going through with it? The reception, the wedding night, everything?”
“Er, probably not everything. I’ll find a way to navigate the wedding night and day.”
Ava and Meredith swapped incredulous looks.
“Seriously,” Hope said in her defense. “Would either of you want to tell them? Talk to Brent and all the Albrights and tell them the truth right now?”
“No.” Meredith’s shoulders sagged, and then she frowned. “Not really.”
“Oh, dear,” Ava said again. “Oh, dear. Oh, dear. Oh, dear.”
Meredith blew out a hard breath and held up her hands. “This is nuts, but I’m here for you. Here for you and Jackie.”
“What about Brent?” A tear glistened in the corner of Ava’s eye, and seeing her mom get emotional made her feel emotional, too.
“If I’d never come to Blue Hill, he would have married Jackie anyway. He already made his decision, Mom. A long time ago.”
Ava sighed dejectedly. “I suppose that’s true. I only wish…”
“Wish what?”
Her mom’s eyes glimmered. “That things had worked out differently.”
“Yeah. Me, too.”
…
Later, at the restaurant, Hope stared around the room at all the happy faces, thinking about how close she’d gotten to everyone. Now, she was deceiving them all in a most unforgiveable way. But what was her alternative? Ruining the special occasion they’d all worked extra hard to support? That would prove a major slap in the face, and Hope understood she couldn’t do that to any of them—above all to Brent.
Maybe this would all be okay. Jackie and Brent were legally married, anyway, and that’s precisely what Brent wanted. This wedding week in Maine was about showing their commitment to each other and creating happy memories with the family for everyone to look back on. Hope wouldn’t rob them of those moments of joy.
It would be selfish of her—and heartless.
Tougher to keep up the ruse until she met up with Jackie in Boston and they switched back. But—for the benefit of Brent and his family—that’s what Hope was steeling herself to do.
She forced a bright smile and turned to Brent. “I love chicken parmigiana,” she said, responding to his comment about her menu selection. “So, I thought… Why not?”
“Why not, indeed.” Brent toasted her with his glass, and she clinked her glass to his. “I can’t believe this is really happening. Just think. By this time tomorrow, we’ll be husband and wife. In the way that you wanted, sweetheart. With the vows, the rings…”
He stared down at her ring finger. “Grandmother Margaret’s ring. Did Meredith bring it?”
Hope forced a pouty frown. “I’m so sorry. She tried. But the jeweler had…”
Meredith, who was sitting on Hope’s other side, leaned toward Brent. “A death in the family.”
“Oh, no.”
“Very sudden.” Meredith nodded. “They closed for the rest of the week.”
“What rotten luck.”
Hope’s face steamed as she took a swallow of wine. “Yeah. Terrible.”
Derrick, who had seen them toasting, held up his glass. “I think a toast is in order,” he said, “to all of those who’ve gathered here from near and far to join in this happy occasion. Including those of us who arrived a bit late.” He tipped his glass toward Meredith, and her eyebrows twitched.
“You know what they say,” she announced brightly, holding up her wine. “Better late than never.”
“Hear, hear,” Grandpa Chad called, saluting Meredith and also Ava.
“It’s true,” Elsa chimed in. “We’re just so glad everyone could make it.” Her face fell in a frown. “Except for Hope.” She turned guilty eyes on the wedding couple. “We’re all so sorry about that. Do you think there’s any way she still might get here?”
Hope’s shoulders sagged. “Things don’t look good. There’s a nor’easter blowing up the coast, and flights into Boston are grounded.”
Sally frowned sadly. “If she can’t make it, no doubt she’ll be here with us in spirit.”
“In spirit.” Ava nodded, staring misty-eyed at Hope, then at Brent. “Yes, yes. That’s true.”
“Is there any way to delay the wedding?” Parker asked. “Hold off for just a couple hours to buy Hope more time?”
The women communally shook their heads. “I’m sorry, dear,” Margaret told her son, “but Jackie’s already checked with Eleanor. Rescheduling the event at this late date is impossible.”
“That seems a shame,” William said, and Sofia rubbed his arm in solidarity.
“Then let’s all send good vibes Hope’s way,” Derrick said, regaining the floor. He raised his tumbler high. “Here’s to Hope. To her health and speedy travels. And if she can’t make it by tomorrow, here’s hoping she’ll be able to join us at our next happy occasion.”
“To Hope,” everyone cheered, clinking glasses all around.
Hope barely managed, her voice rasping hoarsely past the lump in her throat. “To Hope.”
As appetizers were served, Brent took her hand under the table. “Don’t worry, baby. Everything will turn out all right.�
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“That’s a Beach Boys song,” she bantered, trying to keep things light, although her heart thumped wildly and she simultaneously felt sick to her stomach. Suddenly, the chicken parmigiana didn’t sound so appealing anymore.
“Maybe it should be our song, hmm?” His dark eyes glimmered, and heat crept up her neck, fanning across her face. “We don’t have one, you know. It’s not too late.” His lips tipped up at the corners, and she couldn’t help but think about how wonderful it felt to kiss them. And what a despicable thing she’d done. Kissing her sister’s husband. She was determined not to let it happen again. Even if tomorrow was her fake wedding day.
“We can ask the DJ to play it at the reception,” Brent persisted. “Maybe even for our first dance?”
“Isn’t that song supposed to be special between the bride and groom?”
He traced her mouth with his thumb and whispered huskily, “Why can’t we make it ours now?”
Hope’s pulse raced. “I…can’t think of any reason not to.”
“Great.” He squeezed her hand and turned to the group, proudly announcing their plan. “Attention, please. I’m very proud and happy to announce that Jackie and I have selected our couple’s song. ‘Don’t Worry Baby’ by the Beach Boys.”
“Aww, how sweet,” Meredith exclaimed.
“An oldie but a goodie,” Derrick joined in, and everyone agreed.
“No one should be worried on their wedding day,” Sally said, hoisting her wineglass.
“That’s true,” Margaret said.
“Smooth sailing from tomorrow on out,” Parker promised with a fatherly gleam in his eye, and Hope wanted to vomit. She was such a horrible person, duping them all. She flagged down a waiter and asked him to bring her some sparkling water, which arrived right before their meals did. Thank goodness. She took several soothing bubbly sips.
After everyone was served, Meredith clinked the side of her water glass with her spoon. “Before we begin,” she said, standing, “I wanted to thank everyone here for your hospitality. While I know the real toasting and roasting”—she winked at Hope, and the group tittered— “will take place tomorrow during the reception, I wanted to use this occasion to say how happy I am to see my best friend on earth becoming a part of such a wonderful family.” She smiled admiringly at them all while pointedly avoiding Derrick’s spot at the table.